“From where they stood, they could see the castle”. Frank Yerby

May 23, 2016

Have you ever seen one of those pictures that is actually a photo mosaic? is a picture (usually a photograph) that has been divided into (usually equal sized) tiled sections, each of which is replaced with another photograph that matches the target photo. When viewed at low magnifications, the individual pixels appear as the primary image, while close examination reveals that the image is in fact made up of many hundreds or thousands of smaller images. That’s a strange way of explaining what the day felt like at times. Similar to looking at one large giant picture that represented the day, but it was actually made up of hundreds of smaller pictures, aka moments, that created the day. So when you think about the day, you think “wow” and then you examine closer and think of all the moments that made it into that “wow” finished product.

Today we went to Cochem, a tiny fairy tale village in the wine growing region of the Mosel Valley.

Reichsburg Castle

The tour was fabulous, there was history, there were tall tales, there was a lot of walking over cobblestone for sore feet and many stairs to climb, but it was all very much worth it.

There were knights or at least their shining armor and there was a view of the Rhine River that almost took your breath away.

Our group stopped in the town center where some of us looked in the shops while others had a pint of ale.

The afternoon was one of the highlights of the day if it was possible to get even better. Someone had ordered up perfect weather and we gathered on the sun deck to cruise the Rhine Gorge.

Our group formed a circle and spent the afternoon drinking and relaxing and enjoying. My friend Loretta and I took to the railing for conversation and taking photographs (and also enjoying a glass or two of wine thanks to our fearless leader Dave. It’s not as much of a conversation story as being tear gassed in Paris, but it was probably my favorite part of the trip so far. It’s the part where more memories are made and the bonds of friendship grow even stronger.

“The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.”

K. Chesterton

To be honest I have been attempting to upload pictures for the blog for almost half a day and the internet speed is challenging so it is not as many as I would have preferred but you get the picture I hope. literally !

While enjoying the spectacular scenery we enjoyed not only the view but some wonderful company as well.

After another delicious dinner we arrived in Rudesheim and took a mini train ride (Disney-like) to Siegfried’s Music Cabinet. It is a museum collection of automated musical instruments.