Mittlere Brücke Bridge in Basal, Switzerland

This is the oldest bridge connecting the medieval parts of Basal. Basal has a history going back to the Celtic settlements of the Iron Age 3,000 years ago.

Stained Glass in the Basal Munster Cathedral

This is Basal's landmark cathedral. It is the burial place of philosopher Erasmus of Rotterdam and mathematician Jacob Bernoulli.

The Burghers of Calais Sculpture

This sculpture was made by Auguste Rodin depicting an occurrence during the Hundred Years' War.

Black Forest Tour Guide

On Saturday morning we ventured by bus into the Black Forest. Most of the tour guides wore traditional dress.

First Day of School

The young person is carrying a traditional Kindercone given to students on the first day of school. The German tradition of the Schultute, or a school cone filled with little gifts, dates back 200 years.

Cafe and Hotel in the Black Forest

We stopped at this settlement to learn about the art of making Cuckoo Clocks. There were numerous demonstrations and short hikes into the Black Forest.

Strasbourg Canal Living Quarters

This is an example of some of the homes/apartments/condos bordering the canals in Strasbourg.

Strasbourg Cathedral

This cathedral was the worlds tallest building from 1647 to 1874. Today it is the sixth tallest church in the world.

Strasbourg from the top of the Cathedral

Jenny and I climbed to the top of the cathedral to get this view of the city.

Viking Gullveig

This is a photo our of ship docked in Strasbourg.

Heidelberg Castle

This castle was begun in 1214 and is located 260 feet above the river.

Aristocrat home near Heidelberg Castle

David and Goliath Statue

This is one of many statues outside of the Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg University Student Prison

This is one room in the student university prison. Students actually thought it was a privilege to be interned here. Their art work abounds on the furniture, walls, and ceiling. Mark Twain spent time here in 1878 while visiting the city and university.

Welcome Home

Some of our ship stewards welcoming us home from our days travels.

Rhine River Hillside

A hillside covered with vineyards and two large estates

Castle Boosenburg in Rudesheim

The original castle was believed to have been built in the 12th century. The high keep (tower) remains and the new manor was built in 1872.

Ehrenfels Castle on the Middle Rhine River

Rheinstein Castle

And yet another castle...

A barge battles with the Rhine River currents and winds

Sooneck Castle

Statue of Lorelei

Myths say her song lured many sailors to their doom. This statue is a tribute to the dangers of the river in this location.

Our Captain

This is a photo of our captain directing our ship to its docking location in Koblenz

Marksburg Castle

A Viking River Ship cruising the Rhine - viewed from the Marksburg Castle

Aristrocrat bedding in Marksburg Castle

Blacksmith quarters in Marksburg Castle

Rhine and Moselle Rivers meeting point in Koblenz

Statue of German Emperor William I

This statue sits at the Rhine and Moselle Rivers confluence and was erected in 1897.

Cologne, Germany

Some interesting architecture along the streets of this city.

Statues of Tunnes and Schal

Tunnes (left statue) will give you a free wish and immense wealth if you rub his nose and stand on his wooden shoes. Schal is cross-eyed and considered untrustworthy. If you rub his statue for luck it is not guaranteed.

Cologne Cathedral

Even with a wide angle lens, this structure was intimidating to photograph. This is one of the most magnificant churches of Christianity. The present cathedral was begun in 1248.

Statues outside the Cathedral

A doorway leading into the Cathedral

This door had to be over 15 feet high. The statues and ornate decorations, both inside and out, were remarkable.

Mosaic Pavement

This is an example of the cathedral flooring covering 1,615 square yards( about 14,500 square feet). The tile work was completed in 1899.

The Adoration of the Christ Child by the Three Magi

This large triptych was painted in 1445 by Stephan Lochner.

Bell of St. Peter

This 22 ton bell was cast in 1922 and is the largest free-swinging bell in the world. We climbed 509 steps to see both this bell and the view of the city from the top of the south tower.

Dionysus Mosiac

The Roman Germanic Museum is next to the Cologne Cathedral. The mosaic flooring above is a work of art created around 220 AD. It was discovered in 1941 by workers building an air raid shelter. The museum is built around the mosaic to preserve its integrity.

Illuminated Cologne Cathedral

I was able to take this photo from our ship as we set sail after visiting Cologne.

Noah's Ark

This large vessel was docked (likely permanently) along the river. Note the giraffe on the left upper deck.

Windmill

This windmill was seen from our ship on our way to Kinkerdijk, the Netherlands.

Windmill in Kinderdijk

This is one of 16 well preserved windmills at the UNESCO site in Kinderdijk. These windmills were built around 1738 and are fully functional.