Today we all decided that we would give our weary legs a rest and stay on board for our last day, travelling from Cochem to Koblenz. It is a much different experience to be cruising along the river, because you get a full view of all the towns you pass by, plus a better sense of the scenery you pass through. It was very interesting as we passed through the locks as well.
One thing you see lots of as you cruise along are castles, which are an indication of how far back many of these small towns and villages go, many into the 11th and 12 centuries. Some are not much more than ruins, but many are still in relatively good shape and have been incorporated into restaurants, mainly because the views from them are so spectacular.
Another thing we noticed both cruising on the ship and cycling is the plethora of caravan parks along the rivers. They are chock-a-block full of motorhomes, trailers and tents. We also discovered that they are a great place to stop for a morning coffee when you’re cycling because most of them have some sort of cafe on site.
Once we got to Koblenz, Mer and Richard grabbed a couple of bikes and headed off for a short ride, while Steve, Karen, Irv and I decided to explore Koblenz. First destination was a special clock where there is a face whose eyes move back and forth and on the hour and half-hour, he sticks out his tongue at the people of Koblenz. Wandered through several squares admiring the beautiful buildings and interesting statues. Found ourselves at the Electoral Palace which I assume is their government building. It is very impressive and very extensive! While there we observed what looked like a photo shoot, with a girl in a huge red dress that took six people to carry as the model walked.
When we returned to the ship, the other three decided to head in, but I wanted to see the place where the Mosel and Rhine meet, so I hoofed it down to Deutsches Eck, or German Square, where there is also a monumental statue of William I, the first emperor who was instrumental in the unification of Germany.
It was the Captain’s reception and dinner, so we had a glass of bubbly and were re-introduced to the crew who have looked after us so well on this trip. It is not a large crew so they work their butts off, especially the kitchen and wait staff. The meals on board have been excellent and the service very attentive. I would certainly not hesitate to recommend the company, SE Tours, again.
An early turn in, so we could pack up, seeing as our bags have to be out by our door by 7:30 tomorrow morning and we have to disembark after breakfast.