Locks, wine, beer and schnitzel

 Well Campers, we’re one week into our big adventure. At the time of writing this post, I am sitting on the upper deck in the lounge, watching barges go through a lock on the Main River. (No Beans it’s not the main river in Germany rather it is the Main River, pronounced “Mine” River.) According to our cruise director, we’ll go through 63 locks on this trip. But, it’s kinda fun to watch and figure out how the whole system works.

Spent a lot of time exploring towns that were old even before Columbus’s journey. We visited a few that were built in the first half of the previous millinium.

 Man, did I feel young again, at least for a while. 

No, this castle wasn't that old, but it was built in the 1500's so...old!

 Got on the Boat in Nurnberg, which was where the Nazi Leaders were tried, convicted and executed.  No sympathy.  Don't start a war if you can't win it.  Also, don't murder several million people just because you don't like their beliefs. 

Our next stop was Bomberg.  Another walking tour, another castle, another church. Much like Nurnberg, this town was pretty much destroyed in a night fire bombing raid by the RAF.

 

This is a picture of a diorama of the town after the raid in April of 45.  The only building that was mostly intact is the Church which is in the top center.  It suffered some roof damage, but nothing like the rest of the town.

 

War sucks! Don't start one if you can't win.  

 

After that bit of depressing history, we decided on lunch.

 With beer, of course!

Next stop was a winery.  First on the agenda was a tour of the cellars.  Quite old, the family had been in business for at least 500 years.

 

 

The bottle of wine in the middle was made and bottled in 1529.  It's been valued at 1.2 million Euro's.  According to the winemaker, it's not drinkable.  However, their Riesling current release is quite nice.

Back on the boat, it's time for our first wine seminar. Mrs J had set up our friends at Texas Hills Vineyard to put it on. Unfortunately, Gary had passed away in the interim. His wife, Kathy, stepped up in his place and, although nervous, did a fantastic job.

Had most of the 65 passengers on the boat attend the tasting. Started with a nice Chardonnay (I'm not a fan of Chardonnay, but this one was quite good) then a couple of outstanding Reds.  This was followed by a nice dinner where their wines were served again.  As good as they were by themselves, they were better with the dinner.

Shortly thereafter, we called it a night.

One last thing for this week.  I think I've found the perfect retirement job for Sarge.  NCOIC of the Castle Guard at the Royal Palace in Prague Czech Republic. 

 

More to follow.  Too much happening on the boat to sit in my room and tell stories.  Those are for RTB.  Gotta run, I hear Beer, and/or Wine calling my name!

Peace out y'all!