Koblenz, at the intersection of the Rhein and the Mosel

Market in Koblenz

After seeing castles and sights in Cochem yesterday, I boarded a Koln-Dussingler ship bound for Koblenz. For half a day I sat at the very bow of the ship and waved to people on the shoreline sunbathing, followed the ship's progress on my map, and spotted numerous castles and Riesling vineyards (very famous here), and swans feeding below the surface with their long necks. The temperature couldn't have been more lovely.  The ships went through three locks, entering then having the water pumped out till our 200 foot ship was at a lower level and continued sailing. I cruised with my family near Balsam Lake (where the Formans are from) north of Toronto, and every few hours, we went through locks on our houseboat, actually turning the valves.

Arrived late in Koblenz but made myself go out to the Altstadt and have a meal (my first except for fine German rolls). Was I glad! Creamed sauerkraut (best ever), homemade sour cream, and a portion of meat with potatoes incorporated within it (like a ham roast with potatoes?). Such good food and sightseeing.

I'm slightly ambivalent about coming home. I need some rest after 19 days abroad and leaving the very day I taught summer school. But I also know that I won't have rich visual experiences (Yosemite?) on a daily basis, that move me. I will look forward to seeing friends and family after 13 days of solo time. Thanks to everyone who followed my blog. I hope to post pictures when I get home.

P.S. Just tried to check in but with Delta it's exactly 24 hours before check in, not 30 hours, as with some European airlines, such as Air France. I'll just walk around Koblenz for 35 minutes and find one of the famous German bakeries (to be followed by weeks of low carbs, as that's what we do in So Cal and I wouldn't want to be a nonconformist, would I?)