Haarlem

The home of Corrie Ten Boom is now a museum and located in the beautiful city of Haarlem. We can see the actual "hiding place"in Corrie's bedroom. This is where Jews and others were safely hidden from the Nazis.

Arriving in the Netherlands

Day 7 sadly has arrived.  Three European countries on this trip, each different and special in their own way, sharing so many qualities in common and yet still so individual in other ways.  Our last full day on the Kara brings more educational and interesting experiences. This morning early we left Germany and passed into the Netherlands, one of the most fascinating and amazing places we will visit on this trip. Perhaps not as beautiful as the scenic Rhine River with its castles  and fortresses guarding our way, or the cathedral spires we could see coming for miles, or the quaint towns with their winding cobbled streets.  But nonetheless Holland is fascinating and beautiful as well.  Because of its geography and the fact that it is peninsula sticking out into often troubled waters, life here hasn't always been the easiest for the Dutch people and requires still today constant awareness of potential hazards.  Much of the landmass is well below sea level, and everyone knows about the series of dikes built in the 18th century to protect the people and their way of life from the sea.   But to see these structures up close, to see how far below sea level the land actually is, and to see how much water is above the land -- the situation almost beyond comprehension. But with sheer perseverance the Dutch have managed to conquer the oft angry sea.  This morning we sailed through the maze of canals so important to life in Holland. Truly beautiful. We cruised for most of the day and occupied ourselves with ready, watching the scenery through the at times pouring rain, playing bridge or booray.  In the afternoon we passed through Rotterdam which surprised many of us how modern and lovely it was.  Rene again did our guiding for us, and we're all thankful for his knowledge, his enthusiasm, and his wit we've enjoyed these seven days.  Later, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site (has any one counted how many sites we've seen this trip?).  We traveled to the Kinderdijk Windmills Site. Many crossed the highway and, after just a short walk, were able to clime inside one of this remarkable structures and see first hand how a windmill works. Often we've seen pictures of them in paintings or children's books, but up close they are altogether more impressive. Life inside the windmill must have been hard--and noisy.  The sights are really remarkable.

Must be the Netherlands

This evening the Captain hosted a farewell reception before dinner for us. And as he bids us farewell, we in turn must begin to say goodbye to some our fellow travelers and friends. (Joyful ones, I mean.)

Ms. Madison and the Captain

After dinner we gathered in the Aquifit and had a special memorial to Jim Perkins. Lee lead us in an affirmation of faith from Romans. We sang together "It is Well With My Soul".  Stanford read a New Testament scripture and Dick read an Old Testament scripture which focused on the hope and assurance of God's place of rest for us. Gloria read a letter given to her by Rosemary with her special remembrances of Jim and Gail and their times together.  Ernie shared some fond memories of Jim and their years as friends and choir practices.  We closed with "When We All Get to Heaven" and a prayer for comfort for Jim's family and loved ones, who are in our thoughts.


Tonight we finish repacking our bags in preparation for embarking after breakfast.  The old saying "parting is such sweet sorrow etc. etc. etc" rings true.  We've grown fonder and closer to each other through our time spent together on this trip, and we're not even off the ship before we're wondering where will we go next? ? ?

Cocktail Party

Pictures of the cocktail party on board Kara.

Cologne

Today we are in Cologne, another city that is divided by the Rhine River, whose cathedral is world famous as is the University of Cologne, one of Europe's oldest and largest universities.    The Cologne Cathedral , the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne, is a magnificent gothic building, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was begin in 1248, however not completed until 1880.  Over seven centuries the builders were inspired by faith and spirit to keep to the original plans.  This is an immense building and was known in the 13th century as the "mother and master of all churches in Germany." We met our guide and we're taken the short ride into the city.  The guides are not allowed into the cathedral, so we had our tour around the spectacular building site, a work ever Im progress. The entrances to the building were cleaned for a recent visit of the Pope. Being Sunday morning, there were many in the crowd who had come for mass. Several of us attended the early mass and were uplifted to hear the choir of young singers and the splendid organ music played during the service.  The Cathedral is a High Gothic five-aisles basilica.  The stained glass windows are the largest 14th century windows still in existence.  They are breathtakingly beautiful.  The cathredal is said to be the home of the "relics of the Maji". It is said that the mother of Emperor Constantine journeyed to Ind and recovered the three bodies of the kings (Melchior, Balthazar, and Jaspar), placed them into a single chest and delivered them to The church of Saint Sophia, now the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. In the sixth century they were transported to Milan and remained until the 12th century.  The relics were taken from Milan and were given to the Archbishop of Cologne in 1164, when  they were placed in the Shrine of the Three Kings.  The Three Kings remains have since attracted a constant pilgrims to Cologne. Our guide said the skulls are displayed wearing crowns each January 6th.  It is believed that the twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral, which can be seen from miles, saved the building from total destruction during of war because they were easily recognizable landmarks for pilots, although 14 bombs did hit the building, it remained standing.

After mass, I enjoyed a visit with Greg McEwen, who was celebrating his birthday today, while we shared a table with tea, cappuccino and apple streusel heavily covered in cream at the famous Cafe Richard located almost on the steps of the Cathedral. Location location location!   Mary Linda and Janis, Greg's wife, joined us and also indulged in apple strudel.   The facilities were certainly 5-star, Mary Linda decreed after visiting the restrooms. Beautiful wash stands and fittings, and when the doors to the individual stalls were locked from the inside, the glass turned opaque for further privacy.  Hmmm.  Many of us bought delicious chocolate in the Cafe's shop, which was very crowded with residents collecting desserts for Sunday dinner.

Someone unfortunately from another group on the Kara fell while getting off the bus and underwent hip surgery this afternoon. We wish them a speedy recovery.

On the return to the Kara, we saw a long boot sale or flea market spread along the riverside. After lunch many either went back into town or browsed through the market.  Judith Humphreys showed me a lovely pink and grey pearl bracelet she found.   A few of us went to see the Picasso collection in the Museum Ludwig.  Mike, Kendra, Madison and Mary Linda couldn't resist the temptation to visit  the chocolate museum. Several ladies checked out the Fragrance Museum, and I wondered what they bought in the gift store. Judith and Jean Stiltz played BananaGram in the Aquafit and another group played bridge.

Mary Linda and the Kara captain and the hotel manager hosted a lovely cocktail reception in Aquavit.  Much to our joy, the sun appeared and the weather turned perfect! This group of Joyful Friends has been a melting pot of new and old friends and finally I'm beginning to put faces, names, and relationships together.  Still a few times I knit my brows together trying to remember who's with who. (I do notice several blank looks my way, as well.)  We are all grateful and happy to have been able to spend time with former travelers and the chance to embrace our first timers. We all will come away from this trip with so many great memories.  Joyful Friends are truly blessed!

After dinner we were invited into the lounge for a classical music performance by two very talented young ladies who took us on a trip along the Rhine River by playing well known musical selections from composers who lives in the countries along the Rhine. Sophe Moser, the violinist, and Katja Huhn, the pianist, were  so talented and played music familiar to us all. To hear them, their website is www.duo-moser-Huhn.de.  They have an album coming soon.  Another wonderful day of adventures and special treats!  More again in the morning......

Afterwards most of us went back to see more of this interesting city.  A few of us went to see the Picasso collection in the Museum Ludwig.  We were tempted to visit  the chocolate museum but didn't have time.  Oh, dear.  Several ladies checked out the Fragrance Museum, and I wondered what the bought in the gift store.  Another wonderful dinner aboard the Kara.  This group of Joyful Friends has been a melting pot of new and old friends and finally I'm beginning to successfully put faces, names, and relationships together.  Still a few times I knit my brows together trying to remember who's with who.   (I do notice several blank looks my way, as well.)  We are all grateful and happy to have been able to spend time with former travelers and the chance to embrace our first timers and will come away from this trip with so many great memories.  Joyful Friends are truly blessed!

Koblenz

At 8:30 we began our cruising along the Rhine River with an informative commentary from Rene on the castles along our route.  the following castles were on our itinerary; Castle Rheinstein, Castle Sooneck, Toll station at Pfalzgrafenstein, Fortress Rheinfels, Boppard Castle, ending at the Marksburg Castle, which is located at the junction of the Rhine River and the Moselle River.

Koblenz was one of the military posts established by Drusus about 8 BC, and the city celebrated its 2000th anniversary in 1992.  The name Koblenz originates from Latin word confluentes, which means "merging of rivers". Remains of a large bridge built in 49 AD by the Romans are still visible. The Romans built two castles as protection for the bridge, one in 9 AD and another in the 2nd century, the latter being destroyed by the Franks in 259. We docked across from  Marksburg Castle high above the city.  The Rhine Gorge was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002, with Koblenz marking the northern end. There was a tour up tho the castle, requiring many steps and uneven walking.  The view was fantastic and the sun finally came out and brightened our spirits!!

In front of the church of Saint Castor stands a fountain, erected by the French in 1812, with an inscription to commemorate Napoleon's invasion of Russia.  Theresa and Bob Boren were seen visiting the Basilica of St. Castor or  Kastorkirche. The gardens were quiet and filled with beautiful, beautiful flowers everywhere. The ceiling and alter were so restful and beautiful.

Several of us took a trolley around the town, much of which had been destroyed by allied forces. In this quarter of the city, too, is the Liebfrauenkirche, a fine church with a nave dating from 1250 and the choir stall from the early 1400's. The church has lofty late Romanesque towers. The  nave dates from1250, and the choir from 1404–1431),with lofty late Romanesque towers. About 40 travelers went into Moselle region where they visited with Horst Schultz who defined the luxury hotel experience by being the president and founder of the Ritz Carlton Hotel the hotel owns exclusive rights to the Riesling wine produced at this Moselle vineyard.  The Heiden's, the Hoesel's , the Kingsborough's, the Kerr's, the Alexander's, Pat Black, Caroline Darr, the Griffin's and the Humphrey's all enjoyed this outing.

This afternoon we listened to a speaker who outlined the relationship between France and Germany his discussion included monetary issues, welfare issues and employment issues relating to the European Union. He graciously answers questions from our travelers.

Cruise Director Rene gave us an update on Vikings plans for expansion and upgrade of their cruise offerings, including plans for cruises up the Mississippi River to Nashville and St. Paul. Nashville may have arrived on the international sailing map!!

After a wonderful German buffet and German entertainment during dinner, Giovanni again delighted us with music for dancing. Great way to end a fine day!!!'

Heidelberg and Rüdesheim

Our ship has sailed through the night and arrived in Heidelberg.  A former residence of the Electorate of the Palatinate, Heidelberg is the location of Heidelberg University, well known far beyond Germany's borders. The university, Germany's oldest, was founded in 1386. Heidelberg is the third university established by the Holy Roman Empire.  It has been a coeducational institution since 1899 and offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degrees in over 100 disciplines. Many of those on the cruise started out early to explore Heidelberg, in the pouring rain most carrying large red umbrellas provided by the Kara crew with Viking in white letters.  Heidelberg is a popular tourist destination because of its romantic and picturesque cityscape, including the sandstone ruins of the imposing and romantic Heidelberg Castle. Perched high above the city, awe inspiring ensemble of building from different centuries and architectural periods.  The baroque-style Old Town, also called Altstadt, is filled with quaint little shops (I wondered if the hair stylist Linda went to was in one of those quaint little shops) and dainty cafes where Linda, the McNamees, the Kerr's, the Haneberg's, and Cricket stopped at the Cafe Gundel for coffee while waiting for the shops to open on the narrow winding lanes set within the well-preserved 17th century buildings.  Someone said not to miss going on the bridge.

Heidelberg Castle

About 8 of us, including the Hickman's, the Alexander's and the Boren's stayed on board and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast.   After finishing we went to the front of the ship as we sailed away from Heidelberg to dock at Rudesheim where the rest of the group will be bused at lunchtime. Those of us who stayed behind enjoyed the scenery along the Rhine River, following our progress with a map coordinated with the mile markers along the river which let us know when an interesting town such as Worm or an ancient ruin or a Roman bridge remains were coming up.  Very relaxing, but more importantly we stayed dry!  After lunch we managed to get four tables of Bridge going. The Booray group including Bob, Winston, Ernie, and Dick gathered in the Aquavit for an afternoon's fun.  During tea time we had a demonstration on cognac and how to make Rudesheim coffee which we all tried! 

Tonight we have an optional trip into Rudesheim am Rhein for an evening of typical German entertainment and dinner. Rene, our cruise manager, provided the entertainment.
In the upstairs lounge we had a very interesting demonstration of glass blowing by a local resident, Rolf Schrade. He brought a variety of examples of his work, which were delicate, colorful, and intricate, one piece most fascinating was a wine and vinegar carafe which the bottles were inside the other. (I suppose you had to see it to appreciate its appeal!)

More Fun Onboard

Last night after  dinner many of us went up to the lounge to participate in the Kara's night of musical trivia and to hear Giovanni do some rock and roll on the piano. Linda demonstrated some line dancing steps and many came up and took part.  Lots of fun!  Giovanni let loose with "Johnny Be Good" and Paula, Cricket, Gloria and Patsy all formed a circle doing the twist!  Debbie was on the side lines as official photographer. Giovanni changed to a slower pace and the Humphrey's enjoyed cutting loose to. "Pretty Woman".  They stayed on the floor and were joined by the Bolin's, the Hash's, Linda and Terry, and Chip and Debbie to Giovanni rocking out Proud Mary."  The night ended on an up beat moment. Fun, fun evening!!

Fun Aboard the Ship!

Last night after dinner many of us went up to the lounge to participate in the Kara's night of musical trivia and to hear Giovanni do some rock and roll on the piano. Linda demonstrated some line dancing steps and many came up and took part.  Lots of fun!  Giovanni let loose with "Johnny Be Good" and Paula, Cricket, Gloria and Patsy all formed a circle doing the twist!  Debbie was on the side lines as official photographer. Giovanni changed to a slower pace and the Humphrey's enjoyed cutting loose to. "Pretty Woman".  They stayed on the floor and were joined by the Bolin's, the Hash's, Linda and Terry, and Chip and Debbie to Giovanni rocking out Proud Mary."  The night ended on an upbeat moment.  Fun, fun evening!!

Group Leader Mary Linda and Lynn Morris line dancing

The Group joins in

Group Leader Mary Linda Melnyk

Strasbourg and Alsace

This morning the Kara is docked in Kehl, across from Strasbourg, on the German side of the Rhine River. Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, the Alsatian town of Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.”  Strasbourg is immersed in the Franco-German culture and although violently disputed throughout history, has always been a bridge of unity between France and Germany for centuries. Our guide explained that his father was born German, became French when France took over Strasbourg, became German when it again occupied Strasbourg, and finally became French again when the allies pushed the Germans out.  That's all very confusing, isn't it?  Strasbourg, head office of the European Parliament, and the Council of Europe which represents 47 independent countries, is the location of many international organizations including the European Court of Human Rights. 
The heart of the old city, called the Grand Ile, was declared in 1988 a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is crisscrossed with medieval canals. We rode through the elegant residential section of the city with extraordinarily lovely French style houses. He pointed out the magnificent Strasbourg University buildings, and explained to us that there were many American students from Boston who come here to study as well as students from Strasbourg who go to Boston to study because Boston and Strasbourg are sister cities. White Alsace Stork nests were pointed out in the trees along the residences. Storks are faithful creatures. They will return to the same enormous nest for their entire lives our guide explained.  My guide book also says that the male stork usually arrives first to clean the next for the female!  The stork is the official symbol of Strasbourg and is as important to them as our eagle is to us.  Our  walking  tour took us through Old Town, and as we passed ancient covered bridges decorated with magnificent baskets of seasonal flowers and their watchtowers, the picturesque Petite France district with its beautiful half-timbered houses and flower-filled window boxes, the old tanners house where the tanners dried their leather on the upper levels of these houses, and ended at the magnificent Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral where we saw their highly decorated 18th century old clock.  The discussion with Winston regarding what illnesses were brought to Strasbourg by whom was insightful.   The guide let us have free time before returning to the buses.  

Kayakers in the canal

Kara in Strasbourg

The youngest of our group at a Cafe

Rainy Day in Strasbourg

Notre Dame Cathedral, Strasbourg

Clock, hundreds of years old

"Cheers"

This afternoon some of us plan to return to Strasbourg after lunch for a more leisure stroll and perhaps a chance to stop at an outdoor cafe for sables noisettes, savarin, gateaux au framboise set la creme at one of Strasbourg's famous patisseries along with a great cup of coffee. 

A group of about 30, including the Alexander's, the Heiden's, and the Hoesel's among them, traveled to the Klipley Vineyard, a fourth generation vineyard, for a wine tasting this afternoon.  They saw 100 year old barrels of wine. The 1942 wine they tasted was still very good. The vinter explained to the group that  the vines being twisted or straight tends to influence the taste of the grapes, and influences the amount of sun hits the ripening grapes. This area has perfect weather for the grapes to ripen.  They tasted four different wines beginning with the driest to the sweetest. Joan Alexander said it was  indeed a wonderful education and it was an adventure they all enjoyed. 

Vineyard in Alsace

On a sad note, I'd like to say for the entire group how our hearts go out to Gail Perkins and her daughter Robin on the death of their loved one. Jim, a member of the Joyful Noise Sunday School Class, was a wonderful, wonderful person, and he was so loved and respected by so many. Always with a happy smile and a kind word, he was great to have as a friend and inspiration. All of those whose lives he touched are better off today for having had him as a part their lives.  He fought a very difficult fight with his health issues, and lost that fight last night.  However, he did win that ultimate prize we all are hoping for, and is now with the God and Creator to whom he was so faithful. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time, and our love goes out to them.

Colmar, France and Captain's Party

After lunch aboard the Kara we were back on our bus for the short ride to Colmar, a beautiful restored town, originally founded in the 9th century.  The town is situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the "capital of Alsatian wine". My guide book mentioned that this is where Emperor Charles the Fat held a "diet" in 884.  For you Trivia Pursuit players!


Colmar's secular and religious architectural landmarks reflect eight centuries of Germanic and French architecture and the adaptation of their respective stylistic language to the local customs and building materials. Many very interesting buildings, but the water tower was most memorable. The majority of our group took a walking tour with a very knowledgeable guide named Jack.  Some of us rode the little touring train around the oldest parts of Colmar and then had lemon sorbet amid a cappuccino and a great time to discuss world matters!  

Old Town section of Colmar pictured below.

A group of our Joyful Friends traveled this afternoon to the Colmar War Memorial. The battle for Colmar was one of the most important, hard fought, and decisive battles during World War II. Out numbered, out flanked, and out equipped, American troops, valiantly lead by Audie Murphy,  fought and died and yet eventually won this battle, in which he held off enemy troops single-handedly for 1 1/2 hours, in this unforgiving winter battle of 1944.  He received every American combat award for valor available at the time of his service including the Medal of Honor,  thus becoming the most decorated American serviceman. He also received recognition from France and Belgium. Tom Blose told me that their guide who led them to Colmar was amazingly familiar with the story of Audie Murphy's heroic actions and leadership during this battle and her story was so moving, touching and personal.

Colmar War Memorial

That evening the Viking captain, program director, and crew hosted a reception and welcoming dinner.