Heidelberg

Monday, April 30

Overnight we have sailed to Mannheim. We are up early again and on a bus for a half hour drive to Heidelberg. Our guide is French with a quirky sense of humor. We get info on manufacturing in Mannheim, John Deere to name one.

Heidelberg is lovely, on the banks of the Neckar River with some large beautiful houses. We are dropped off at the castle ruins, along with many other groups of tourists. It is an interesting mix of different eras of architecture. Lovely views of the valley are available at the top terrace. We go back on the bus and are taken to the old town. We get a quick walking tour and have about an hour and a half to explore. We look at the protestant church where Martin Luther had been 500 years ago. And we find the Catholic Church, which is very lovely. A little window shopping, a walk on the bridge, and back on the bus for a 45 minute ride to our new dock.

Once the ship is loaded it takes off. During lunch we sit with two interesting couples - one from Minneapolis (ice cream ceo) and the other an Indian couple from Michigan (wedding with 1200 guests!)

We have a wheel house tour with the captain and then just enjoy the sail. We watch the ship do a turn as we get ready to dock right next to another ship in Rudesheim. We have about two  hours to explore Rudesheim. Its plenty of time to walk thru this little tourist town. 

Time for another meal. Lots of people are eating in town so the room feels empty. Tonight is a chicken in white wine sauce and a salmon with crab meat. Asparagus soup and smoked haddock are the starters. We learn about Norman's story.  He's from the Philippines and has had quite a journey to Viking.

Glass blowing demo after dinner. We are attracted to an oil and vinegar decanter. Very cool.