Nuremberg - The Heart of Bavaria

April 14, 2011 - Our ship overnighted in Passau last night.  Early this morning, we took a motorcoach on a three hour trip to Nuremberg.  We went to the Dokumentation headquarters today where Hitler held his Nazi rallys and where he gave numerous speeches.  This is also the site of the Nuremberg Trials of Nazi war criminals.  There is just something eerie about this place.

This beautiful Bavarian town was bombed in World War II and over 90% of the town was destroyed.  But, the people of Nuremberg rebuilt it and today it is a shining star in Bavaria. 

We saw the home of Albrecht Durer, the Renaissance artist who painted "The Praying Hands".  Nuremberg was the center of medieval culture and was the heart of Renaissance art north of the Alps.  After a German lunch of sauerbraten and dumplings with apfel streudel for dessert, we wandered around the square and among the many outdoor stands of the Easter Market.  This is also the site of the world's largest Christmas market each year. 

One of the specialties of Nuremberg is their beer and their gingerbread.  Think I'll pass on trying the two of these together. 

Today was clear and sunny and in the high 50s.  Tomorrow we dock in Regensberg.  Our ship is slowly sailing up the Danube River right now, and when we opened the sliding glass door of our stateroom, the sound of the river gently lapping against the side of the ship is making both of us sleepy.  Good night, all!  More tomorrow from Regensberg.

Prague to Passau

April 13, 2011 - Left Prague at noon today for a 3.5 hour motorcoach trip to Passau.  We were scheduled to go to Nuremberg, but one of the locks we needed to go through is closed for repairs and won't open until tomorrow.  So, Plan B is now in effect. 

We had an uneventful trip through the mountains except for one little thing.  We ran into snow, and I don't mean a little snow, I mean a 3" snow going up a mountain on a two-lane road in a big ole motorcoach.  But, we made it just fine.

We are on the Avalon Tapestry, and this ship is wonderful - 160 passengers, a crew that is incredible, and a captain that kept us in stitches during his talk at our welcome reception.

Dinner tonight was like dinner on cruise ships 20 years ago - all elegance, six courses, wait staff all over us, incredible wine (included in the cruise fare), beautiful table settings.  Absolutely wonderful!!!

Tomorrow morning, we are off to Nuremberg and will cruise back to Passau in the afternoon.

 One thing I forgot to mention about Prague and the Czech Republic. Garnets are native to the area, and my hubby gave me the most beautiful garnet pendant in celebration of our 30th anniversary (which is actually July 4)!!! I think he may be a keeper.