Days 10 & 11. 4-5th April Nuremberg- Regenburg-Degendorf

Day 10-

Today we docked in Nuremberg or as the Germans say 'Nurnberg'. This city first appeared in records in 1050 & is the 2nd largest state in the state of Bavaria (its in the county of Franconia). The castle where most of the photos are taken was built in the 11th century. Most of the city was destroyed  during WW II- in 90 minutes! Its also as many know, the site where Hitler chose to hold his Nazi party rallies.

This is a statue of Seigfried slaying the dragon, which relates to the first castle in Bonn- Drachenburg castle that we visited.

We visited the Zepplin field, also the site of the 'cathedral of lights'. Hitler did this as many of the men who attended the march, were not part of his 'perfect Arian propoganda' so his architect designed the light show to pull the focus away from the older, unfit 'non-perfect' men!  It is a solemn place, which has now been much dismantled to deter neo nazis pilgrimages.

The bus took us on a tour past where the Nuremberg trials were held in 1946, to bring Nazis and SS to trial. I think 10 were executed, a couple had already died or committed suicide & a few acquitted. The buildings where they were held are very impressed - apart from a bright blue modern 'Pit stop' shop smack in the front of this wonderful architecture?!

The city struck me as very grey and imposing, it didnt hold much beauty as Hitler loved the grey stone/block style you see a lot here.

It was really freezing today- about 2C, so we bought some gloves when we were set loose in the market platz where the easter stalls are.
Back to the ship for a nice nannie nap- after the late night dancing last night! and a lovely dinner in the evening.

Day 11 -

We are in Regenburg  - "Reagan-burg" this morning on our wedding anniversary. Where have 29 years gone?! Its also Easter Sunday, which is a nice celebration onboard, but also meant all the shops were shut! We had a walking tour this morning around the quaint city. They have lovely shops with very expensive prices so maybe just as well they are all shut. We did find a cafe to warm up with hot chocolate and coffee though, its really cold in the shade, but a beautiful blue sky day.

A beautiful spring day :-)

We came back to find our cabin had been visited by the easter bunny! and the teddy bears I had bought, on the bed with the chocolates.

Lori-dana who does the cabin cleaning is so nice - the staff onboard work 10 months on every day, 2 months off. They work a long time with no days off. They are mostly from Poland, Latvia, Hungary and other eastern european countries and their english is pretty good.

We are having Bavarian day on board today, so meals will include traditional sausages and beer! Think we will try and keep a low profile today as the staff at the front desk, said Happy Anniversary to Graeme when he went to get our off shore passes today! Hopefully no singing etc haha, although it is another passengers birthday today as well,  which is nice.

We came back to our cabin to find our bed decorated and a card signed by the staff for our anniversary- very spoilt!




We docked in Deggendorf this evening, so a group of us went out walking in the town after dinner in the evening, it was lovely to walk and talk.
Then some Bavarian Oompa musicians came onboard and were very good- including playing a yard glass like a trumpet!