Today was a late wake up - we were travelling through lots of tall locks and under many low bridges (the bridges are the reason the sun deck is closed until Frankfurt) but we've been able to enjoy the break in the weather by sitting up in the lower sun deck, in the biting wind (and I do mean 'biting' brrr it's cold).
Nuremberg (spelled Nurnberg alternatively) dock is far from town so the daily tours start on a bus with the guide - our bus ride into town took about 20 minutes. We got to see the worlds largest red metal chair sculpture. (on the other side of the bus from me) and we were able to drive by the worlds prettiest cemetery (also on the other side of the bus but I managed a few photos) between our tours of the Nazi Rally Grounds, the coliseum, the Documentation Center Museum and Courtroom 600 (of the Nuremberg trials) - during our WWII tour.
At dinner we talked with a number of other couples that took the Nuremberg City tour, and while they liked it, they all seemed to wish they had gone on our tour. For me, I wish that we'd had at least 15 minutes of free time in the Old City Center in Nuremberg, but alas, we weren't able to do that. So while the other tour group got to have free time to sample the local variety of beer and sausage and do some shopping, we were not able to do so. But our guide (Art) was wonderful!!!! So I think he's made up for that lack. I do recommend the WWII tour, if you're at all interested - but note that it isn't what I'd think of as a 'war tour' in that fighting was barely mentioned (I mean, besides the fact that 90% of Nuremberg was bombed and destroyed) so it isn't about battles per se. It is more about Hitler and what he and his people did.
The sun came out when we got out of the Documentation Museum, and we were on our way back to the ship. Back on the ship we were treated to an OmmPaaPaa band (4 gentlemen in appropriate attire) who play really well. They played for about an hour. Then it was time for dinner. Sunset tonight was gorgeous.
Leaving the last of the tall locks - we used to be up at the top of that contraption!
About to go under this bridge - I did take a video which I'll post on YouTube when I get a chance
Turned the camera around (we're not allowed to face backwards) and you can see the captain sticking his head out of the lowered command center (bridge)
The only place I know of where a river goes OVER a road - not because the road is in a tunnel, but because the river is in a bridge!
The coliseum (Congress Hall) - as reflected in the lake. The coliseum is 60% complete - should have been 40% taller but it wasn't finished
an unusual (to me) duck
Zeppelin Field - this was completed, but the columns were blown up, as was the gold swastika, and the rest left in ruins on purpose
Our guide is holding up a photograph of what it looked like before it was partially destroyed
These were all around the grounds in a ring, they had 6 poles on top of each with banners flying and spotlights shining upwards. When the lights were on they shone 5 miles up (a feat, considering that was 70 years ago) and the desired effect was awe inspiring.
The inside of the coliseum
Gives me chills, and not the good type
The side of the coliseum, where the Documentation Center Museum is housed - entrance is on the left up a funky staircase
Courtroom 600 where the Nuremberg trials were held - and since it's in Bavaria, not Germany (you would have to have been on the tour to get the humor - it's sort of an inside joke that is the truth) they do not have separation of church and state so the cross is allowed (though if you are on trial and you are offended by it they will cover it with a cloth, the guide said)
Our quick drive around old Nuremberg included slowing down at St John's cemetery, the rose cemetery - most beautiful in the world (and I believe it). It started as a leper colony.
The only street in Nuremberg that remains after the bombing - note the half timbered buildings
The Omm Paa Paa band (they liked their beer)
Standing on the front of the ship with Ken, enjoying the sunset
So, what side of the bus should I sit on when I take this tour in September? :)
ReplyDeleteHi Liz, Assuming they do the same drive, I'd recommend the right side! We were supposed to get a very short 'free time' while in the old city but due to river heights and/or lock entrance times and such, we were a tiny bit late going on our tour. Which meant that our free time was not available.
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