Nearing the End of the Road

We have arrived at our hotel near the Frankfurt Airport and are very sad to have seen the beautiful Mittelrhein disappear from the train window.  As usual, the US is best in many things especially wifi which sucks in Europe.  Bacharach was fabulous and we recommend a visit to everyone.  Tomorrow when we're in Long Island we will finally add some great photos.  I got some great ones from my hike high above the city.  So, until next time, peace and all good.

Last day in Bacharach

Well folks, if we had wifi as in the US you would be seeing photos of fantastic views high above the city.  We had a good day with some shopping and, of course, eating.  In the morning we hiked to the castle which you can see on Facebook.  It was a bit more difficult than described but we managed and returned by a road.  In the afternoon Jim went on a long hike partially along the old city walls and then up through the vineyards above the city and the castle.  When we are at the hotel at Frankfurt airport we'll try to add the photos.  On to New York Saturday.

Rhein Cruise to St. Goar

After a rainy train ride, we arrived in Bacharach.  Our place up from the town was a pleasant surprise,    big bedroom, living room and kitchen for very little.  On Wednesday we took a cruise down the Rhein to St. Goar, a story book town.  Walked up to the castle for some spectacular views which I can't seem to load due to slow wifi.   I'll try to add some to Facebook.

Dortmund Borussia soccer

Yesterday, Sunday, was one of those days that the word spectacular can't even come close to describing.  Andreas took us to a Borussia Dortmund game against Berlin at the stadium which is affectionately called the temple.  There were 82,000 fans in bright yellow team shirts.  Dortmund won but the real entertainment was the fans.  We have never imagined how fanatic fans can be so I recommend taking a look at a video on YouTube.  Today we walked a little around Dortmund and are now relaxing at the house.  Tomorrow on to Bacharach along the Rhein.

With Josie at the beer booth 

Amsterdam and Germany

Our last day in Amsterdam was sunny and warm.  We had until 1 before Max picked us up so we strolled around the area of the Anne Frank house and back toward our hotel stopping at a used book market which had some books as old as the 1600's.

Max with his mother Sigrid met us and we were on our way to Dortmund, Germany.  After drinks on the patio and something to eat, we went for a walk in a nearby forest with Max's father Andrew and the monster dog Fritz who thinks he's bigger than 8" tall.

Tomorrow we all go to Munster.

Munster is a beautiful small city with many old churches, shops and restaurants with about 50,000 students out of 250,000 people.  We met Max's girlfriend Josie and walked, ate pizza and ice cream with Sigrid, Andreas, Josie and Max.

Tomorrow we go to Dortmund Stadium, the temple here, for a game and get to see the yellow wall.  Max and Josie will be working in the beer booth.  Can things be any better?

To Amsterdam, we hope

Due to weather problems in London and Amsterdam, we finally arrived at the hotel in Amsterdam at 1 AM, dog tired.  If you visit Amsterdam don't expect the Ritz.  We ARE on a beautiful canal and only walking distance to great sites and restaurants.  Although it rained today, we took a hour and a half canal boat tour, visited the Amsterdam Museum and walked most of the city.  Tomorrow we're being picked up by the Stahms and then off to Deutchland.

K

From Galway to Limerick

We left a rainy Galway leaving a city that has been a great enjoyment.  After about a thousand round a bouts we were off to Limerick by the country roads through Quin.  As we made our way south the clouds partially gave way to the sun which lit the brilliant green fields and hillsides.

Our B & B is quite good and close to Limerick center.  It was just a short walk across the Shannon River to downtown and then up along the river to St. Mary's Church and King John's Castle.  A late lunch was had at The Locke Pub with a pint.  Back again tonight for a light dinner and some live Irish music.  We hope you enjoy the pictures.

Shannon River 

View of County Clare from the castle 

Lunch at The Locke 

County Clare 

St. Mary's Church 

Shannon River 

Sunday in Galway

We walked along the Claddagh and made it to mass at 10.  Then to Eyer Square and JFK Park.  After a drive along the Connemara coast we returned to Salthill and a fantastic late Italian meal.  The best bruschetta ever and fabulous spaghetti bolognase and tagliatelle primavera.  Tonight we strolled along the streets of Galway under a light rain finally ending up at Monroe's Pub for a pint.  Of course we had to go back later for some Guinness and live Irish music.  Off to Limerick tomorrow.

Galway Bay and the Cliffs of Moher

Galway Bay 

Irish breakfast table 

On the way to Cliffs of Moher 

At the Cliffs and the Atlantic 

Quin Part 2

Quin, Ireland

Quin Abbey 

Quin

The Abby Tavern in Quin.

They love potatoes, boiled plus 2 scoops.

Day 2, Ardsollus Farm to Galway

We headed through the green country side lit by patches of sun to the Cliffs of Moher.  The sky's got grayer and off to Doolin and up through Kinvarra past the Burren.  Of course we just had to stop for a pint in Kinvarra.  Getting to our B & B in Galway was a little hectic but we made it.  In the evening we had a pint of Galway Hooker ale while enjoying Irish music in Taaffe's Pub on Quay St.  Ran into a British couple from the previous B & B.  Third time for us in Europe this happened.  Finished the night at Monroe's Pub with a ton of people and Irish whiskey.

Beer and whiskey, pubs and potatoes...

Beer and whiskey, pubs and potatoes.  The wifi sucks or else you would see some pictures too.  Had a long flight but Ireland is worth it.  Drove like a maniac on the left side with inches to spare but it was fun.  Ate in pubs in Quin, Kinvarra, and Galway plus a few others. Monroe's pub in Galway tonight.