Bacharach= Bock-ah-rock (now say it with lots of spit leading into your "k" sounds!)
Incredibly Interesting Itinerary!
Eager to Understand the Unique Unknown and Ultimately Unfamiliar
Even though we'd spent the better part of two days together, to me, this seemed like the "real" first day of the tour. Why? Because this was the day we were introduced to our bus and I knew I was on my way to someplace I'd never been, someplace unfamiliar.
Ridin' with Ricky!
The drive to Keukenhof took just under an hour, getting there right at 9 when they open. We got off of our wonderfully large and luxurious bus and were given our entrance tickets as well as a voucher for 8 Euro for lunch. Dimitri then turned us loose, giving us just over 3 hours to explore the wonderful gardens of tulips and other flowers (and more!).
A person would have to actively try to be unhappy after spending time at Keukenhof. The smells, the sounds, and most definitely the sights are all working together to make you feel peaceful and content- if not downright happy.
A person would have to actively try to be unhappy after spending time at Keukenhof. The smells, the sounds, and most definitely the sights are all working together to make you feel peaceful and content- if not downright happy.
Kooky Kolorful Keukenhof
But even great things must come to an end. We boarded the bus happily, waiting to see what Germany might bring.
Delightful Dog of the Day
By law, the bus (and truck) drivers here must stop for a rest every 2 hours (or a total of an hour every four hours). They can't drive more than 9 hours a day or more than 5 days in a row. So we made two pit stops on our way to Bacharach. The stops are always pretty and/or interesting.
Wonderfully Wacky Waterclosets
We were laughing at the first stop because we couldn't figure out the toilets- they had a handle that pulled up to flush.
The 2nd stop had all of our attentions and we got to see the fun (?) that toilets can be- at least once you pay your 50cents euro. That toilet had a special device that motored out from the toilet and washed the seat with cleanser and water as the seat rotated. Yes, rotated.
Yes, you must pay to use the toilet. But at rest stops you are given a coupon when you pay (for the 50 cents you paid) which you can redeem for/towards merchandise. In other words- chocolate!
With the frequent stops, the drive really goes by quickly. People have no trouble finding things to do on the bus. Some (me) nap, others (me) chat with whomever is nearby. Several like to read up on the destination ahead. Dimitri also chats frequently by microphone, telling us interesting stories about the destinations, giving his thoughts and opinions about different things and encouraging us to discover what we think about those same things. He might give us language lessons or trivia, or tell us about the guides we'll meet. The bus is great. It's very comfortable.
We had a great sense of anticipation as we neared Bacharach. The charming buildings beckoned us as time seemed to move backwards towards the middle ages.
Beautiful Bacharach!
Soon, Richard pulled the bus to a stop.
He and Dimitri made quick work of unloading the baggage, teasing a few people whose suitcases were, shall we say, quite large? The Rickster (you know, that Steves guy) would be shaking a scolding finger.
He and Dimitri made quick work of unloading the baggage, teasing a few people whose suitcases were, shall we say, quite large? The Rickster (you know, that Steves guy) would be shaking a scolding finger.
Before we got off the bus, Dimitri assigned our rooms. He'd told me earlier, at the rest stop that he was putting me in the basement and was I okay with that? I thought he was joking so I joked back that if he couldn't put me in the belfry with the bats, then the basement would do. He said if I wanted the top floor, he could put me there, but he figured with my ankle, I might be ok with NOT having to take my luggage up five flights of stairs. I had to agree.
So when he was calling out room numbers, he called out a wide array. Then he said, "Lisa, you're in the basement." There was no number called out. I yelled, "No number? Basement? Is that code for dungeon?" Everybody laughed and later asked me about life in the dungeon. I found out a short time later that while I didn't have a number, my room had a name- Baron. There was also a room down there called Princess and I was kinda disappointed I was only a Baron and not a Princess. I later announced that my room was to be renamed Baron, negative one. I was determined to have a number, even if it was a negative one!
So when he was calling out room numbers, he called out a wide array. Then he said, "Lisa, you're in the basement." There was no number called out. I yelled, "No number? Basement? Is that code for dungeon?" Everybody laughed and later asked me about life in the dungeon. I found out a short time later that while I didn't have a number, my room had a name- Baron. There was also a room down there called Princess and I was kinda disappointed I was only a Baron and not a Princess. I later announced that my room was to be renamed Baron, negative one. I was determined to have a number, even if it was a negative one!
Home Happy Home~ The Kranenturm
After dumping off my luggage I went to explore. The Kranenturm Hotel is located just a few steps from the Rhine River. The views there are stunning.
Soon it was time for our delicious dinner. I sat with the other Single Supplimenters, Lannie and Pat. We enjoyed a four course meal of potato soup, salad, breaded chicken and spaetzel and ice cream for dessert. Everything was delicious and we drank some house wine with our meal.
After dinner we introduced our tour buddies, which we were assigned on the bus (mine is Lannie). She is a single mom and grandmother from Colorado. We told a bit about them and then played "Two Truths and a Lie". On the bus we had been told to get together to come up with our truths and our lie. Lannie's were:
1. She has a black belt in taekwondo.
2. She's been to China.
3. She's been on four RS tours.
Which is the lie? She hasn't been to China- though she's been everywhere else!
My three were:
1. I've directed many local plays and musicals.
2. I've been on Broadway.
3. I've worked with the FBI.
I fooled most of them, as the lie is, that I've been on Broadway.
After dinner we introduced our tour buddies, which we were assigned on the bus (mine is Lannie). She is a single mom and grandmother from Colorado. We told a bit about them and then played "Two Truths and a Lie". On the bus we had been told to get together to come up with our truths and our lie. Lannie's were:
1. She has a black belt in taekwondo.
2. She's been to China.
3. She's been on four RS tours.
Which is the lie? She hasn't been to China- though she's been everywhere else!
My three were:
1. I've directed many local plays and musicals.
2. I've been on Broadway.
3. I've worked with the FBI.
I fooled most of them, as the lie is, that I've been on Broadway.
Not quite ready to end such a great day, Joe, Julie, Dimitri and I decided to find an ale house and enjoy a beer or two. Dimitri led us to the Alte Haus, which was quiet, but did the trick.
We had great conversation at the Alte Haus and then enjoyed the walk home along the cobblestones. The storybook buildings were enticingly lit up for the night. It was a perfect end to another great day!