Christmas on steroi_s 🧑‍🎄🎅🎄🦌🛷

[TheRealTMA]

views this afternoon cruising along to Cologne. It was raining.
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The Captain. He was four hours late to the ship thanks to Rail strikes.


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I have no idea what I did to this photo but it looks like a painting

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Crew Christmas carols.

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We made use of our free laundry. The folding of the underwear was exceptional

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Tomorrow is Cologne. The best markets to visit.

Cologne markets are fabulous. Also do a walk around the old town if you have time do visit one of the old beer halls (very family friendly) and have the best beer in Germany.

Kölsch (beer) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Pushka]

Just making our way to Cologne. So many trees with massive stork nests.



An excellent breakfast made even better.





Kara, the name of our ship is a Valkyrie.


The passengers Christmas Tree. We all had to create a bauble.



Just heading towards Cologne.



We were asked last night if it was true that Australians were required by law to wear sun screen. . That was the reason why they’d decided not to travel to Oz. Seriously you just can’t make this stuff up.

 

[latawiec]

Just making our way to Cologne. So many trees with massive stork nests.

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It is a floral parasite, and nothing common with storks

It is a mistletoe - is a hemiparasite on several species of trees, from which it draws water and nutrients.
It is a plant with white berries, used in Christmas decorations.

 

[latawiec]

It is a floral parasite, and nothing common with storks

It is a mistletoe - is a hemiparasite on several species of trees, from which it draws water and nutrients.
It is a plant with white berries, used in Christmas decorations.

Australian native "Christmas Tree" is also a is a hemiparasite . Very common in native reserves in Perth, ie.. near golf course on boarder Inglewood, Mt Lawley and Daniella. These are now in orange flowers, just before Christmas.

 

[jrfsp]

We were asked last night if it was true that Australians were required by law to wear sun screen. . That was the reason why they’d decided not to travel to Oz. Seriously you just can’t make this stuff up.

I hope you confirmed with a straight face it was law

 

[Pushka]

We’ve all been called to the lounge. This will not be good news.

 

[Pushka]

Ship swap tomorrow. So far cruise is proceeding but more info at 6pm. We have to pack up tonight. Sigh.

 

[Pushka]

We’ve heard the cruise after ours has been cancelled. Goodness knows what that means for us. I think the Rhine has closed. We were told not to post on social media. Yeah. Right.

 

[latawiec]

We’ve heard the cruise after ours has been cancelled. Goodness knows what that means for us. I think the Rhine has closed. We were told not to post on social media. Yeah. Right.

Probably reason is that there is too strong water current in upper Rhine!

A lot of snow is melting...

 

[Pushka]

Probably reason is that there is too strong water current in upper Rhine!

A lot of snow is melting...

Not helpful. Not how this forum works.

 

[Pushka]

Interesting cruising along the Rhine to Cologne. Just randoms.




We didn't realise this as we were early but we were arriving into Cologne.




The massive Cathedral and next door railway station. The proximity of the railway station has caused the cathedral to blacken and the church is considered too fragile to attempt restoration.








The current Is so strong and water level so high.

 

[Pushka]

Delivering the start of the news. We knew something was up. He's normally very happy and jovial Today I'm betting he thinks he doesn't get paid enough.




We all kind of just sauntered off to our cabins to prepare to visit Cologne. Finally they let us off on our own. Weather is cold and drizzly. Not going to help Cologne as it's already on flood watch.
Along the way.

The first market by the Cathedral. We will return tonight when the lights are on although at 4 pm it's dark as.

Gorgeous Christmas stalls. Loved them.

 

[latawiec]

We’ve heard the cruise after ours has been cancelled. Goodness knows what that means for us. I think the Rhine has closed. We were told not to post on social media. Yeah. Right.

The most beautiful part of your cruise is from the Koblenz to the Mainz as there are amazing old castles on the banks of the river.
It will be pity if you missed them.
Wish you

 

[Pushka]

I loved these. Narrow little bookend display items. Tempted.



This stall was simply wonderful. Loved the toys. The Umbrellas went up and down.



this will look magical tonight.




MrP has pegged this stall when we return for dinner tonight. He's vegetarian





Gorgeous decorations.

 

[latawiec]

Interesting cruising along the Rhine to Cologne. Just randoms.
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We didn't realise this as we were early but we were arriving into Cologne.
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The massive Cathedral and next door railway station. The proximity of the railway station has caused the cathedral to blacken and the church is considered too fragile to attempt restoration.

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The current Is so strong and water level so high.
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RE: The proximity of the railway station has caused the cathedral to blacken and the church is considered too fragile to attempt restoration.

ANS: It was blacken by phosfrous bombs during II WW. Suggest to visit inside with a guide.

 

[Pushka]

Oh so goood....




Gluwhein. Very sweet and this one was made from Rose. We will keep the mugs for the grandies. They are comical, kind of like Where's Wally.

 

[Pushka]

This post is overdrive for cheese loves. Oh my. Huge queue. Didn't wait.

 

[Pushka]

Rocket Fuel.




National Christmas Lampoon movie. We had no idea what Cousin Eddie has messed with drinking Egg Nog. Now we know.

 

[Pushka]

We left the market at this point knowing we would return for dinner even if it meant Viking would not get our luggage on time. The logistics of moving 200 passengers and their luggage seems overwhelming. Head office will be buzzing. Whatever.

we moved into the CBD and just waited out the rain. Visited a department store and to visit the loo.



even in Department stores you have to pay for the loo. We had change. All good.

Then to another market.

 

[latawiec]

RE: The proximity of the railway station has caused the cathedral to blacken and the church is considered too fragile to attempt restoration.

ANS: It was blacken by phosfrous bombs during II WW. Suggest to visit inside with a guide.

My wife said that I mixed the blackened church in Dresden by phosphorus bombs during II WW.
So I am withdrawing above. My apologies.