onto Germany

Today started a bit different in that we had not yet arrived at our first port in Germany, Passau.   So before breakfast, I headed up to the Sun Deck to watch our sail.

While we were having breakfast, I felt the ship slowing down to a crawl.  That means we are approaching a lock.  It total, we are going through fifteen locks.  Most of the times when we have gone through them, it has been at night.  This was going to be a treat today.

The ship sailed into the lock and right behind was another smaller ship that pulled up right beside us.  The doors closed behind and the water began flowing and we started to rise.  The side of the ship was literally one hand span of distance.  It did not take too much time for the ship to be at the next level of water and we were on our way.

We learned that we would not be arriving in Passau at 10:00am but instead it was going to be closer to noon.  Therefore we had some time to kill.  We hung out by the pool or relaxed back in the cabin.  We decided to have a light lunch in the Horizon Lounge so that we could get off the ship quicker.

When we were docking, we actually parked beside another ship.  What that meant is that we had to walk through that ship to get to land.  It was just under a ten minute walk to the Passau Christkindlmarkt Am Dom which is set against the imposing backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Just like at the other markets, there were the various stalls of food, drink and shopping.  The thing that I wanted to try the most was the half meter sausage on a bun.  Oh well, maybe next time.

Karen and I did go into St. Stephen’s Cathedral.  All I can say is wow.  I have been saying that alot during this trip whenever we have visited a church.  It is really hard to get pictures to do the place justice.

We met back up with Nana and Marie and Nana decided to go back to the ship.  The three of us checked out the various shops in Old Town.

It was time to head back to the ship since we were departing at 4:15pm.  Another great port of call.  The rest of the afternoon was spent back in the cabin.

Tonight we had the Gala Dinner.  Just before dessert was served, the entire crew came out to say goodbye.  It was then off to the cabins since we need to be up early tomorrow.