Life is a patchwork of experiences
From spacious cabins to glorious food and attentive service, my cruise with Riverside Luxury Cruises was very memorable. In this Riverside Debussy review I share all the details about my recent Rhine River cruise.
Outside my cabin’s panoramic window, a castle that looked like it came straight out of a fairy tale sat on the crest of a hilltop. Inside my cabin, a steaming cup of tea and a full breakfast had just been delivered by my suite’s butler. That’s right, my cabin on the Riverside Debussy came with my very own butler!
This was my first introduction to river cruises in Europe, and I was getting totally spoiled by the experience.
I am very thankful for yet another banner year of travel. For a total of 153 days I experienced destinations in Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and the US.
Let these photos take you along with me on what I think was the best Rhine River Christmas Market cruise with Riverside Cruises.
What was my best Christmas present this year? A Christmas Market cruise on the fabled Rhine river with Riverside Luxury Cruises.
I grew up with a lot of German Christmas holiday traditions and it’s been my long time wish to experience the authentic Christmas Markets in Germany. My wish came true on a seven day Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Frankfurt where each day offered a new celebration of the holiday spirit.
Bavaria’s Wieskirche or the Pilgrimage Church of Wies is a UNESCO site in a beautiful stop if visiting nearby Neuschwanstein Castle.
Bavaria’s Wieskirche or the Pilgrimage Church of Wies, is a UNESCO protected church in the bucolic, green foothills of the German alps. Built in the mid 18th century by two brothers, J.B. and Dominikus ZImmermann, the site became a pilgrimage destination to see the Scourged Saviour, a wooden statue that was purported to produce miracles to those who prayed to it.
When the existing chapel that displayed the wooden figure became too small for the pilgrimage rush, the local abbey commissioned the larger church and shrine – which is Wieskirche we have today. Continue reading “Bavaria’s Wieskirche – The Pilgrimage Church of Wies in Photos”
I love taking reflection photos.
There is something about the symmetry of a perfect mirror image that never gets old for me. Or the juxtaposition of the inside and the outside of a window reflection. As a result I am always drawn to photographing reflections. Sometimes the reflections make up the whole photo and sometimes they are just a small element, but with each trip, I always come back with a few more.
Here are my favorites from 2017, at the same time, chronicling my travels for this year.
Germany’s Romantic Road goes from Wurzburg in the north to Fussen in the south. One of the most picturesque towns on the route has to be Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It is a well preserved medieval town that time forgot, and now has become a destination for tourists from all over the world. Spend a day in romantic Rothenburg and experience its charms. Continue reading “Romantic Rothenburg – A Town That’s Just Too Cute”
My Bohemian Princess Quilt pattern is a very easy and whimsical design that uses precut 5 inch charm packs cut into half square triangles. This easy pattern is fit for any little princess or prince and is available on my Etsy shop.
Quilt Inspiration – The fabric colors for the front of this bohemian quilt pattern was inspired by the colorful houses in the towns and villages along Germany’s Romantic Road. I used various whimsical Tula Pink quilt fabrics which I felt captured the storybook bohemian feel of the area.
Continue reading ““My Bohemian Princess Quilt” – Original Bohemian Quilt Pattern”
The southern end of Germany’s Romantic Road, Fussen, Germany makes a nice home base when visiting the nearby Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. After a day of fantasy castle sightseeing, it was a pleasure to wander the colorful, quiet streets of the old town center and take in the historic sights and the colorful buildings. Continue reading “Photo Essay: A Day in Fussen, Germany and Its Authentic Gothic Castle”
Germany is famous for it’s many castles, but none inspire the imagination more than Neuschwanstein , the fantasy creation of King Ludwig II in the Bavarian region of Southern Germany. This castle, his boyhood castle home of Hohenschwangau, and one of his other fantastic constructions, Linderhof Palace, are all in close proximity of each other, and are an easy visit from the nearby town of Fussen, Germany. Continue reading “Castle Hopping in Southern Germany-Exploring “Mad” King Ludwig’s Legacy”
A short tram ride from the hustle and bustle of Munich’s central train station takes you to the palatial summer residence of the Wittelsbach’s, Bavaria’s ruling family for over 700 years. Touring the palace and outbuildings is interesting, but strolling through the 500 acre wooded gardens makes it hard to believe that a city of 1.5 million residents surrounds this peaceful enclave. Consider visiting the Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens if you have one day in Munich and you are looking for something different to do.
Continue reading “Escape the Crowds With One Day in Munich at the Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens”
