Travelling by train

View from the train window between Bonn and Koblenz

This is the best way to cross Europe (I do like the lake and river boats as well, but they're rather slow). We came up to Frankfurt Flughafen (alighting at the Fernbahnhof) on the ICE trains from Switzerland today. It is so easy and comfortable.

Admittedly, on a brighter day last Thursday, doing this journey in reverse, the views had been more exciting, when we followed the Rhine all the way down its famous valley, through St. Goar, seeing Goarshausen and the Loreley on the far bank, and the vineyards. In last week's notes I have written: Drachenfels, arched bridge at Koblenz, castles on rocks at Rhens, Boppard. Mittelrhein has fast flowing weirs for barges to avoid.

Bingen, Mainz-- crossed river, flatter views ...

We changed trains at Frankfurt on the way down last week (photos below) and at Mannheim on the way back today.

Chris taking a call from a colleague in Ottawa

View of the Hauptbahnhof, Frankfurt

It's no good, there's so much to describe, but I'm too tired to concentrate. I should be lazing in the bath, then sleeping. I shall be smelling river water in my sleep. Today we walked and sat beside the Rhine again under the mottled plane trees in a flower filled park at Mannheim near the city's Ruderklub and Kanuklub. The industrial docks lay just beyond. It was a very summery and enjoyable detour. This evening we happened upon the River Main at Raunheim where tonight's hotel is. Above our roof, large aircraft are coming in to land. Tomorrow we'll be flying on one, once again.

By the Rheinpromenade at Mannheim

Waiting for a drink at the Rheinterrassen Gasthaus, Mannheim