Holy Time Change Batman

Like I said in the previous post. The Adventure Is Over, I am now winging west back to th U.S.

It begins with a 3 AM wake up, Monday Nov 7, CET, Central European Time that means it is still 9 PM Sunday on the east coast of the U.S.  

I it go to the Prague airport for a 6:45 flight to Brussels. After a brief layover I barely make my flight due to the deperture board malfuncioning. My original gate was to be B5, which required clearing border control sineI was leaving the EU.  All of a sudden it changes to A27, I head for the new gate, in a different concoarse. What do I find, that I once again have to go through security and border control because this concoarse is considered domestic instead of international. After the trip through security there is a person checking boarding passes, this is not normal. What does he say,but the the system was in error to go back to the B concoarse. ( Am I upset yet ?) When I get back to B and look at the departure board it says my flight is at B27. At the same time I hear over the airport PA to report to  gate b5 or I will miss my flight. Needless to say, when the attendent started telling me I was late we had a very fast and one sided conversation about my thoughts on their departure boards and organizaional skills.  REGARDLESS, I MADE MY FLIGHT, last person to board.

In 2 more hours I land in Newark, 11:30 AM EDT it is now 5:30 PM in europe. 2 1/2 hours in Newark then on to Pittsburgh.
By the time I get home tonight, I will have been up 23 hrs, had 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner and numerous airplane snacks.

DON’T CALL ME TUESDAY – I WILL BE RECOUPERATING FROM MY VACATION !!!

A Last Hurrah

​​The adventure has ended, it is now 5 AM as I sit at the Prague airport waiting for my flight. It was a good time although the weather could have been a little warmer and dryer.

Days 9 & 10

 Sun, Nov 6, 2016 & Mon, Nov 7, 2016 Prague, Czech republic Few cities embody the past as authentically as Prague, the Czech Republic’s atmospheric capital on the Vltava River that clings to its history with unwavering passion. Prague’s medieval architecture is its most prominent, but the city is also a rich repository of Romanesque, baroque and Art Nouveau buildings that stir the imagination. The main square in the heart of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, may be the most dramatic gathering of centuries-old structures, including the still-functioning Astronomical Clock, ticking since 1410. The city’s graceful, pedestrian-only Charles Bridge leads to Hradcany Castle and its rich complex of royal buildings. 

Included  Tour Prague City Tour Duration: 5 hours City of One Hundred Spires Step back in time in Prague, an incredible tapestry of medieval brilliance remarkably preserved. We visited the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main square was a major crossroads on 12th-century trade routes, and so it was the focal point of the city’s early development. Today, it is a repository of Romanesque, baroque and Gothic splendor. Among the buildings you will see are the Tyn Church and the 15th-century Astronomical Clock, which comes alive every hour with its “Walk of the Apostles.” We then continued to Prague Castle. Within this massive complex, visit the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral where the good St. Wenceslas is entombed behind polished emeralds and stones. We also the grand castle itself, residence of the Czech president and the powerful seat of Bohemian kings and Holy Roman emperors of old.

 Old Town Square

Charles Bridge and Prague Castle

Litomerice

​Last day & night on the ship

After a very early mornings sail, we have ported in Litomerice. Having been to Terezin and numerous brewery tours, I decided to just spend the time relaxing on the ship and getting ready for the transfer to the hotel tomorrow.

We leave the ship in the morning and go into Prague. Some of the folks are tajing an extension there and others are going on to Poland and Warsaw. Poland is on my bucket list, but not this trip.

Day 8, Sat, Nov 5, 2016 

Litomerice, Czech Republic One of the oldest and most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, Litomerice rests at the confluence of the Elbe and Ohre Rivers in the picturesque Ceske Stredohori region. The surrounding countryside, draped in fields of corn, hops and grapes, is often referred to as the Garden of Bohemia. The city is awash in baroque and Renaissance buildings, most notably St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Townhouses whose architectural styles span the ages, from Gothic to Biedermeier, huddle around the Market Square, the largest in northern Bohemia. All of Litomerice is a Historical Landmark, as are nearby Ustek and Terezin.

 Included  Tours, Choice #1 Terezin Excursion Duration: 2.5 hours Tour a Former Concentration Camp Visit a historic fortified city built by Hapsburgs and commandeered by Nazis. Terezin was conceived as a fortress town in the late 18th century, when the Hapsburg Emperor ordered the construction of Theresienstadt, named after the Empress Maria Theresa, his mother. Back then, it served one purpose: to secure his territory against Prussian troops. After the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed, Terezin was established as a town in the newly formed Czechoslovakia. Nazi Germany took over the town in 1938 and transformed it into a ghetto and, later, a notorious concentration camp. During this moving visit, pay respects to those who perished here as you tour the Small Fortress of the town, which was used to detain political prisoners. Gavrilo Princip, the man who is said to have launched World War I when he assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, died here of tuberculosis. 30

Included  Tour, Choice #2

 Litomerice City Walk & Beer Tasting Duration: 3 hours Stroll Through the Hub of the “Garden of Bohemia” Enjoy a walking tour of one of the Czech Republic’s oldest and most beautiful towns. You will see the splendid bishop’s residence and the chalice-shaped lookout tower atop the Old Town Hall. This lofty perch has been so prominent over the centuries that a chalice has become the symbol of the city. As you explore, consider that many cellars of these old buildings are connected by underground tunnels and comprise one of the longest underground networks in the country. Later, stop to sample Bohemia’s favorite beverage. Beer has a long history in the Czech Republic, dating to the late 10th century. Pilsners are most common, with a golden color and light flavor. Raise a stein to your discoveries in Litomerice.

Bad Schandau

​Day 7 Nov 4, 2016

Today after a morning cruise we ported into Bad Schandau for a brief stay and a tour of the impressive rock formations of the Bastei, described earlier and below. 

We then departed during dinner and have crossed into the Czeck Republic for the night and are docked in Decin.

Fri Nov 4, 2016

One of the oldest and most important spa resorts in Saxon Switzerland, this beautiful resort city among lush hills and deep gorges has retained much of the splendor and charm of bygone ages. After iron-rich springs were discovered here in the mid-18th century, hotels and spa houses soon dotted the landscape. In 1920, the town (then Schandau) was awarded the right to use the prefix “Bad,” meaning “Spa.” For refugees and emigrants during World War II, this was a place of hope. Many were helped to safety by climbers who knew secret passes through the mountains and out of Germany. Included  Tour Bastei Excursion Duration: 3.5 hours Witness One of Germany’s Most Incredible Natural Wonders See the graceful path of the Elbe from the most dramatic lookout point. Journey with your guide to the breathtaking Bastei. These towering rocks soar above the river like jagged teeth and offer sweeping vistas from the footbridge that connects them. These massive walls once formed a natural defense around the adjacent rock castle of Neurathen, hence their name Bastei, meaning “Bastion.” The bridge that you will cross to reach the castle’s remains was originally built of wood in 1824 and was replaced with a sandstone structure just 27 years later. It spans 250 feet and boasts seven arches. Throughout the visit, you will see evidence of Germany’s pride on the grounds of this natural wonder: rock tablets commemorate the first mention of Bastei by a travel writer in 1797, the first landscape photographs taken in 1853 and the first pioneers of tourism who introduced the world to this wondrous sight.

The Elbe River

​One of Central Europe’s most important waterways, the Elbe River traverses much of Germany and has long provided an inland trade route to Prague. When you cruise, you will admire an extraordinarily beautiful landscape, with stunning views of lush forests, rolling hills blanketed with vineyards and dramatic mountains that have hardly changed in centuries. The remarkably natural course of the river, unaltered by human technology, means you’ll see wetlands and woodlands virtually untouched, and wholly protected as a biosphere reserve. From wetlands to woodlands, you may see hundreds of bird species such as storks, cranes and red and black kites.

Cruising Saxon Switzerland

​Cruiseing through the magnificent, soaring rock formations of Saxon Switzerland. This spectacular region earned its name from two Swiss painters who were reminded of their home while visiting. These are some of the wildest cliff formations imaginable, with nicknames such as Catapult, Locomotive and Wolf’s Ravine. Cruising past these chalk sandstone monoliths is a highlight of the cruise. Marvel that these mountains were quarried to build some of Germany’s grand buildings. From the ship, you can gaze up at the Bastei, a 1,000-foot spectacle of tooth-like rocks connected by a footbridge.

Dressden

We sailed into Dressden about 9:30 last night, to find the government buildings along the river brightly lighted.The ships you see in the forground are paddle wheelers used for dining and local sightseeing cruises.

Today we had a morning tour of the city on the Viking busses and then we Zwinger Palace and toured the relics at the Grunes Gewolbe (Green Vault) Museum.

Day 6, Thu, Nov 3, 2016 

Dresden,Grunes Gewolbe Germany Known as the “Florence on the Elbe,” Dresden is awash in artistic treasures and baroque splendor. The city is blessed with water meadows and green parks near the center, giving it a wide-open feeling and making it easy to focus on the beautiful sandstone buildings that line the river. It took Dresden more than 50 years to rebuild after it was devastated during Allied bombing. Most agree it was certainly worth the wait. The city has been lovingly restored to its original glory, from the ornate Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) and grand Semper Opera House to the shining Zwinger Palace. Included  Tour Dresden City Tour Duration: 4 hours See Germany’s Remarkably Restored Gem Up Close Witness the breathtaking baroque beauty of Dresden by coach and by foot, gloriously revived after 50 years of restoration. Begin with a panoramic drive to the Neustadt district on the right bank of the Elbe to admire beautiful 19th-century residences and cultural institutions. Then, visit the Grunes Gewolbe, the Green Vault museum that houses what many claim is the largest collection of treasures in the world, including priceless jewels and emeralds. Afterward, take a stroll among splendid architectural wonders. Marvel at the magnificent Semper Opera House; its several stories are gracefully layered like a wedding cake. And see the spectacular Zwinger Palace, a rococo-style complex that was once an exhibition court for royalty. Today, it houses several museums.

Meissen

​Today after a very leisurly morning of sailing and getting up late we arrived in Meissen.

There was a brief city tour followed by a tour of the Meissen factory and of course the factory stores, where for a mear €550,000 you can buy a jewelry box for your baubles.

Day 5, Wed, Nov 2, 2016

 Meissen, Germany Surrounded by idyllic wine villages and set at a rocky spur on the Elbe, Meissen dates back more than a thousand years. The city is dominated by its 13th- and 14th-century Gothic cathedrals and Albrechtsburg Castle, perched on a low hill, considered one of the great achievements of German architecture. The introduction of porcelain here by Johann Friedrich Bottger in the early 18th century made Meissen world famous. Meissenware has been produced here ever since. With any luck, you will hear the bells of the Gothic Church of Our Lady chime; they were the first church bells made of porcelain. Included  Tour Meissen City & Porcelain Manufacturing Tour Duration: 4 hours Artful “White Gold” Shaped from Local Kaolin Clay Visit the famous Meissen porcelain factory, where fine pieces are still made by hand despite the technology of today. En route to the factory in the nearby Triebisch Valley, you will see the Albrechtsburg Castle. Upon the introduction of porcelain by Johann Friedrich Bottger in 1709, August the Strong required that the innovator set up his factory in the imposing structure. Upon arrival at today’s factory, you will see firsthand how Meissen porcelain is made from china clay and potter’s earth and trademarked with the famous crossed swords. Even now, many of the lines and motifs in the pieces have their origin in the baroque and rococo styles that were popular when the “white gold” was first created. Later, you will enjoy a walking tour past the beautiful Meissen castle built in the 15th century. 

Torgau

​Day 4, Tue,

 Nov 1, 2016 Torgau, Germany 

Situated on the Elbe, Torgau played a key role in the Protestant Reformation. In the 16th century, the city was a hotbed of Protestant activity, resulting in the founding of the Torgauer Bund (Association of Torgau) in 1525, a refuge for Protestants. The first purpose-built Protestant church was built here. The city’s fortified Hartenfels Castle, the most important early Renaissance palace in Germany, dominates the city and the riverbank, framed by the spires of St. Mary’s Church behind. The most famous residents of the castle, three brown bears, are kept in the dry moat according to a centuries-old tradition.

Wittenberg

​Wittenberg is a nice quite small city. The focus of history here, for those that don’t know, revolves around Martin Luther.

Our tour of the city included a visit to his house, the abbey he attended and taught at as well as a visit to the church he attended, preached at and posted his 95 theses.

Days 3 & 4

 Mon, Oct 31, 2016 & Tue, Nov 1, 2016 Wittenberg, Germany An important center of culture and learning, Wittenberg is a quiet town known mostly as the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation. It was here that the Augustinian monk Martin Luther, in 1517, famously nailed his “95 Theses” against the selling of indulgences to the door of the palace church, launching the spread of a new religious movement throughout Germany, then all of Europe. Wittenberg’s incredibly preserved Old Town was spared destruction during World War II, and so its charming houses remain as they have for centuries, with those in the market square huddled around the beloved statue of Luther. Included  Tour Wittenberg City Walk Duration: 2.5 hours Witness the Legacy of Martin Luther Stroll in the footsteps of Martin Luther, founder of the Protestant Reformation, during a walking tour of his city. Wittenberg’s history centers around the courageous actions and teachings of Martin Luther, the Augustinian monk who nailed his “95 Theses” to the door of All Saints’ Church, the palace’s revered Castle Church. You will walk with your guide to this Late Gothic gem, which today hosts a Lutheran congregation. Luther preached here, and you’ll see the “Theses Doors” to which he attached the message that changed the world. After, continue to the Luther House Museum. The famous theologian lived here between 1508 and 1546, and the museum has preserved many of his manuscripts, printed books and paintings from the period. You can walk through his sitting room and his lecture room, which contains his pulpit. In the market square, you can admire the Town Hall and the statue of Luther.
We are now cruising down river to Torgau for our next stop.

I will be posting fewer pictures due to the satallite connection, but will add them later.