Nuremberg

Moored this morning just outside of town. Another amazing breakfast and then we are off into town on our walking and bus tour of the sights. There is one thing about a tour like this - everything is included and there are not many decisions to be made. Going with the flow is quite a good idea at times.

A lot of damage was done to Nuremberg during the Second world war, but in the old section of the town there are still a number of interesting streets and buildings.

Many of you know that one of our reservations about a trip like this, was the "group" thing. We have found that there are some days when we just want to do our own thing.

Today was one of them.

Whether it was that the guide was tedius... or whether the area we started at was not inspiring... or whether it was just us!... but we "peeled" off from the group, and headed into the interesting area surrounding and including the "Hauptmarkt". Among other things, there was Winzerschnitzel for sale - no kidding!

There we found the Christmas Market in full swing, and the famous fountain - the "Schoner Brunnen" - famous in that there is no water in it!!

My raincoat came into it's own again during a  a short shower, but nothing like yesterday.

While it was happening, we decided to pop into the cathedral to have a look. The "Mariemkircke" (the Church Of Our Lady) is Nuremberg's most famous church. We couldn't have timed this better! A rehearsal for something was happening - we heard a recorder player, who then swapped to flute... a singer... and the small pipe organ. This just brought the cathedral to life - wonderful!

We also saw the little people on the cathedral clock walking about. (See picture above) This only happens at 12 noon - we just happened to be there at 12 noon!!! And, of course, the clock sounded 12 times.

Back out in the Christmas Market, we enjoyed some gluwein (alcho-frei) and also tried the famous "Elisen Lebkuchen" (gingerbread) made in Nuremberg. Delicious!!

This market is the largest and most famous of the Christmas Markets in germany, and we saw many artisan/craftspeople type things - which we enjoyed. Even got a little "something" for Andrew to give Bekah. That's all I'll say - it has to be a surprise.

Unfortunately the boat was moored too far away from the old town for us to be able to walk back to it.
...so we had to join the herd for the return trip on the bus. We had so enjoyed walking  a couple of other times.  Ah well...

Back on board with a welcoming cup of hot tea, a relax, and later a presentation on canals.

Cruising away from Nuremberg we had several VERY low bridges, and several VERY deep locks. Very exciting. And then we cross the Continental Divide...
...any ideas on how we should celebrate this????

After celebrating the aforementioned feat - we were awarded with a certificate! AND we didn't even have to pay for it!!!