The German Christmas markets are now widely advertised and many English people have found them to be most festive and celebratory. Barbara and Rod decided to sample their prospective delights and booked for a Rhine Cruise on the MV Olympia starting at Boppard. They sailed along the Middle Rhine between Rüdesheim and Koblenz. The latter town is at the confluence of the Rhine and the Mosel, a most important location both politically and economically. At the holiday break they had many adventures, including:
- Riding the cable car over vineyards in Rüdesheim, to see the great statue of Germania in the Niederwald.
- Dancing in the International Bar along the Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim.
- Attending the Nativity Presentation (Vokal) in the Jesuit College, Koblenz (close to the Koblenzer Altstadt) where all the Choir and the Presenter were dressed as Father Christmas.
- Witnessing the formidable castles along the route. In former days they were inhabited by Lords (regarded as ‘Robber Barons’) who exerted swingeing tolls from the river traffic operatives and visited non-payers with severe punishments. None was as rapacious as the Hatto, Archbishop of Mainz, who by excessive tolls, tithes and taxes, effectively starved the local population. When they rebelled he barricaded them into his grain barn and set fire to it - where they all died. Later he was chased by hungry mice. He locked himself in a fortress (the Maus Tower) in the middle of the Rhine near Bingen and there was imprisoned - eaten alive by the mice he had displaced.
- Taking part in the Christmas market festivities, including liberal partaking of warm ‘gluhwein’.
Rod was impelled to write a short poem about the experience:
A Rhine River Christmas Cruise.
At Christmas time we sailed the Mittel Rhein
For Weihnachtsmarkt, to mull o’er warm gluhwein,
Upon Olympian beauteous river boat to cruise
From Boppard town, Rüdesheim to peruse.
We glided over vineyards in Kabinettenbahn
To Niederwald, and shared with Weihnachtsmann
A view of Germania. To her, glory be
For victory from the French, 30 tons of woman, so was she.
Down river, Bingen-by a castle-studded way. From thence
Unto the Mosel confluence, Kaiser dominated at Koblenz.
At Jesu’s college red-figures Vokal nativity near the market square.
Joy-filled figures and iconic naughty boy were sculpted there.
At Drosselgass’s international pub we danced and coffee’d Rüdesheim,
And walked for Father Rhine and Mother Mosel for excessive time.
The Eurotunnel coach trip with Ian proved a thrill,
As Nieberlungen driver he really filled the ‘bill’.,
Seasonal cheer - Of Beck’s the beer -
Now to Immanuel - God with Us - celebrations here.
Seasons Greetings -
Rod Dawson
