Day 30 & 31: Moselle and Rhine Valleys

Day 30
Am Cologne: NS Dokumentationszentrum (El-De-Haus: Gestapo headquaters and gaols)
pm Germany: Koblenz: Moselle Valley
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We were unable to visit NS Dokumentationszentrum when we were in Cologne, so were keen to head out this morning before leaving for Koblenz. We were not keen on seeing a lot of war stuff – too emotional and we all abhor the horrors and atrocities committed, but I read this was a very good museum...and it was. The goals where innocent people were held and tortured was awful and the farewell messages carved on the walls (by young women in their early 20s) before execution and after torture were so sad and horrible. But, it was very informative and did detail the rise of the Nazi movement in Germany.
Koblenz is only about 1 ½ hours out of Cologne – but seems like a lifetime away.We spent the afternoon driving along the Moselle River, taking the route from Koblenz to Cochem. Went through little villages such as Mudener St. Castorhohle, Hatzenport and Alkener Burgberg. As you can see by the photos it is postcard perfect every time you drive around a bend. The valley has vines growing up the sides (because it is a major wine growing area) and castles up in the hills. Stopped off at a beautiful place and Rick sampled a local moselle from the grower...while I had...a cappacino. It was a peaceful, beautiful day. Tomorrow we take the other side and drive down the Rhine Valley.

Day 31: Rhine Valley

Started at Koblenz again and had a look around the town. The point where the Moselle and Rhine Rivers meet was lovely and had a large lookout/memorial of the Kaiser. Left Koblenz and went a different way. This time along the Rhine River, driving through the Rhine Vally – known for great views, great wineries and castles around every corner. After drizzling rain a couple of times the day before, it was nice to have sunshine again...even if it was 5 degrees. Sat in the sun while we had lunch and it was so warm (cool when the wind picked up a few times). Stopped in at a few towns for a look, but the most stunning was Rudesheim. Arrived there about 4 pm. (shame it wasn’t a little earlier). Caught the cable car up over the vineyard up to a lookout/monument. It was fantastic. Great views along the Rhine in both direcions. Got to Hiedelberg when it was dark and Tomasina got lost. She had us driving on a tractor road through someone’s market garden. Must have wondered what we were doing...little freaky. Then she had us at a cemetery.( Last time I checked we were not quite dead.) A few phone calls later we arrived at the hotel and the lovely lady held my arm in sympathy and suggested we stay in for the rest of the night.