Our Long-Awaited Journey Part 6: Mainz, Speyer, and Koblenz, Germany

Our trip from Colmar, France to Koblenz, Germany to embark on the sister ship was a long day. Fortunately, we were able to spend time in Mainz and Speyer Germany along the way.

Mainz is located in the heart of the Rhine wine region at the mouth of the Main River near the Nahe River. As we made our way along the old brick sidewalks, we came upon a Stolperstein (stumbling stone) embedded in the sidewalk. These Stolperstein were placed there to honor the Jewish people who were victims of the Holocaust. Seeing the name and dates on the stumbling stone was a very solemn and humbling moment.

One of the Upper Rhine's most dramatic cathedrals is the Mainz Cathedral which has six towers. Within the cathedral are Marc Chagall's world-famous stained-glass windows. Mainz's most famous native son is Johannes Guttenberg, inventor of movable type and book printing. Our visit to Mainz included a tour of the Guttenberg Museum. Within its walls, you will find printing techniques, topography, book arts, and a working model of the Guttenberg printing press. Also, on display are some of the 42-line Bible pages from his most important invention, the Guttenberg Bible.

Our next stop was Speyer, Germany. Speyer is a quiet German town that lies on the west bank of the Rhine. Within Speyer is a Romanesque imperial cathedral that is the burial place of eight emperors, including some of the most famous Roman emperors. Speyer, once a major Celtic center, changed hands several times between the Romans and the Huns.

On this quick stop we were able to take in the beauty of the Speyer Cathedral, unspoiled garden statues, well-preserved architecture, and brick paved streets. Like most of the old German towns and villages, you feel like you have been transported to another time.

Once again, we boarded the bus for the last leg of our journey on this day. Within two hours we arrived in Koblenz and the sister ship, Hild, in time to freshen up, partake in a cocktail, and enjoy another gourmet meal. Now, time to rest and prepare for what will come tomorrow.

Welcome Home - Speyer

Vine Covered Door - Speyer

Speyer Cathedral

Speyer Cathedral

Garden Statue - Speyer

Garden Statues - Speyer

Garden Statues - Speyer 

Guttenberg Museum - Mainz

Come Read with Me - Guttenberg Museum 
Stolperstein (Stumbling Stone) - Mainz

Sunset on the Deck - Koblenz

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress - Koblenz

Sunset in Koblenz

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