It's Amazing!

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful day!  We went on a family excursion Sunday and took a cruise on the Rhein River.  First of all it's no small feat to get two teenage boys up, showered, dressed, and in the car by 7 am on a day they could be sleeping in. Then it's a drive to a town called Koblenz along the Rhein River where we caught the ship.  Of course, true to form, Connor's first question as soon as we sat down was "When do we eat?" So, after a nice breakfast on the ship, we headed out to the front of the ship to watch the "Romantic" Rhein river go by.  It wasn't long before castle after castle went by. 

It seemed like every time I put my camera down for a minute, there was another picture I wanted to take.   Not only were the castles amazing the way the vineyards scaled the mountain sides fascinated me, I kept trying to figure out how they cultivate the steep mountain sides.  I guess that's a question for another trip :) 

On the advise of the guide on the ship, we got off at the town of Bacharach to eat lunch and explore the medieval town known for it's wine.  We saw a building that was built in 1368 (I think it's an inn that is still in use!).  For us as American's we can't imagine something that old still standing!! After our time in Bacharach we hopped back on the ship for our return ride home.  We had a wonderful day together as a family and acquired some more wonderful memories of our time here in Germany. 

As always, until next time God Bless!

Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Yep that's right!  I went to Istanbul!!! Can you believe it? Neither can I.  I was sure I'd never leave the United States and now I've visited some incredible places.  I also never left my family for a "girls" trip before moving to Germany either. (I'm just experiencing so many new things). Added Bonus, I came home to a clean house! Woot Woot !!!

What an experience.  It's not a long flight from Düsseldorf, but it was like stepping into a new world. I've seen some of the most beautiful European Cathedrals, but the sights in Istanbul are breathtaking too. I often fell behind our tour group getting caught up in trying to capture the feel of Istanbul with pictures.  I finally decided I can't do it justice.

We had an amazing tour guide, Omar, who was so full of knowledge and was so accommodating, we had a wonderful day touring.  The first night we decided to explore down by the Bosphorus It was a hazy day, but the fisherman and their "friends" were still busy.

We ended the trip with Dinner show at the Galata Tower. It was a fun way to end the trip but I think the best part was the view from the tower.   I have to thank all my friends who were on the trip with me for making it such a fun experience.  I also want to thank those friends who organized the trip.  It is definitely one to remember.

I'm glad to be home with my family, and I have some wonderful memories from my few days in Istanbul, but I'm also excited for the next adventure to begin, wherever that may be!

Until next time, God's Blessings to you all