Koblenz

 

Der schrankel. The rascal. In the summer he will spit at passing tourists. Too cold this day although it was 60

I loved seeing all the trees in blossom. It is almost a month later in Michigan and still no blossoms!  It was early morning here and looking into the sun was tricky

Koblenz sits on the ‘ecke’ corner of the Rhine and the Moselle, two very important trade routes. The Romans were here very early.  this is a statue of William the Prussian who kicked out the French and unified the German states.  his head was blown off during WW2 and the people were divided about repairing it as they weren’t fans of the Prussians either (Catholics versus Protestants for starters)

Sunset on our boats deck

Although our official tour was in the historical center, we had some time to explore the newer parts. My favorite was a nail salon featuring ‘American Manicures’

Loved this building 

I took this photo thrilled to see forsythia which is finally in bloom back in our frozen tundra 

Numerous sandstone sculptures all over. This is the peppermint lady

Always a cathedral 

This modern statue shows the various layers of Koblenz history. Roman wine boat on the bottom Bombs near the top

These Eiscafes were in every town. My favorite was the spaghetti eis. 

Román wineboat closeup

The dwarves are giving you the finger

Cherry blossoms 

Every 15 minutes the figure under the clock rolls his eyes and sticks his tongue out. Yep the city of pranksters