Friday August 27th, 2010 – Nuremberg

We were awakened early by a very noisy lock – this on our last full day aboard. We noted that this morning’s locks took us lower rather than higher as was happening yesterday. We arrived in Nuremberg right on time at 8 AM and then headed off for a day’s sightseeing in Nuremberg in the rain at 9 AM. Four members of our group had decided to take the optional WWII Tour, so headed off a little earlier.
As Nuremberg was the centre of the Nazi Party in the late 30’s, our guide gave us some pertinent information about the party, their rally’s and the Congressional Hall and Documentation Centre which was never completed. This building was built on very marshy ground, and as a result has a huge number of pilings to keep it from sinking. The location was chosen for two reasons, there was unused space, but more important the building would be reflected in the nearby lake – thus adding to the propaganda effect. The building was similar to the coliseum in that it is round, with granite walls on the outside and what was to be marble on the inside. We were able to drive around but not stop inside the structure. This structure was only one of several structures planned by Hitler to confirm the massiveness of the party in comparison to the individual. The congressional hall is the only building to remain standing as a warning to future generations.
The next site was this beautiful cemetery filled with roses and very uniform tomb stones – to represent the equality of all in death.
The focus of the balance of our tour through Nuremberg was the middle ages, and the structures and part of the city that was build during that period of time. Most of the homes are – what is called – half timber houses, which means that they have a stone base, and the balance of the house is made of wood. Much of the Old Town was destroyed during WWII, but has been faithfully rebuilt to its former appearance.
Once we left the bus we ventured into the Imperial Palace which has been completely rebuilt. We were told about the careful construction that was designed to ward of any attacks from neighbouring enemies.
We then ventured down the cobble stone roadway into the Market square with the Church of Our Lady on one side of the market. We all had to watch the clockwork on the facade of the church at noon. We were also encouraged to turn the golden ring on the “Beautiful Fountain”, and to make a wish while doing this!
We also noted that a number of us purchased one or two souvenirs, including some of the wonderful home made gingerbread.
Then back to our ship for lunch and to catch up with the rest of the group. This afternoon was a time for relaxation and to have a bit of fun with the Pete Seeger song in the Library. We shared this with the rest of the ship at the briefing at 6:45. At supper we celebrated the 50th Wedding Invitation for John and Lois. The ship provided the Champagne to toast the fabulous couple, and Earl wrote a Limerick for the occasion.
This evening will include a German Folk Festival for all who can stay up. It was really a lot of fun, and the musician was wonderfully talented and had a great deal of fun as well.

Then we are off to bed and rest up for tomorrow as we disembark and meet with our new guide Fred Blum at 8:15 AM for our tour of Munich on the way to Oberammergau.