Sunday, October 18, 2015

Mainz, Germany



The following photos are scenes as we floated down the river to Mainz, Germany.  If there is a country with more castles on rivers than Germany's Rhine river, I'd like to know about it.

















Rows and rows of cultivated vineyards.




















  I like to take photos of historical buildings.  Josh likes birds.  The following photos were taken by him.


















An eagle circling overheard.








For the life of me I can't place this building.   I think it is a government building, probably at one time a Lord or Duke's palace.








Outside the Mainz Museum, standing next to Mr. Gutenberg.  Inside is the Gutenberg press and some of the Bibles that were printed there.  Unfortunately it was Sunday and closed.  I did my best to look through the windows but didn't see much.


Mainz Cathedral



 Mainz Museum with the Gutenberg press.




St. Stephen's Church.  The stained glass images are by Marc Chagall.  It was a real treat to finally see these in person.
It was Sunday evening, therefore church was about to start.   Josh and I slipped in and sat down.  There was choir rehearsal with organ so in addition to enjoying Chagall's art we got to listen to lovely organ music for a half hour.  Then Mass began.  We thought it would not be respectful to continue snapping photos during the service so we slipped back out.















I am an organist and play on an Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ for my church.  I appreciated the beauty of this man's playing and the superb quality of the organ.







Old Town Mainz.


This interesting fellow was guarding the Mainz Cathedral

Thus endeth our first boat stop. From here, no more boat rides.  Josh and I biked from town to town.   Next stop: 20 miles to Nierstein.


4 comments:

Brian Joseph said...

More wonderful pictures Sharon.

pPersonally I like pictures buildings and birds :)

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Brian. This trip had plenty of both because not only did we bike through medieval villages but also through nature reserves. Have a good week!

RTD said...

Beautiful! I am so-o-o-o-o envious (which is one of those deadly sins). Thanks for sharing the photos. Now I need to plan a river cruise in Europe. And recommendations and advice?

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi RT: http://www.european-traveler.com/germany/rhine-and-neckar-river-boat-cruises-from-heidelberg-mannheim-and-worms/

You can look at the above link. We biked but there are cruises that you simply float down on the boat and disembark to tour the different towns. Josh and I didn't find them that expensive. It's all a package deal and includes meals. Good luck.