Germany: Stadel Museum to Kroeller Mueller Museum

After we left Salzburg, it was Gene's turn to get his way...this meant a trip to Frankfurt for the Stadel Fine Arts Museum, a ride up the Rhine River and finish with the amazing Kroeller Mueller Museum.

Stadel Fine Arts Museum

The European Central Bank (ECB) is heavily guarded. Gene said, "You're not downtown Frankfurt, you're
downtown Europe!"

Not far from Frankfurt is the wonderful town of Mainz. It's very big but here is a picture from the quaint Old Town.
Gene wants to ride on the Rhine River from Mainz to Koblenz (the river is just beyond this area).

The Rhine River cruise boat (and restaurant).

Inside the Rhine cruise boat

One of the many stops along the Rhine.

Many castles along the Rhine.

Cute. The Rhine route on the side of the boat's bar.

Kroeller Mueller Museum...Can you find the Van Goghs? And Paul Signac? And Renoir? (trick question)

Outdoor art...a large collection and a wonderful walk.

What's this...mini ponies are everywhere.

One last thing...once we hit Germany it was like walking into the future. Those graceful white electricity-producing windmills are all over Europe already, but in Germany solar industries and other alternative energies are everywhere. Lights come on only when you enter a public restroom. Our hotel was ala George Jetson.
What's that? Yep, a see through shower in the middle of the room.

Sweet futuristic dreams.

Hope you had fun viewing the blog.

Again, this was a learning experience. I learned that I seriously need to update my technology. Some folks were taking pics with tablets. And with WiFi everywhere, why the heckola am I needing cyber cafes?

It seems like a million years since we walked along the water's edge in Hvar. That path ends at a tiny beach composed of colorful rocks. They were ALL so pretty I stopped picking them up and just sat down with my legs straight out like a kid in a sandbox. Catching myself smiling, I made note to remember that moment.

Such beautiful places! Ruins and Alps. Palm trees and castles. What really rattled me is the historical reminders of what came before these fashionable modern times: wars, tortures, chastity belts and expulsions of peoples.  Kind of hard to "enjoy the ride", eh? So I had to examine that. And then put it aside. And fully live the moment I was in.

As always, we  enjoyed wonderful interactions with helpful locals and other tourists. On the Rhine boat ride we met a Taiwanese family who have lived  in Australia for 22 years...great conversations. Then, amazing! We see the same family in another city far away. Hugs all around and business cards exchanged ("If you're ever in Sydney call us.") That was just too weird. If our train hadn't been cancelled, causing us to sprint from Track 6 to Track 2, we would have missed them. Yeah, well...you guessed it...we saw them again in another country. Either we're being followed by the CIA or it may be true that spirits travel in the same "stream."

There will be more traveling, somehow. For now I will concentrate on making my writing something more enjoyable to read. Calling all senses.

Perhaps a past journey will be posted here. Egypt? Japan? Russia? Istanbul? Now taking requests!

Happy Lifesurfing!