Ol’ Man River

I have never cared for cruises!  I consider them too confining and not conducive to experiencing a country, its culture, and its people.  When I decide on a place to experience, I want to go there and, well, experience it.  I want to spend time wandering the streets, reaching the summits of mountain ranges, awing the art and architecture, interacting with locals, and utilizing the transportation system.  I love it!  For the past two years, however, I have been challenged with physical injuries.

I have been temporarily unable to climb stairs, walk the narrowing cobblestone streets, spend hours admiring expansive museums, and veer in and out of the local haunts.  It’s been a real drag and drain on my raison d’etre. 

One day my daughter suggested a river cruise down the Rhine River.  She thought that I should consider it, in light of my physical condition.  After much refusal, I agreed that it might be the only way to enjoy my holiday.  And so, for the first time, I went on a cruise.

The riverboat was small, approximately 80 state rooms equipped with balconies.  There were two restaurants, a lounge with a bar, a spa, and a beautiful setting.  The most important aspects of the cruise were not only that our hotel travelled with us, but that at each of the stops, there were various levels of exploration.  Because of my physical limitations, I selected the “Gentle Walkers” group. 

Although this was quite a different travel experience for me, it turns out that not only was my river cruise the best decision, it was a pleasure.

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