Village Life, off the ship and on the ship

Saturday 9/6, this morning we headed off on 4 coaches but in 10 small groups to experience life in the local community in the country villages. We chose a trip to a Franciscan Monastery, Kloster Engelberg. Here, we were met by a Franciscan Monk for a short tour then we were given a sample of the meals that they supply daily to pilgrims. At breakfast this morning, they served 400+ pilgrims with a meal. For morning tea, we had Beer or Wine with Monastery bread, cheese, ham and sausage. Quite a filling meal for a snack! We then went for a walk through the Monastery’s Beer-garden, their vegetable garden and vineyard, and then through their tourist shop. After a short coach trip back to Freudenberg we then had lunch at a Ratskeller, a traditional midday meal in the “council’s cellar”. A meal of salads, noodle pasta, and rissole-like meat patties, with more Beer and more Wine was served. This was enjoyed by all. During the meal we were entertained by a Bavarian DJ.

In the afternoon, we had time to relax onboard while cruising down the river. Just before dinner, we were again entertained, this time by a professional Zither player. After this, it was time for dinner, more food, more beer and more wine. This evening after dinner, we were entertained by the ship’s “hotel” crew with songs, dances and skits. It was very obvious that the hotel crew on-board this ship enjoy working for/with the “hotel manager, Thomas”.