Beautiful Rüdesheim

Yesterday I spent the day wandering around the wonderful city of Rüdesheim. It sits squarely along the famous Rhein river (Rhine in English) and, while clearly a tourist hot spot, was still a fantastic place to spend the day. At first I was reluctant to pull out my camera and seem like too much of a tourist, but then I realized the crowd was 90% tourists as it was and decided I wouldn't actually stand out that much. I surprised by how many Americans were there. Before hearing them talk, I could spot them by the telescope lens cameras hanging from their necks, visors, fluorescent shorts, and the men who always wore thin striped polo shirts. Then I heard the thick Texan accent.

This part of the town had clearly sold its soul to tourists in exchange for profitable and terribly kitschy Biersteins, coocoo clocks, German flags, "funny" T-shirts, keychains, postcards, and the usual tourist fodder. The many cafes and sleek restaurants lining the cobbled alleys even hired live bands to stand out in "traditional" German dress and play polka. I watched Germany do an ironic impersonation of itself.

But as I said, it was still a good time. There were several stands selling my beloved Federweiss wine before the season for it ends. Ferry boats ran tours up and down the Rhein and the smell of sweet wine and coffee floated through the crowd. I like the idea of the Schiffahrt (ferry boat ride) and will probably go later this week. Here is one of the boats:


And sitting on a bench only a few feet from the bank staring out over this is what made the day complete for me. There are several white swans floating along the Rhein adding to the postcard picturesqueness of the experience.

Before leaving I stopped at a 'museum' I encountered between the shops. It was a "Mittelalterliches Foltermuseum" (Medieval Torture Museum). You see, it was too late to go on a Schiffahrt and I really wanted to do something before I left, so...I paid the 4 euros and had a look around. I have several pictures, though I think I'll leave them out for now.

I knew I definitely wanted to try some Federweiss before I left, so I went from stand to stand looking to see who had it for the cheapest. Everyone was offering tiny sample glasses for 1,80. Which I probably would have gotten, had I not happened upon one of the many wine shops selling bottles of Federweiss for 3,90! My decision was clear. Because Federweiss is wine that is still fermenting, it cannot be corked. Luckily, I had a very large purse with me and was able to carry the entire bottle in there in an upright position all the way back home.


While waiting for the bus, a friendly older gentleman came up to me, offered me a cigarette, and insisted I marry his son. I declined both offers.