Story Veta (Book 2) (complete)

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 227: Sep 10 - Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

This morning we arrived in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the last day in The Netherlands. Chief Gunder was looking harried as we crossed paths in the Mess Hall. He joined Vit and I and I introduced the two. Vit was immediately called away after that and Chief Gunder asked me, “Did it work this way or the first ship?”

“Not … precisely. And I mostly handled the students. They did not get to choose their excursions, nor did I. I was simply assigned as needed.”

“And you … do not object to this? The workload is significant.”

I shrugged. “It is what it is Chief. This assignment will not last forever and it affords a way for my husband and I to remain together.” At the surprise on his face I added, “I do care about the Peace Mission, both Vit and I do, but staying together is a high priority for us and my position is more flexible than his.”

“Hmmm. So there is no conflict in not having days off?”

“No Sir. On sea days on the B, I worked in Diplomat Baird’s office translating documents. I may help with that occasionally depending upon the clearance needed but the new translation machines have drastically reduced the number of personnel needed for such a task.”

“It is goot. I was explained to by Chief Ivanov but I wished to hear it from you.”

Uh oh. Syntax stress.

He added, “You will let me know if there are problems.”

“Of course Sir. I may have to cc Chief Ivanov on occasion but when I was with the students my reports were primarily for the education administrators. Most anything that Chief Ivanov could need to know will be brought to her attention by Communications who monitor my uniform cam.”

“Which you wear at all times?”

I chuckled. “Yes. I’m hoping I was able to impress that on those in the group yesterday and the word will get around. Personnel from the B should already know the drill. Those of the A will hopefully come to understand sooner rather than later.”

He slowly grinned. “Yes, you will do,” he said with a chuckle. “A little young for the responsibility you carry but I have heard goot things. Chief Ivanov was most thorough in her explanations. Each days’ assignment will be ready for you the night before after your report has been turned in. I will keep unexpected changes to the schedule to a minimum. The fewer problems in my department the better.”

“Thank you. If you’ll excuse me I need to prepare for today’s disembarking. The first tour starts early.”

Today there would be less “free time” for those on the excursion. First excursion was a two-hour bicycle ride. We cycled through the grasslands of Kinderdijk and saw nineteen historic windmills. The cycle route took us through the polders, or low-lying lands, along the Lek River. Kinderdijk is famed for its windmills, which were built to pump the excess water from the polders that lie around 5 feet below sea level. Built in 1740, they were erected to help water management and prevent flooding of the area. As we cycled through this network of windmills, our guide explained how they worked and how they symbolized Dutch water management today. During our ride, we passed several of the windmills up close and were able to take a peek inside for a glimpse of the rustic life of a mill keeper.

It was still early morning when we returned to the ship. I could have used something to drink but I had to leave immediately with the next excursion group. This excursion was more windmills but with a side order of cheese. The cheese farm came first. We got an in-depth look at how one of The Netherlands’ top products is made. We met both the farmers and the cheesemaking staff who patiently explained how they create their product from fresh milk. We learned about the craft, process and history of cheese making, which dates back to pre-Christian times. The cheese we sampled afterwards was delicious. The remainder of the excursion, the part on the windmills, was a duplicate of the earlier one except we did it by bus rather than peddle power.

The back-to-back excursions filled the morning hours. We returned by noon and were able to take our lunch on board. I was interested to find out that the Mess Hall was going to follow our schedule by including local dishes as much as possible. Today this included handcrafted Dutch cheeses and for those not going on duty, a small glass of jenever.

After my report was complete and I found I wouldn’t need to report to either Gunder or Polina I went to Mr. Baird’s area to see if Henry needed any help.

“And how,” he grumped. “Half the damn boxes were delivered upside down and it is a hell of a mess.”

“Missing Barney?”

“You’re not old enough to hear how much. Ye mind helping me to set this lot to right?”

“How about I start with the kettle. We have to have priorities after all.”

“Too right.”

And that is how the afternoon went. I clocked out when Henry went to help Mr. Baird dress for dinner. How a grown man could need such help I’m still not understanding but I’m also not going to comment on it. I walked back to our cabin, wondering if I should find a way to reach Vit to see if he wanted to eat or have me bring him something. I wasn’t sure. The A is certainly different and I wasn’t sure what the rules were quite yet.

The door opened in time to save me from getting nosey with my tablet to locate him, and Vit and I were able to go to dinner together. The food was good, but I could tell he was tired.

I asked, “Want to go back to the cabin or sit in the … er … I guess it is called the Salon … an watch a sporting event?.”

“The cabin unless you need company? And nii, that did not come out the way I meant.”

“You are tired. Let’s just go back to the cabin so you can have some quiet. If you are worried about confining me to quarters you don’t need to worry about that. I’ll even drink some Anijsmelk and you can as well. You are rubbing your stomach.”

“Hmph. Bad habit. But yes, let us get quiet for the night.”

When we got back to the cabin he looked around. You do not mind the size?”

I gave him a naughty look and didn’t even have to say a word. The tips of his ears turned fire engine red and I laughed and ran to the shower before he could catch me. We both “relaxed” enough that the Anijsmelk was welcome to both of us.

I could tell he was about to ask about the cabin again and I forestalled him. “Vit, it is fine. We are going to be on this boat less time and the size of the cabin helps to keep me realistic about acquiring things.”

“But I wish you to … acquire things.”

“In moderation and you know it. I will admit that it is taking some getting used to … but it is more about the difference between ocean cruising and river cruising than it is the difference in the cabins.”

Vit nodded. “I see the same is true for most of the personnel that transferred from the B. Even for the military among us it is a different experience.”

“Have you ever travelled on a river?”

“A few times but not like this and not this consistently.” We discussed the differences as we saw them.

Both pro and con is the smaller size – while there are fewer people on the smaller ship, the flip side to that is that there’s less space for shared amenities, like the mega-pools, theaters, and other bells and whistles on the much larger B. Completely positive is the Easy Boarding & Disembarking: Forget long lines of thousands of people passing through immigration with x-ray scans. We simply walk on and off the ship with little to no wait except for Security.

Vit said, “There have been some complaints that there is very little onboard entertainment. When not on duty, most personnel should choose to rest rather than seek out activities. They should not need to be distracted at all times.”

“Polina says there is some concern that the exercise space is very limited which is turning out to be a problem in some respect when everyone wants to use what little bit of space there is at the same time. And cabins are not conducive some of the more active exercises most of the personnel need. Pools? There isn’t one, not even an exercise pool. Chief Gunder is finding out how conducive it is for jogging at each stop so that personnel not on duty and not on an excursion might otherwise exercise.”

“Do you like him?”

“Who? Gunder?” I shrugged. “I don’t know him. He reminds me of a young Santa.”

That caught Vit off guard and some of the milk he was drinking went down the wrong way. I handed him a napkin and said, “Admit it. He looks like a young Santa. Or younger any way. If the gray in his goatee was white and the beard fuller … C’mon, I know I’m not seeing things.”

Vit’s mouth twitched. “Very well. But I do not think the man would appreciate it.”

“On the contrary, I think he plays it up on purpose. He is the jolliest German I’ve ever met. And it disarms people. When he isn’t playing it up however he seems very competent. He certainly got the excursions organized quickly when I expected at least a few days of chaos. It seems the Mess Hall is worse from what Gunder mentioned.”

Vit nodded. “Dining is everyone all together. That has been a shock to the system for those that are invested in the XO/enlisted differentiation. It has caught some of the diplomats sideways as well. It will work out if they will allow it to.”

The biggest difference is the storage space we had on the B and what we have now. Not only did we have a large cabin on the B, we had a storage locker. On the A we have a few drawers and the under the bed cabinets. I can’t imagine what it must be like in the smaller cabins being shared by four personnel. Though I suppose it cannot be any worse than what the crew of a submarine must go through.

My biggest challenge is finding patience with adults than with the secondary students. Students I expected momentary immaturity from. When coming from full-grown adults it makes me want to grind my teeth. Especially when it occurs in areas that it only makes things more difficult and not humorous. The close quarters and smaller crew size makes for more intimate interactions as well and I find I am growing less and less comfortable being unable to have any space away from everyone else. Mostly I wonder why someone signs up for bicycling if they are not physically fit enough for the activity. And how someone not physically fit was accepted as crew, personnel, or support staff.

Tomorrow is our first port in Germany. I hope that personality issues start to smooth out. I’m trying not to bother Polina or Gunder with some of the interactions I’ve witnessed.

 

[sssarawolf]

Yes, she needs to bother about what she is seeing , thank you.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 228: Sep 11 - Cologne, Germany

Four tour groups today. Four. At least the last one Vit was with me. I’m exhausted but unable to sleep. Waiting for Dylan to let me know that everyone still has all their fingers and toes.

We docked in Cologne, Germany on a cool and foggy morning. Once known as the “Chicago at the Rhein”. In 50 AD, the Romans founded Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (Cologne) on the river Rhine. A considerable amount of Roman remains can be found in present-day Cologne, especially near the wharf area, where a 1,900-year-old Roman boat was discovered in late 2007. The economic structures of medieval and early modern Cologne were characterized by the city's status as a major harbor and transport hub on the Rhine. Craftsmanship was organized by self-administering guilds, some of which were exclusive to women. Despite several attacks during WW1, Cologne was barely impacted. Even the occupation by the British was “benevolent” as they tried to leave the locals alone to prosper. The same cannot be said of WW2 during which 95% of the city’s center was destroyed including many cultural treasures such as the twelve Romanesque churches that had survived for centuries. Despite modern building methods and materials, reconstruction of the area took more than 50 years.

I kept up the monologue as I gathered the first tour group and headed out on an early, 2-hour walking tour with a German guide whose accent was so thick I would have preferred he simply stuck to his native tongue and let us use our translators. One of the requirements on the A is to use English as the primary language, you really need to pick one so there is some cohesion. You aren’t forbidden from using your native language, but for official business and while on duty with fellow personnel you are to use English … Americanized English on top of it. Unfortunately if they are using the same requirements for guides there will likely be some misses and this was one of them. His syntax was correct at least.

We learned about the heritage of Cologne and visited its gothic cathedral that towered over the Old City. His speil, once I was able to get passed his accent, went something like this: “Step into a rich past, following some of the city’s preserved historic street patterns and hearing about its Roman and medieval history along the way. Stop at Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of this towering structure began in 1248 and continued in several stages over the next seven centuries. Finally completed in 1880, it largely escaped the damage that ravaged the city and the rest of Germany during World War II. The largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, this magnificent church boasts two soaring spires and beautiful stained glass windows.”

“As you walk through the narrow lanes of the Old Town, you’ll find it hard to believe that more than 70 percent of the city was destroyed by bombs during WWII. Three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its Renaissance façade. The famous 12 Romanesque churches were reconstructed from the rubble, and the cathedral, Cologne’s iconic landmark, rises magnificently in the city center.“

It went on like that the entire time. I was actually grateful for his in-depth coverage of the Cathedral as it helped immensely with my next tour group which was called “Cathedral Backstage.”

On this tour we had a docent rather than a traditional guide. Was more academic and religious but at the same time it is what suited the atmosphere. We climbed a 104-step spiral staircase to the roof of Cologne’s cathedral. Not the most steps I have every climbed, but the staircase was tight and I was honestly a little dizzy at the end of the climb, both ways. Our docent, who was also part of the Dom’s excavation and restoration crew, excellent. We started by entering the very ceiling of the cathedral through a rooftop door. We were shown how the vast tower spaces and massive iron structures holding up the roof were put together and maintained. We also visited the restoration workshops, a privilege few are given. Then it was onto the roof itself for incredible, up-close views of the cathedral’s Gothic architecture. And beyond that, there was the view out over the old-world rooftops and waters of the Rhine far beneath.

I like the people who made up this group more than the composition of the other groups thus far. They all minded the requirement that you must be in good physical condition and not afraid of heights, and be able to pass through some tight spaces and negotiate steps. Some of the flights of stairs you could tell had been there since the first building phase. Building of the cathedral commenced in 1248 AD but ground to a halt in 1560 for several reasons … finances and politics chief among them. Building resumed in 1814 and wasn’t truly completed until 1880.

We were given the privilege of being able to take photos and vids so long as there was no flash or external light. I still haven’t watched them but not because that hadn’t been my intent. The day conspired against me. But I did come back with enough postcards that even Vit was impressed.

I released this tour group to return to the ship and hurried away to meet up with the third tour a few blocks away. This one was just as active, simply in its own way; a bicycle tour. Again we had one or two that should have been more sure of their abilities on a bike, but they gained confidence and by the end of the three hour tour was more better. But I warned them privately they might be better off taking a Tylenol or similar before bed. Rather than be insulted they laughed.

We ventured through the historic city of Cologne, passing through Heumarkt, where the equestrian statue of Friedrich Wilhelm III, King of Prussia, proudly stands. We saw City Hall—the oldest in Germany, with a history spanning more than 900 years. We pedaled through the Old Town with our guide regaling us with stories of Cologne’s past and the reconstruction of the city following the heaving bombings it suffered during World War II. We heard the twin spires of the Cathedral were have been used as an easily recognizable navigational landmark by Allied aircraft. We returned to the ship by way of the Rheinauhafen waterfront.

We were nearly there when an emergency return order was issued by our Security. Since we had just taken off our helmets it didn’t take long and I was also called to help check in personnel. I thought it was an early all aboard when Polina called me to the side.

“This is just a formality. As soon as we have a full head count permission to return to the city will be given. Vit wanted you to hear it from him but he is on the Bridge.”

“What?” I asked becoming alarmed.

“Your government, they stopped a major terrorist attack. It would have been a duplicate of the September 11th attacks.”

Trying to keep my composure I looked around. “How serious?”

“Very. And with even more serious repercussions for your country. There was a cyber attack that was only partially stopped. Your brother sends you this,” she said handing me a communique. “Take it to your cabin. If you think there is more than is written and wish to share it with me, Yegor and I will be joining you and Vit tonight at the dinner.”

I was still absorbing the first bit of information. It took a few minutes to realize they expected us to carry on as if nothing had happened. I did understand that she knows my brother often sends things for me to read between the lines.

The cyber-attack was a serious one, more serious than is being widely broadcast. There were some private corporations targeted but it was primarily the federal government that was singled out for the worst of it. Some systems had to be taken off line or further egress in systems would have occurred. The EBT card system is down and several other entitlements programs have been damaged. There are back ups but it is going to take some time to comb through everything to make sure no backdoors were created. Entitlement checks will be delayed but they don’t have a time frame. There are rumors that people will have to come in and bring all their current documentation to re-enroll in a new system because the government won’t risk corrupted documentation being rolled over. Dylan thinks they may use this as a way to get rid of some of the fraud and continuing to fund people that no longer exist, if they ever did. One of the more worrying problems is that the immigration system was also hit hard, and the entire program is under review. I was sick with worry until receiving a communication just an hour ago from Vit’s personal caseworker to assure him that his file was fine since his was in a different system due to his work with the Peace Mission. He also gave Vit the contact information for his new caseworker but says that all contact should be made via secure email service and to keep copies of all correspondence just in case.

It was almost incomprehensible to me that the final tour of the day was still on. It was a “cultural dinner” type of thing, especially an immersive experience in the lively brauhaus culture. I had only found out early in the morning that Vit would attend with me. And had just found out that Polina and Yegor were on the rotation as well. I found out from Chief Gunder as he was handing me the packet and ascertaining if I was up for the assignment, that it was HR’s doing. This rep seem to be much more reasonable than the entire department combined in the B. He doesn’t try and change things in midstride but instead has fixed a schedule from the beginning of who gets what holidays off, what days off/hours off are mandatory, etc. And he did it in conjunction with department heads and chiefs so that the rotations make sense rather than at some computerized whim that is supposed to be “fair.” I am sure I will appreciate Mr. Kep’s difference in the future, but today I simply haven’t had the head space to think what that could mean for Vit and I.

The major topic of discussion at our table was, of course, the cyberattack on the US. I had already told what I could to Vit in the few minutes he had for changing for dinner. We both agreed there was nothing we could really share with Polina as of yet. The only addition that Dylan’s note held that wasn’t “common” knowledge is that Dylan would make sure everyone in the family was okay … some were receiving government assistance that will be affected by the cyber attack … and that he would also keep an eye on Vis’ immigration file.

All I could do at that point was my job thus I encouraged people to enjoy themselves as we strolled the Old Town’s cobblestone streets walked passed historic houses. We paused along the way at three Kölsch brew houses. Kölsch—a light, crisp beer—is brewed only in Cologne. Brauhaus servers, called köbes, will deliver Kölsch straight from the barrel to your table in 7-ounce glasses, small enough for you to finish the beer while it is still refreshingly cold. As everyone drank in the rich culture of Cologne amid the dark-paneled walls and stained glass windows of its Old Town brewhouses, we learned the brewing “secrets” that give Kölsch its distinctive character. We also had dinner at Brauhaus zur Malzmühle, since 1858 one of the most popular brauhaus restaurants and also a traditional meeting point by city residents.

It was not a late night. After the dinner of traditional German food was over with we walked quickly back to the ship. We were all in our Pease Mission uniforms, so got quite a few looks. Most of them were benign to friendly but there were a few disturbing glares.

Back on the ship we left the pier in short order, all preps for departure having already been made. Polina told me that if she had any questions she’d ask but a special report for security was excused. The dual report for both touring and security was sufficient for now. It didn’t break my heart to only had to write one report a day, so I hope it remains that way. After entering our cabin is when I really noticed the bags piled on the desk.

“Vit?”

“Mr. Kep.”

“What about him?”

“He needed an escort to see how the duty-free areas worked.”

“How the … What assignment did Mr. Kep have before this one?”

“As head of HR for a large hotel chain in You-tah. This is his first time on a ship.”

“Oh. Oh my.”

“He said not to be concerned. His grandparents were boat people from Cambodia.”

“Really?” I was struggling not to say something. What that something would have been I have no clue but Vit walked out of the bathroom with a similar look.

Apparently Vit was recommended by Polina. Snort. Chuckle. He brought back some for Yegor which was appreciated I’m sure. First bag held coffee from Cologne’s oldest roastery: Schamong. First opened in September 1949, it has a long tradition of high-quality coffee. Next bag held Kabänes which is a bitter herbal alcohol, similar to Jägermeister, that people from Cologne have been drinking for more than 60 years. Not my cup of tea. The same bag held something called Ketten Fett which translates as chain oil. The liquor neither sound nor looks very tasty. It is used for licorice shots. Uh, I might try it once but only on a dare where the prize is significant. The third item in that bag was Sünner Gin. That was it for the liquor and I’m glad. I’m starting to worry about customs. But perhaps I should be worrying more about weight. The remaining items was mustard from Senfmühle Köln - One of the oldest mustard mills is located in the middle of Cologne. Vit waxed somewhat poetic for him about watching the miller making mustard on the over 200-year-old mill. Then there was the jam from Marmeladen Haus. I gave up trying to figure out all the varieties of what he bought because most of it he had shipped to Charlie but he brought back on the ship some apricot with pistachio and a bottle of blackberry with Prosecco. Oh my.

My communicator just made Dylan’s personal ping. I hope he has good news about the family.

 

[sssarawolf]

I was waiting for this, thank you .

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 229: Sep 12 - Koblenz, Germany

Life goes on and it always will, until the day it does not. Or so said Vit when we discussed some of the reactions to yesterday’s announcement. Basically it was outrage for the Peace Mission continuing as if nothing had happened. Somehow I became the target for their displeasure.

“Everyone is just going on with their merry little lives. It is like nothing has happened at all!”

Since no one was coming to my rescue I fell back on logic. Not exactly appreciated if I read them correctly afterwards. “Why do you and others carry on when other countries and populations have suffered terrorist actions? Life MUST go on. The Mission MUST go on or the bad guys have won. And it is not as if we act as if nothing has happened, but be grateful instead that nothing did. And rededicate ourselves to the Peace Mission. The attack, the attempt to put us in our place or still our place from us, only proves that we are making an impact and they are running scared that they cannot ‘win’ by fair means, only foul.”

Several reporters tried to create more of a situation and I was having none of it. “What are you accomplishing by acting this way? Ask yourselves that. And look at it from both sides. Who do you bring to your side? Who do you turn away that might be allies? Now enough of this, we all have a job to do that we willingly took up.”

Before starting the day’s tours I reported to Polina, not that it hadn’t already been witnessed via security cameras. All Polina had to say was, “If it is too hot in the freezer, your ice cream will melt.” It took me two hours to figure out that she meant “If it is too hot in the kitchen, stay out.” I had the worst time trying not to laugh. I never know whether she does it on purpose or not. Either way it worked, at least for me.

Today’s itinerary was Koblenz, Germany. Set at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Koblenz is filled with that identifiable and traditional German charm. Founded more than 2,000 years ago, it has grown to become the business and cultural center of the Middle Rhine Region. Its cobblestone streets, ancient market square and medieval churches reminds people of yesteryear, although reconstruction has given the new city area a spacious, modern appearance.

First tour was a demanding one to Marksburg Castle. I had very few diplomatic personnel on this tour as they were all busy at an important meeting in the new city area. All I will admit to, is that I was quite satisfied that it drew most of the paparazzi in a different direction for the day.

Marksburg Castle is the only castle in the Rhine Valley to have never been destroyed. We took a bus with a guide to Braubach, where the incredible Marksburg Castle watches over the town as it has since the 13th century. Because this magnificent structure was built with strong fortifications, it was never besieged by enemies. Upon our arrival on its grounds, we enjoyed spectacular views of Braubach, the Rhine and the surrounding countryside from its 550-foot perch. A tour the citadel was included, and we saw the impressive kitchens in the Gothic Hall building all the way down to the ancient torture chamber to view some grisly instruments. Very … er … atmospheric. The distinct butter-churn tower, so named because the upper reaches have a smaller diameter than the lower, is a well-known landmark of the area. Today, Marksburg Castle is home to the German Castles Association, which works to preserve medieval fortifications such as Marksburg all over Germany.

We returned to the ship so that I could pick up the next group. I was happy to keep the same bus, diver, and guide. This time we were off to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for a similar type tour. We ascended to the mighty fortress of Ehrenbreitstein by riding a gondola to the hilltop. It is set high on a hill with magnificent views of Koblenz, the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers and the Eifel Hills. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress has long been a strategic locale, built on the site of a previous fortress whose history stretched back to 1100. The citadel you see today was constructed in the early 19th century to protect against the French. The tour was fun and informative tour with costumed and colorful actor/guide who take on the persona of John Humfrey, a lieutenant colonel in the British Corps of Royal Engineers and other such historical characters … some based on living individuals and some fictional. We were guided through this example of Prussian military fortifications. Afterwards the group had some free time to take in the fantastic views as well as a small café and gift shops before returning to the A.

I had hoped to get a quick bit in the Mess Hall but I just missed it and it was closed. I did manage to be a can of flavored sparkling water that knocked my hunger back enough that when the third and final tour of the day began, I wasn’t starving to death. Good thing too as it was a three-hour walking tour of the town.

We started our tour at Deutsches Eck, the city’s famed German Corner. Jutting into the waters where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet like the prow of a ship, this public park is home to a popular equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I. From there we continued our walk to the narrow streets of the Old Town, passing the baroque City Hall. As we explored, our guide pointed out influences from ancient Rome, the Middle Ages and the Napoleonic era. For instance, we learned that Koblenz was established as a Roman military post by Drusus around 8 B.C. We were shown remains of a large bridge built in 49 AD by the Romans which is still readily visible to the naked eye. We also learned that in 55 BC, Roman troops commanded by none other than the famous Julius Caesar reached the Rhine and built a bridge between Koblenz and Andernach though nothing of it remains. We also saw St. Castor Church—the city’s oldest, dating back to the 9th century. There were quaint cafés and sophisticated boutiques in the city’s pedestrianized area. I played translator for those wishing to do a little shopping during their free time but it mostly wasn’t necessary as many shopkeepers or at least a member of their staff spoke better English with better syntax than some of the personnel on the A. I’m rather disappointed that the need to speak a common language wasn’t taken more seriously by the diplomatic staff. Yes, it will keep me in work but it shows a sad lack of respect and I’m not the only one saying it. It isn’t about being US-centric however. It is more about there were rules that were agreed upon by every country participating and now some of those same countries, or at least their representatives, are playing fast and loose with the mandates.

I learned a strange thing today. The largest foreign group residing in Koblenz are the Turkish followed closely by Polish. They are quickly eclipsing native Germans in numbers and it is causing some political and social issues. Vit was busy so I went to Henry to ask.

“Aye, and expect to see similar issues in other ports. There’s some that it is gettin’ so bad, they’ve lost the tourist dollars that kept them alive. So be on ye toes Veta. I know ye know the world isn’t a nice place, but a reminder of why tisn’t a bad thing.”

Another thing and many other things that I need to be more situationally aware of.

 

[sssarawolf]

Nice, thank you, very good to have a chapter.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 230: Sep 13 - Rudesheim, Germany

We did not arrive in the port of Rudesheim until late afternoon. I tried to help with translations but I was summarily told I was not needed. Now I know how that sounds, that perhaps my feelings were affected, but the truth is I was relieved. I needed to go over the itinerary and brush up on any of the languages I will need. I also needed to review the group members I would have and plan for any potential ill-advised interactions between people. This included going over the excursions and see which ones were booked solid, which ones were not (and why), and speak with Chief Gunder about have to move anyone about.

Henry caught me as I was leaving Chief Gunder’s lair … he holds up in the library most of the time … and tried to see if I had been offended or upset.

“About what?”

“So yer nose wasn’t put out of joint by that pesky little … er …”

“You mean the former prima ballerina? No. But thank you for asking.”

“She’s right full of herself she is. She’s bucking for Barney’s position.”

Uh oh. “Well she won’t get it of course. Barney is far too valuable a member of Mr. Baird’s team. He wouldn’t know what to do without her running interference and all of the other stuff she does.”

Henry visibly relaxed which surprised me. “Well, you see it then. I’m relieved. Have to be careful since I only act as Baird’s valet.”

“That may be your official title but that certainly does not cover everything you do for Mr. Baird. The man can tie his own tie for heaven’s sake. What you do is handle his personal business including, if I understand, items that assist Barney in her position. The rest of it is none of my business. Please don’t get so stressed out on my behalf. When or if Mr. Baird needs me for translations just let me know. I didn’t mean to create a situation just showing up like that.”

“Ye didn’t. Gave me a chance to see the lay of the land if you wish to know the truth.”

“Well, let me know if there is anything I can do and don’t worry about the other. It appears to be a matter of someone mistaking their authority.”

“Well I wouldn’t go quite that far. Translations are happening in a timely manner but that’s due to the new machines. Just didn’t want you thinking you’d been pitched into the dust ben.”

After Henry walked back, looking less something or other than when he’d “run into me” I returned to the cabin for a cup of tea and some paperwork. And became stymied. The internet was dragging. I switched to paper research by using the port guides from the library but it was much slower than it needed to be.

When Vit realized I was in the cabin he stopped and asked, “Would the pretty lady care to take her meal on deck?”

“As long as the gorgeous hunk of man isn’t in the mood for anything else,” I told him with a twinkle.

It caught me off guard but then he said, “You will think me …”

“Vit, if you can’t then you can’t. I was just playing with you.”

He sighed again. “I have missed this playing. And I would play along with you but I we must eat quickly. I need to get back and you need to prepared to go ashore.”

Seeing the look on his face I asked, “Problems?”

He snorted and explained. “The equipment. All of it. Including the internet and wifi connections. It is ridiculous Kokhana that such a thing was overlooked! It was not the children using most of the Bandwidth on the B as was assumed.”

“Well, until it is fixed perhaps people can be restricted and use onshore sources for personal communication.”

“Returning personnel yes, but not new personnel. Their personal communication devices have not been checked yet.”

“What?! That happened to us right at check in. Dylan is going to have more than a few things to say. You know how he is on this subject.” Dylan was definitely taking his job as team leader for the security contract.

Vit grimaced. “Your brat has already had a few things to say. I will not repeat them. Even Yegor was impressed with his vocabulary in multiple languages.”

“Well he didn’t get it from me,” I felt forced to say. Although there was that one time my junior year that we had to cover curses in common use in multiple languages and I caught him reading the paper I was writing … or should I say snooping into my computer files when the tile tickled his oversight program. Hmph. He laughed through his entire lecture on the subject.

After our meal was finished Vit said, “You will want your sweater. It will be cool.”

Ugh. It was a timely reminder. I’ve been avoiding being on deck for that very reason. The high today was 64F and the low ten degrees cooler. And this is only the start. Brrr. On my way back to the cabin to gather my gear I called Dylan using the channel he set up and explained the problem that Vit, Yegor, and Polina had uncovered. He had a contract sitting on his desk and had been waiting for a diplomatic way to suggest a few things. I told him to contact Mr. Baird’s office, in particular speak with Henry who had Mr. Baird’s ear. My understanding is that equipment will come aboard at tomorrow’s port and a big problem should be shortly dealt with. Whew.

Rüdesheim am Rhein is one of Germany’s most prolific and scenic wine regions and it was reflected in today’s port activity. The excursion focused around a dining experience. Our dining location was along the Drosselgasse, a narrow pedestrian way overflowing with wines and oom-pah-pah tunes and 15th century architecture. The Drosselgasse attracts more than three million visitors on a yearly basis due to its authentic and magical atmosphere.

On the stroll to the restaurant we say many sites. One of them was Kloster Eberbach, a former Cistercian monastery built in the Romanesque and early Gothic style, and considered one of the most significant architectural sites in the region. In fact, some of the interior scenes of the 1986 movie The Name of the Rose—based on the best-selling novel by Umberto Eco—were filmed there. We even were given a guided tour of the monastery followed by a tasting of locally grown Rieslings.

The Niederwald monument was another brief stop. It overlooked the scenic Rhine valley. The park it is located in was well worth the visit for its dazzling views alone. The monument was created between 1870 and 1880 as a commemoration of the historic unification of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian war came to an end. The central part of the Niederwalddenkmal depicts the figures of Germania and William I.

It was finally time for dinner. One of the first things we did after arriving at the restaurant and being seated was to raise our glass and give a hearty “Prost!” to a delicious and fun evening. It was a full-course meal with typical German food. It started with a plate with a number of cheeses and sausages; Odenwäld hand cheese is a reddish soft cheese usually eaten at breakfast, Handkäse is a German regional sour milk cheese, and Nordhessische Ahle Wurscht which is a slowly-matured raw pork sausage. Some of the selections of drink and food included Hessischer Apfelwein (an alcoholic apple cider), Rudescheimer kaffee (German coffee fortified with asbach uralt brandy), Asbach uralt (a brandy first distilled in 1892), bratwursts, sauerbraten, German meatball sliders, pulled pork sliders, German potato salad, and of course Black Forest Cake. I spent so much time acting as an interpreter that I didn’t over imbibe the food and was more than happy about it. There was also quite a bit of German beer flowing. Oh. My.

Back onboard, and my ears no longer ringing from the boisterous German music being played during the entire meal, those that had to go on duty quickly hurried to do so. Polina was in a meeting with the other senior XOs so I went to the Sun Deck to write up my report. We pulled away from Rüdesheim and entered the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Byron described it as “a work divine, a blending of all beauties.” Turner painted it. Wagner used it as inspiration for his opera Götterdämmerung. Sigh. Sometimes Vit still calls me La Professora and with reason.

It is a scenic 40-mile stretch of the Rhine featuring a castle-dotted landscape that 19th-century composers, painters and poets considered the embodiment of an ideal romantic spirit, which was later dubbed “Rhine Romanticism.” Legend plays its part here too, with shipwrecks and lost lovers attributed to the Lorelei who, so the tale goes, lured all to their doom in the Rhine. Each bend and twist of the river afforded new sites: steep riverbanks, sloping vineyards, picturesque towns, and hill tops crowned by fairytale castles. Each one of the castles tells a tale of great families raising fortresses, of warfare and ruin, and of rebuilding through the centuries. Some castles have been entirely reconstructed; others tower above the water in majestic ruin, while all of them can still be viewed as an inspiration for romantics.

That is where Vit found me and asked if I would go to dinner with him. I ate a little, but not much. Thankfully he did not lecture in concern. I was happy to see that his irritation was less than it had been and that I’d had a little something to do with it. That is when I found out that Baird was more than happy to be presented with a solution that he could take to committee and it was approved so quickly that it only proved what could get done if everyone would just have the same goals.

I turned in my report to Chief Gunder on the way to our cabin and also saw Polina on the way to hers. Both were relieved that a major problem was so quickly addressed and tomorrow would be remedied.

Polina pulled me into her cabin briefly and said, “You have earned some cookie points.” [She meant brownie points.]

“I don’t need points. I need our husbands not to have steam coming out of their ears in irritation at stupid situations. Here, I meant to drop this off earlier. I know it isn’t your usual drink but it might be fun to see if Yegor likes it.” I handed her a bottle of apfelwein.

She surprised me by grinning hugely. “You are good little sister. We had something similar on our honeymoon. It is made from the apples of the Volga. This will put him in a fine mood.” I blushed a little at her meaning and got out of there quickly. And just in time too as I met Yegor coming down the hall and nearly giggled.

And now my own husband has survived his good mood and I’ve giggled for other reasons and now it is time to sleep. Tomorrow is Mainz and I am leading an excursion to Heidelberg.

 

[Mr Bill]

Fine update

 

[sssarawolf]

Good timing , great chapter.

 

[Lake Lili]

Thanks Kathy! I loved The Name of the Rose... anything with Sean COnnery is worthy of a watch
In some ways, it seems like Vit & Vita are finally having the oportunity for a "life" together and with friends. It began really after Miami, but perhaps it is because this job is by choice rather than as an escape... and it seems less like Vita is being targeted... Thanks again.
Lili

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 231: Sep 14 - Mainz, German (excursion to Heidelberg) (Sunday)

Normally Vit and I are supposed to be scheduled to be together on Sundays. Or so was our contract. We’ve been apart as often as together but I suppose I must accept that some are better than none. Today was one of those “none” days. There were too many “fires” for Vit to put out and I had to “babysit” three different excursions. Since the ship doesn’t have much onboard entertainment to keep people busy when they aren’t on duty, port days are a way for them to escape the stress of the mission. In direct proportion to other people’s lowered stress level, mine goes up. On some days I’d give a lot not to be in a position to “babysit” any of them.

Excursion one was Heidelberg’s glorious old town which, according to our guide, rests in the shadow of the ruins of Schloss Heidelberg. The Altstadt has many of the things people love about German old quarters; sociable squares with bar terraces at Kornmarkt and Marktplatz, cobblestone streets and a catalogue of historic landmarks. These included Gothic or Baroque churches, and monuments like the statue of Mary on Kornmarkt from 1718, a symbol of Heidelberg’s complicated relationship with Catholicism. One of the interesting features of the Altstadt is that it has a uniform Baroque appearance, a result of fires caused by a French assault in 1693 during the Nine Years’ War. The Town Hall was built in the aftermath and dates to 1701.

The schloss, or castle, ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. It is served by an intermediate station on the Heidelberger Bergbahn funicular railway that runs from Heidelberg's Kornmarkt to the summit of the Königstuhl. The earliest castle structure was built before 1214 and later expanded into 2 castles circa 1294; however, in 1537, a lightning-bolt destroyed the upper castle. The present structures had been expanded by 1650, before damage by later wars and fires. In 1764, another lightning-bolt destroyed some rebuilt sections. Our guide was a scholar, a recently graduated docent, and definitely had a way with words. Schloss Heidleberg – perched over 260 feet above the Altstadt and Neckar – is the former seat of Heidelberg’s Prince Electors, now one of the most beautiful ruins in the world. The castle was begun as a fortress in the 13th century, but in the 15th and 16th century was expanded into a palace fit for Heidelberg’s imperial rulers. The next 300 years weren’t exactly kind to Schloss Heidelberg as the property suffered fire from thunderbolts and repeated destruction during the Thirty Years’ War in the 1600s and the Nine Years’ War less than 100 years later. From then the complex was only partly reconstructed, and its ruins inspired Germany’s Romantics of both word and paint.

Our guide took us through corridors that twisted and turned and never seemed to end, putting me in mind of some of the fairytales I’d read as a child. In the original, those “fairytales” were not what you would call child-appropriate, many of them included tales of blood, death, and terror. Ugh. I gave myself nights of unnecessary nightmares. And it always had to be secret because Poppa would have had a fit. My guilt at disobeying him was half the problem.

In the cellar of Schloss Heidelberg is a marvel that also needs its own paragraph. The Heidelberg Tun is an enormous wine barrel. It was built in 1751 during the reign of Charles Theodore and when it was completed was able to hold 221,726 liters. Since then its capacity has shrunk by a couple of thousand liters as the wood has aged. A container of this size required timber from130 oak trees. The Heidelberg Tun is in fact the fifth in a line of outsized wine barrels at the palace, going back to the first barrel from the 16th century that was destroyed in the Thirty Years’ War. The barrel has only been used for wine a few times in its history and was filled just three times. This was done from the floor above via a hole in the ceiling of the cellar.

This excursion held most of the medical staff of the A and they’d come simply for the next stop on our tour. Across 11 rooms in Schloss Heidelberg is a museum documenting the history of pharmacies and medical science in Germany. There are 20,000 pieces on display, but what really captures the imagination are the seven complete pharmacy sets, the earliest dating back to the Renaissance. The museum has what is claimed to be the world’s largest collection of 18th-century earthenware, as well as valuable majolica, faience and technical glass containers and equipment from the 1600s to the 1800s. There are also fascinating portable pharmacy kits, including a sensational example made mostly from silver in Augsburg in 1640. We also learned about the strange things that went in these pots, like bezoar stones, mandrake root and mummia (sometimes made from powdered Egyptian mummies!). It was like being in the middle of a Harry Potter novel. Yuck.

To and from the Schloss we saw other sites. Crossing the Neckar between the Altstadt and the Neuenheim district on the right bank, the Alte Brücke dates in its current form to 1788 during the rule of Elector Charles Theodore. Despite being more than 200 years old, this structure is the ninth bridge to be built on this spot. Each bridge built from the 1200s to the 1700s was wrecked by ice floes in spring, but the current one has survived because it was the first to be built entirely from stone. The bridge is embellished with two sets of sculpture, one paying homage to Charles Theodore and another to the Roman goddess Minerva. These are replicas, and the originals were transferred to the Kurpfälzisches Museum for safekeeping. On the bank of the Altstadt is a pair of towers from Heidelberg’s Medieval fortifications.

Heidelberg’s main church first took shape in the 13th century but was at the turn of the 15th century that it got its current Late Gothic design. For centuries the building was the burial place of the Palatinate’s Prince Electors. Today only tomb effigies for the 15th-century Rupert, King of Germany, survives as the 53 others were destroyed in an attack by the French during the Nine Years’ War. Although this church is protestant today, it changed denomination several times in its past, and for more than 200 years up to 1936 had a barrier so that both Catholics and Protestants could worship here. It is also possible to scale the tower to look over Heidelberg but it wasn’t part of our tour today.

Any visit to Heidelberg’s Altstadt requires a stop at Haus zum Ritter, the oldest burgher house in the city. The Haus zum Ritter was built in 1592 for the cloth merchants Franziska and Carolus Belier, protestants who had fled Habsburg-controlled Valenciennes. It is the only burgher house to have survived Heidelberg’s fire in 1693 during the Nine Years’ War and has only recently taken on its current role as a hotel, even if it served as a guest house for a time 300 years ago. The name of the house comes from the bust of St George in knight’s garb on the pediment.

A more modern site often included in tours of Heidelberg is a relic from the Nazi period. The Thingstätte is an amphitheatre built in 1934/35. Propaganda theatre performances, normally rooted in romanticised German folklore, were held in the theater. Very few of these arenas survive, and the dimensions are almost mind-boggling. Heidelberg’s Thingstätte could seat 8,000 people and has room for another 15,000 standing spectators. Today the theater is used on Walpurgis Night (30 April) and the arena is filled with people celebrating by lighting traditional bonfires.

Whew, I was already wishing for the day to be over but that wasn’t the plan. It was back to Mainz and lucky for me Vit met me in the midst of getting the second group and handed me a “bag lunch” courtesy of the onboard mess hall. Had it not been against regulations I would have shown him my gratitude and appreciation right there on the dock. We still shared a secret glance and he knew my mind even without the action.

Excursion two did not require a bus ride, thank goodness. It was titled a Mainz Walking Tour and Gutenberg Museum. Our guide packed quite a bit in the three hours we had him. The tour was described as a guided tour of a city that boasts over 2,000 years of history. Walk with your guide into the picturesque streets of the Old Town, stopping to explore Mainz Cathedral. We covered over a mile each hour.

Thank goodness for postcards as I was barely able to listen in and keep up while I performed my job as security. The major points of interest along the tour were:

• Marktplaz Market, the most popular market in the city. It is located in the heart of Mainz and is surrounded by many of the city’s architectural masterpieces. It is by far the best shopping venue for fresh products such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, meat, spices, wines, and pastries.
• Mainz Cathedral or St. Martin's Cathedral is located near the historical center and pedestrianized market square of the city. The 1000 year-old Roman Catholic cathedral is predominantly Romanesque in style, but later exterior additions over many centuries have resulted in an eclectic appearance
• The Gutenberg Museum is one of the oldest museums of printing in the world, located opposite the cathedral in the old part of Mainz. It is named after Johann Gutenberg, the inventor of the Gutenberg Printing Press. The collections include printing equipment and examples of printed materials from many cultures. A group of citizens founded the museum in 1900, 500 years after Johann Gutenberg’s birth.
• The Eisenturm is a medieval tower which dates back to the early 13th century. The iron tower was used as part of the city walls (as a watch tower and city gate), and later as a prison. In World War II, the tower was severely damaged and later reconstructed in the 1960s.
• The Great Mainz Jupiter column is one of the memorials built in honor of the Roman god Jupiter in the second half of the first century. It is the oldest and largest Jupiter column found in Germany. Twenty-eight different deities of the Roman-Celtic mythology are presented in the monument.
• The Catholic Church of St. Peter is one of the most important Baroque buildings in Mainz. The church was originally known as the St. Peter monastery. The present building is a baroque hall built between 1749 to 1756. The church is decorated with ceiling frescoes, choir stalls, amazing Baroque altars and stucco decorations.
• Landesmuseum is one of the oldest museums in Germany. It is located in the heart of Mainz, in a baroque building. The museum’s art and cultural collection extends from the prehistoric period to Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau as well as 20th century Art.
• Naturhistorische Museum is the largest natural history museum in Mainz as well as Rhineland-Palatinate. The museum is located in a church of a former abbey. The collection includes rare tracks of dinosaurs and insects from the Permian period on the Rhine. The museum also owns more than 20,000 ice-age animals: lions, jaguars, wolves, hippos, elks, sabre-toothed cats and quaggas who inhabited the area half a million years ago.
• The Catholic parish of Saint Emmeran was founded in the 8th century. Significant modifications in the infrastructure were made in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. The main tower, constructed in the end of the 12th century, has survived. During the Baroque period (1700-1701) the original diamond roof and an additional bell chamber with a lantern were added. The tower has four floors.
• Kirschgarten is one of the most picturesque corners in old town Mainz, as several half-timbered houses are placed on parallel lines. Zum Aschaffenberg, located in the Kirschgarten, is the oldest half-timbered house of the city and dates back to 1500. There is also a famous fountain, called the Virgin Mary.
• Holzturm is a medieval city tower with a present Gothic appearance that derives from the early 15th century. The wooden tower was used as part of the city wall and at the same time as a gateway passage. Together, with the Iron Tower and the Alexander Tower, it is one of three existing wall towers still left in the city. During the Second World War, Holzturm was heavily damaged and reconstructed between 1961 and 2000.
• Museum of Ancient Shipbuilding is a unique museum that displays remains from five ships of the Roman era. The museum first opened in 1994 and lies in Old Town directly across from the place where the ships were discovered.
• The Mainzer Zitadelle (Citadel of Mainz) is situated at the fringe of the Old Town in direct proximity to the railway station. The fortress was constructed in 1660 and was an important part of the Fortress Mainz. The citadel and its surroundings bear witness to the entire history of Mainz concentrated in one spot: commencing with the Roman cenotaph Drususstein via the barracks of the federal fortress up to the air raid shelters of World War II.

Thankfully the guide knew the quickest way back to the ship and took us there rather than leave us on our own. A market of sorts was set up while we were away and I struggled to get everyone back to the ship on time. Gah! I wasn’t being a curmudgeon on purpose, it was simply the job of the day. I told them that after I got them signed back in it would be up to them whether they went some place else, including shopping, but until that point … mush! Some of them got it and laughed. A few of them not so much but oh well. If they hadn’t drug their heels during the tour there would have been more time.

Last excursion of the day and it appears, at least in that group, that people were starting to understand and get in the swing of things. New guide but the excursion included several of the places I’d already been. That meant that at least I knew where personnel would stack up and slow down. Most of the two-hour excursion was spent at St. Stephens.

St. Stephen’s Church was originally built in 990 AD as the “Empire’s Place of Prayer.” The current church building dates from the late medieval era; construction of the main area of the church began in about 1267 and was completed in 1340. It is the oldest Gothic hall church in the Upper Rhinedistrict, and is (besides Mainz Cathedral) the most important church in the city of Mainz. Only a few changes have been made to the church since the 14th century. The cloister, for instance, was added between 1462 and 1499 to the southern side of the church, and the outer face of the church was updated during the Baroque period. During World War II, it was badly damaged. The restoration didn’t start until 1973 and took twenty years.

I will admit that I am getting some really nice photos … and post cards. The photos I got on my own behalf but the post cards came from Vit and I found them when I went to the cabin to wash up. I walked in and found Vit digging under the bed.

“What on earth?!”

“I know they are in here. Somewhere.”

“What? Oh move. Vit you are making a mess.”

“The little bears. I know I put them in there.”

“And I put them in the dresser drawer so you could find them without digging through everything,” I laughed. “What has gotten into you?”

“I … I have what you call the munchies. I have been thinking about those damn bears since lunch. I want them,” he said sounding all of six years old.

I quickly handed them to him. “Bad day?”

All he did was growl before grabbing a handful of the gummies like someone was going to steal them from him.

“Vit, have you eaten.”

“Nii. I was waiting for you.”

“Uh huh. Let me guess, you’ve been swilling that diesel fuel they call coffee on the bridge. Ugh. Why don’t we go get some food and you save the sugar pills for dessert?”

“I wish to have you for dessert.” Then he sighed sadly. “No dessert first though.”

Wow. Too much caffeine is not good for Vit. It took half the meal to get him to slow down below roadrunner speed. By the time we got back to cabin he basically just collapsed. I told him that I was stepping out to deliver my report but my only answer was a snore.

I was going down the hall and met Polina coming the other way. We traded pleasantries and I noted how tired she looked. “Are you okay?”

“Da.”

“Um … you sure?”

“You have a moment?”

“For you? Of course.”

She opened her cabin door only to close it quickly. Yegor was snoring worse than Vit. “Oh my.”

“He will stop as soon as he falls all the way to sleep. It is always the same.”

“Let’s see if the media room in the library is empty. Chief Gunder sometimes uses it and if he isn’t in there I have a key.”

Bottom line she just needed to talk. She is getting some blowback from hers and Yegor’s families for accepting her post. They expected them to come home and “help out” more. The Russian economy is growing tight again and their families are missing the “perks” that they have when Polina and Yegor are around.

“Thems the breaks. They don’t really think they can live off of you forever do they? My brats and sisters helped me through university but after that there was the expectation I was to stand on my own two feet. Even before graduation.”

“They did not help you to … meet people?”

“You mean like finding a job? No. My university contacts helped me get my first real job after graduation.”

“Ah, the traveling tutor where you met Vit.”

“And was Vit’s prior connections that found us a job that got us back to the States. Oh well, if I’m being completely honest Dylan help with Vit’s immigration paperwork, but that was my brat and it was his specialty, not something that Vit took for granted and expected. He was prepared to do things on his own and that is what made Dylan want to help.”

“Hmm. My cousin’s son expects us to provide such connections but he does not deserve them. He thinks we do not know of his behavior but it gets back to us. I have done as much as I can but … no more. Yegor’s sister tries to guilt him into more and more and more. I was relieved our assignment was extended.”

“Family. They have the ability to drive you crazier than anyone else.”

“I wonder.”

“That they can drive you crazy?”

She snorted. “That is a certainty. But are they family when your only value lies in what you can – and in their eyes must – give them.” She shook her head. “Bah! Enough of this. I should not let them do this to us.”

“Something in particular?”

“Ni. But it is a thing that I need to speak with my husband about. But how to say it. It is his sister and they were once close. She blames me that they are no longer and she may be correct but that is for another discussion. It is getting late and tomorrow is a full day. Thank you.”

“For?”

“Being a bratty little sister.”

“If I thanked you for every time you have been a wise older sister I’d have no breath left.”

She snorted. “Let us go before we turn into old women drinking vodka-laced tea.”

I worry about Polina. Being Chief of Security cannot be an easy job. But being Chief of Security and have to balance it with her personal life must be even more difficult. It makes me wonder how Derrick and Angelia have pulled their positions off over the years.

 

[Lake Lili]

Thanks Kathy!
Lili

 

[sssarawolf]

Clothes off the line and look another chapter to read. Yippee.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 232: Sep 15 - Miltenberg, Germany​

This having no sea days is certainly different. On the one hand it is more tiring but that is partly my schedule as a whole and not so much the individual tours. On the other hand there is less waste getting through port security though they will be tightening up ship boarding security now that two small listening devices were discovered in separate bags coming on board. For starters all bags or items from onshore locations have to go into a zippered or otherwise sealed closed faraday bag inside a pack and left in there until they are through both port and ship security. Both will be handled by different personnel groups. No personal purses are to be carried on or off the ship. If the pack must be opened the purpose, time, and location is to be noted and initialed by witnesses so that if any devices or contraband are discovered, an investigation can be conducted. My understanding is that the jobs of the security personnel are on the line, and perhaps their entire careers if any malfeasance is discovered.

The morning was spent sailing along the Main River as it wound its way through the Spessart region, home of the original Snow White story. The Brothers Grimm published it in 1812 in the first edition of their collection Grimms' Fairy Tales and numbered as Tale 53. The original German title was Sneewittchen, a Low German form, but the first version gave the High German translation Schneeweißchen, and the tale has become known in German by the mixed form Schneewittchen. The Grimms completed their final revision of the story in 1854. Sorry, dear future readers, I find languages of all sorts fascinating and when our guides shared this with us I was determined to record it.

Today we are in Miltenberg, a part of Germany with very interesting history. In the 150s AD, the Roman Empire pushed outwards its fortified border in Germania, establishing the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes which replaced the Odenwald-Neckar-Limes. From Miltenberg on northwards, the river Main became the border. After the withdrawal of the Romans from the area, the regional population declined. Burgundians and Alemanni moved through the lower Main region, but it was only under the Franks (after 500 AD) that the population density again rose noticeably. Miltenberg, or Miltinburc as it was once known, grew around a Mainz toll station built on the river bank in the 13th century, protected by the Mildenburg (castle). The castle itself dates from the 12th century. In 1237, the village was awarded the status of town. Its strategic position on the bend of the navigable portion of the river and on the important trade route Nuremberg-Frankfurt made Miltenberg a politically influential member of the nine town league (Neun-Städte-Bund) of Mainz. This state of affairs lasted until the German Peasants' War in 1525, when the local representative, Friedrich Weygand, sided with the peasants and was executed. He had also favoured the Reformation and after 1522, when Miltenberg finally became independent of the Bürgstadt parish, had helped Johann Draconites, a supporter of Martin Luther, to head the new parish. Ah well, as Vit sometimes teases, I still act the professor whether I mean to or not.

I only had to guide the one group today but it was an extended tour whose main theme was “Modern Aristocracy”. It included some privileged access so as you can guess, the group was made up higher ranking staff and personnel positions. First was a visit to a fascinating German castle, the exquisite Schloss Mespelbrunn. That seemed to be a favored descriptor that became overused today. “Exquisite.” Hmmm. Perhaps it was true, but it did not need to be used as often as it was. They make thesaurus in both England and German these days.

The castle was home to Countess Gräfin Hedwig Margarete. The romantic castle sits surrounded by a moat and boasts a scenic tower. Our private tour took us to the trout-filled pond and then we retired to the salon for a tasting of the finely smoked fish. We were also given a private tour of the rustic armory in the regal Knights’ Hall.

Back to the town, we took in the fairy-tale charms of Miltenberg by foot. We began in the Old Town, following its cobblestone streets past medieval houses fronted with flower-bedecked balconies. The town square, lined with half-timbered facades, is one of the most picturesque in all of Germany, and appears on many of the postcards for this area. The town is laid out on a narrow strip of land between the hills and the banks of the Main. We were given a close up view of the nearby, handsome and richly hued hotel Zum Riesen (“Inn of the Giant”). It is Germany’s oldest surviving inn, and is considered a Renaissance treasure. It first opened its doors as a hotel in 1411 and has been open ever since regardless of the many wars, violence, and years of political intrigue it has seen. We also saw the Mainz and Würzburg town gates and caught a glimpse of Miltenberg Castle, built in the 13th and 14th centuries, high over the roofs of Miltenberg.

After the walking tour of Miltenberg, we continued to Schloss Löwenstein, estate of the Prince of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg. This was another privileged tour, especially as the Prince was in residence. We toured the manicured grounds and the inside of the glorious chapel. The Prince’s personal … I suppose you would call it his hobby, there is a Norwegian-inspired winery in the former stables. Tour participants had the honor of sampling wines during a unique aroma wine tasting and workshop. I had a note that Henry was handling a purchase so I didn’t try and bring Vit a bottle back. After our wine tasting and a sampling of the family’s signature venison pâté and regional bread, we returned to the ship to discover that the new security measures were not appreciated by all. As Polina told me, “You get what you get and you don’t throw your fork.” I have no idea where she comes up with some of these translations.

I will admit that I once again felt like someone was watching me. It has been since the train, about a week, since the last time and I had such a feeling and I’m not sure whether it is my imagination or not. I hesitation to mention it to Vit … or Polina for that matter. They are both exhausted at the end of each day and have a great deal on their plates, likely a great deal I am not aware of due to security clearances. And then there is the whole Mitkin thing. If I am overreacting to some paparazzi, I don’t want Vit overreacting worse.

 

[sssarawolf]

Thank you
I think my ear is bent today, the phone has rung off the hook. One was grand girl K needing info on a famous ancestor and also a family story.

 

[Lake Lili]

Thanks Kathy! So Veta's watcher is still there... hmmm... one wonders what is to be gained?
Lili

 

[Mr Bill]

Perhaps just the reader's attention, or something more sinister. Only Kathy knows.

 

[Sportsman]

Wow! I'm finally caught up on this story after near marathon reading. I can barely imagine the time Kathy put into researching this one. Unbelievable detail from around the world that most people would miss even on a leisurely trip

Thank you again for sharing your talent with us.

 

[nancy98]

Yeaaaa! All caught up. Thanks Kathy. Very good story

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 233: Sep 16 - Würzburg, Germany​

I am glad that Vit and I were able to have a quick breakfast together as I was out all day again even if it was only two tour groups. It would have been easier had I done the day’s excursions in reverse. Instead after the all-day walking around town we did in the first excursion, I had to rush back and lead a demanding, three-hour hike. You live, you learn. Of course, the order of the itineraries aren’t my call to start with but I could at least have been better prepared for the consequences.

As soon as we docked, and I had once again impressed on everyone how important it was to put any purchases in the faraday packs that had been assigned to the, I left on the first tour which was of Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I forgot to ask Chief Gunder what his chicken scratch notes on my copy of the day’s itinerary meant. I deciphered some as we went along but my word, the man’s handwriting is atrocious. I had the time to try to it out because as soon as we were off the ship we went straight into a bus and followed the “Romantic Road” to one of Germany’s last remaining walled medieval towns. The “Romantic Road” is one of Bavaria’s prettiest roads to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the “Red Fortress above the Tauber.” First bit of trivia we were given is that Rothenburg was the inspiration for the town that Pinnochio was featured in.

Centuries ago, Rothenburg was ruled by the Holy Roman Empire. It was a busy merchant city until the Thirty Years’ War and the plague decimated it and threw it into poverty. That 17th-century stagnation froze Rothenburg in time, to be rediscovered by German Romantics in 1802. Despite being 45% destroyed during WW2 Rothenburg ob der Tauber is Germany’s best preserved walled town and one of the top highlights along the popular tourist route, the Romantic Road.

The town, famous for its storybook-like appearance, looks more like a movie set than a place people actually live and work. The Plonlein is the most famous postcard image from Rothenburg Op Der Tauber. It’s just three blocks down from the main square and was our first stop.

And I will complain here that for all that Staff and Personnel of the A are supposed to be smart and trained, they don’t listen very well and required constant reminders. If I said it once, I must have said it dozens of times, to use the faraday packs as instructed. Weren’t they surprised when Polina and a contingent of security started pulling people out of line and giving them the rough once over for their failure. Rothenburg is the ultimate stop for souvenir shopping and it was definitely one of the favorite activities of this group. There are dozens of shops throughout the town which are filled to the brim with German souvenirs, from beer steins to Christmas ornaments and cuckoo clocks.

The picturesque medieval village receives nearly three million visitors a year and believe me it felt like many of them were there today. The crowds were phenomenal. The only place the crowds let up was when we toured Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate palaces and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The huge compound was built over a 25-year period, beginning in 1719. We’d no sooner walked in that there were things to admire starting with the massive reception staircase and overhead ceiling with its stunning, 6,400-square-foot “Four Continents” painted fresco. Every room was ornate and most of them represented a different style. Two such examples were the colonnaded chapel and the baroque and English-style gardens lined with ornate statues. A highlight was the Mirror Cabinet. Incredibly, what we were seeing was a meticulous reconstruction. The complex was badly damaged during World War II bombing.

Afterwards we drove back to the Old Town of Würzburg for a quick walking tour of such highlights as the Romanesque Cathedral, the baroque Neumünster church, the market square, the Town Hall, and the oldest wine bar in town. Whew. I was hoping to have a quick snack but it wasn’t to be and in hindsight I am glad or I could have become a little ill.

My next tour group was to hike the Wurzburg Hills. It was a three-hour, demanding activity when all I really wanted to do was go face-plant in the cabin. I would have even settled for some extraneous translations for Mr. Baird. We began the tour from the Käppele, a church and popular pilgrimage site with magnificent frescoes and stucco works. From there we walked down its staircase and followed in the footsteps of hundreds of pilgrims who visit the site every year. Next, we started the bulk of the hike through the vineyards up to Marienberg. The fortress dates back to the 8th century as part of a Celtic settlement. Yes, I said Celtic. Some 500 years later, a major fortification was constructed and for the next half a millennium Marienberg was the ruling seat of the Würzburg prince-bishops who also held the title of Duke of East Franconia. During our visit we got to see the baroque-style four-story tower and the Prince’s Building Museum with its historic exhibits of the town that was nearly destroyed during World War II. We were also allowed to walk through the gardens. We descended the hill down to our ship and thankfully getting back through security was easier.

I headed straight to Polina’s office but she met me instead and told me to just go get something to eat. “Just CC me a copy of the report for Gunder. For now, it looks like we’ve come up with a way to address the security breaches. I would discuss this with you further, but I need to spend time Yegor.”

“Trouble?” I asked in the same consideration she’d give me with Vit.

“Nyet. Our schedules are simply running cross porpoises.”

I swear she must be doing that intentionally. Cross porpoises. She simply must be. Good grief.

I’ve no time for anything else. I need to get in line to use the laundry. There are things that a sponge will no longer take care of and the odor wafting from the basket I put things in until then is … not pleasant.

 

[sssarawolf]

Thank you for more Veta time.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 234: Sep 17 - Kitzingen, Germany​

What a day this has been. No sooner do the rumors slow down than they ramp back up and from a White House announcement of all things. The media has a bad habit of wringing ever bit of emotion from every story. I am thankful that we have gotten rid of most of the “paparazzi” that traveled with us, but there are still a few and it had to come down from the captain to have them rachet back their “how do you feel” interviews.

The announcement was that the terrorists involved in the recent action were foreign but that the cyberattack was domestic … or more correctly stated, originated from a multi-national student group based in the US. This is bad for peaceful students that come to the US for educational purposes only so that they could go home and improve the economic lot of themselves and their families. An immediate consequence of the cyberattack is that all future student visas have been put on hold and current student visa holders must go through a new, much stricter vetting system despite many legal attempts to stop the process. Anyone that has allowed their student visa to lapse has 48 hours from the announcement to self-deport or they will be barred from returning to the US for a minimum of five years, there will be no appeal process.

It has also been announced that anyone else with a lapsed visa of any kind still in the US are subject to immediate arrest and jail until time of deportation. Any appeal will have to take place from outside the US. Amnesty efforts of a previous administration were a failure, politically and in purpose, because many fewer signed up for it than expected and of those that did, fewer had citizenship as their goal. And most of those who did sign up for amnesty has some kind of mark against them that made being granted amnesty unlikely. The general public, as a result, promised political retribution if the tactic is tried again. Some violence against immigrant enclaves around the country is making it to the news cycle even here in Germany that instituted a tight control of the public internet years ago. This actions in the US are being blamed for causing further violence in other countries who are suffering economic troubles from too many immigrants, legal or otherwise.

There is some real information hidden in the if-it-bleeds-it-leads stories. Several of the students involved in the cyberattack have been arrested and will remain jailed until their trial, however long that takes. All personal assets in the US of the terrorists will be frozen and are subject to seizure and forfeit to pay for their incarceration. There are so many students involved that there is talk of using private jails, a system that had been phased out, and that prisoners will have to work to support themselves rather than being a burden on the American taxpayer. There is also discussion of using this same methodology with the arrested and incarcerated visa holdovers. For sure there are already consequences affecting programs such as CFS because children of the incarcerated have to go someplace if there are no legal residents qualified to take them. Thus far it looks like those born in the US will go into the foster system unless or until legal relatives come forward with legal proof of relationship. Those foreign born will be sent back to their country of birth for that country to decide what to do with. This is a dramatic departure from recent handling of the issue. It is happening more quickly than some believed it could and that is because the President actually declared the US and its military in a Conflict because of the attack on the US military infrastructure both in the states and overseas. No one is calling it a “war” but they are treating it as one with congressional support. It is a shock to many when they find out that peaceful protests are encouraged but violence of any type is being immediately met with extreme prejudice by law enforcement at all levels, regardless of immigrant status. And politicians have become much more careful after a couple of well-known female members of Congress suffered when a “protest” they were participating in turned violent and they were met with White House authorized water cannons and rubber bullets.

In one such incidence that was widely shared in the news was where a group of rioters attacked a group of peaceful protestors who had applied and were granted permits. The rioters were self-declared anarchists that were trying to create chaos. Poppa would have said they reaped the wind. The attacking rioters were themselves attacked by state LEOs backed up by Federal agents who surrounded the peaceful protestors to keep them safe. What was shocking was that the peaceful protestors also claimed they were anarchists, they were just willing to work within the system and as a consequence became a target of a splinter group they’d worked with in the past.

Part of me realizes that such things happen around the world fairly regularly but “not in my country.” And it would appear that other countries do not want whatever is happening in the US to infect their fragile balance. While I was off ship representatives from Kitzengen Army Airfield – with origins from 1933 – met with personnel aboard the ship, to remind them of the requirement of strict adherence to local civil and political law.

Speaking of Kitzingen, that is the port we were in today. It is a town in the German state of Bavaria and is part of the Franconia geographical region and has around 21,000 inhabitants. Despite its population it was beautiful and was surrounded by vineyards; physical proof that Kitzingen County is the largest wine producer in Bavaria.

The history of the area is very interesting. In the 8th century, the Countess of Schwanberg promised to build a cloister on the spot where her missing jeweled scarf was found. A shepherd named Kitz found the errant scarf, got it named after him, and the resulting Benedictine cloister provided river defense. The area evolved into one of the most important ports on the river, as well as for the unique white wines produced there. Producers in the area use a distinctive wine bottle called a Bocksbeutel, which has a short neck and a wide body. There nearby town of Rothenburg reminds you of a fairy tale, partly because it has appeared in so many movies, including in the Harry Potter movie series.

I was grateful to only lead one excursion today. It was a walk around the old town area nearest where we were docked. There were more reporters in evidence, but they also seemed to stay further back and try and interact with us less. I heard tonight local media is tightly controlled and the government did not want an incident to occur.

As we walked around the town we saw several unique sights. One of them was the Leaning Tower (sometimes called the Crooked Tower). While it is a museum today, the tower was built during the 13th century. According to legend, the wine-loving populace used wine instead of water to create the mortar for its base, which made it lean. Another says the builders just drank too much wine while building it. Across from the tower is the Grave of Dracula – or so the locals claim. While the ball on top of the tower is said to contain the notorious count's heart, the nearby Kitzingen Old Cemetery is said to host his remains. Whether fact or fiction, the upside-down crosses on the tower create right-side up crosses on the graveyard, which makes for a chilling good story.

The scenic Alte Mainbrucke, or Old Main Bridge, reportedly dates back to the Middle Ages. It was a nice spot to stop for pictures as it provides a view of the river and town. The Gartenschaugelände, translated as Garden City on the River, is a more modern park and everyone wanted to take a short break there as the media did not follow us in.

I do not feel that today’s excursion was much of a success. It got people off the ship for a couple of hours but that is about all it did. I was happy to return and actually be able to finish my reports and go to dinner with Vit. We are running at cross schedules again. It is not all my fault, nor did Vit accuse me of anything, but he did appreciate some personal attention when we returned to our cabin rather than sit in the living areas with everyone else. Of course he gave as good as he got and then some. Vit and I need our privacy to keep our lines of communication open.

 

[sssarawolf]

Thank you for this, this morning. Had a bad night, I sure can do without these.

 

[Lake Lili]

Thanks Kathy!
Lili

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 235: Sep 18 - Volkach, Germany​

More international news, and a warning directly from Dylan to be careful how much of it we put credence in. There are a lot of rumors and plans being accepted as fact when they are only proposals at this time. He suspects that many of them will be instituted, or at least parts of them, but the timeline is unknown and could contribute to other problems or create new ones. Because of his attachment to the Peace Mission, Vit’s application is being handled quietly. I hope that is a good thing and Dylan indicates it is. They, whoever “they” are, just does not want it to appear there is any favoritism that could derail the process if anyone in the media, or on the wrong side politically, gets wind of it.

In other news, despite several court filings trying to stop it, the federal government is making good on the “new” visa and immigration system as they were savvy enough to use existing laws rather than make new law. They are simply being much more rigorous in applying the law than has occurred in the past. The receiving/returning countries of the minors getting caught up by the system are not happy about it, but based on several Supreme Court rulings of the last two decades the kids are being deported and many DACA recipients that did not take advantage of the amnesty and citizenship process that was offered several years ago, are being deported as adults.

To build support, the government also released numbers that had been kept from the public about the amount of entitlements spent on illegals and their “anchor” families by both state and federal agencies. Despite changes that occurred in the 20s, subsequent reversals as well as fraud within the immigration system, it still directly costs taxpayers $150 billion every year. That is half the estimated cost of legal immigration that was estimated in the late 10s which was based on first generation immigration. If you look at second generation immigration it varies a lot by location but is particularly burdensome on states and local government along the borders. Illegal immigration, while not nearly as big a factor as it was in the 10s and 20s, because the economic slump and increasing monitoring by state and federal taxing agencies, still causes some significant costs which is actually what finally broke the sanctuary city status when they had to start putting their money where their mouth was when border states started bussing small numbers of illegals to such locations.

There was a lot of “shame on you” type speeches coming out of the UN. Until people started asking the speech makers if those countries would like some plane loads of the immigrants from Central and South America as well as some of the other people crossing the border. Crickets. Or claims of colonialism and political games.

It was another “slow” excursion day. Mostly it was about wine. In an historic town filled with interesting architecture, and cultural attractions, the pilgrimage church, Maria in Weingarten may well be the chief attraction. A short, but sometimes steep walk through the vineyards brought us to this somewhat small church. Inside were a surprisingly large collection of wood carvings. The crown jewel is the hanging Madonna. It was a huge hanging wooden medallion sort of sculpture.

Back through the vineyards to we walked from the winery to a castle. Tables were set up along the way where we were allowed to taste five different wines. We will also explored the wine cellar which had a rather spooky atmosphere where we were treated to interesting stories about the estate, the wines and the owners of the castle - the Earls of Schoenborn. The wines were Riesling, a Spatburgundet, an outstanding Lemberger then a Trollinger and Pinot Meunier that were also very good. I brought a bottle of each back for Vit. I’ll be completely honest, I have no idea how we are going to move these from ship to ship but that doesn’t matter at the moment. Vit was very pleased that I’d thought of him and I received a great deal of appreciation. And speaking of, I am now thoroughly tired and written out and must prepare for tomorrow.

 

[beaglemama]

Thanks, Kathy! And I hope you and your family stay safe from Hurricane Ian.

 

[Lake Lili]

Thanks, Kathy! And I hope you and your family stay safe from Hurricane Ian.

@Kathy in FL - Hope Ian gives less of a punch than Fiona did ... our southern coast line was badly hit... thankfully we were further north and inland, so fo us it was just a good blow.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 236: Sep 19 - Bamberg, Germany​

The news doesn’t get any more pleasant. I am worried about the family but the few I’ve spoken with said nothing is happening near them though in Orlando and Miami there has been a few problems. Tampa is what it is. St. Petersburg is worse because of clashing groups rather than the “new” rules. I do feel compassion for every one caught up in this but when you allow or participate in illegals acts, eventually it is going to rebound on you regardless of your original motivations.

There has been some violence in the US as people discovered that illegals were getting preferential treatment on entitlement rolls, including the stimulus packages that included unemployment-without-documentation. The economy is too bad, and becoming even worse than the economic downturn which was a direct result of policies during the Pandemic of the 20s, for people to take the issue lightly. Many European countries repatriated their many of their immigrants several years back but there have been new waves trying to make their way to the continent after the extreme upheavals caused by the four missles that North Korea set off a few years back. This time they are being met with much more resistance from populations that still haven’t recovered from the social and financial impact caused by so many immigrants, especially those who refused to assimilate to the culture of the country they immigrated to as refugees.

Here aboard the Peace Ship we are reminded that each country has the right to decide what their own burden can be regarding immigration, that personnel are to keep our opinions to ourselves on this matter. The Peace Mission does not want to become the “Imposition Mission.” This is especially true because of the differences that already exist in the diplomatic corp as far as opinions on the subject … which run a wide gamut.

This evening’s incident only reenforced the reason for this mandate. In the mess hall a fight broke out between some staff members of opposing diplomatic offices. Vit was ahead of me as we walked in when the first punch was thrown. Then the next thing that was thrown was a dining chair … and it connected with Vit’s head even though he’d thrown his arm up and had been protecting me. Oh I came unglued. Both women wound up with broken wrists and various other injuries because they wouldn’t stand down when ordered to stop fighting. When staff went to assist them I snarled they could walk to sick bay under escort and from there confined to a holding cell and if they wanted to go at it again and kill themselves then they could have at it; it would rid the mission of their obvious stupidity. With a heated glance in Vit’s direction I saw that Yegor was there as was a staff medic. He nodded and I turned back just in time to see a couple of what my brats would have called knotheads get up to start again. I was just done and when I snapped open my telescoping baton more that a couple of personnel jumped.

As a parting statement I snarled, “There is zero tolerance for violence against crew and personnel, even if perpetuated by fellow crew and personnel. This announcement better not have to be made again.” Polina met me in sick bay. All male personnel got out of our way as the two female personnel – now prisoners – realized they would not be able to pull the gender card to be handled any gentler.

It was actually a nice day until that point. We sailed through the morning; and then stopped in Bamberg, a medieval city center. The excursion was a four-hour walking tour of the city. We visited an 11th-century cathedral with four imposing towers. The church was rebuilt on the sight of an even older church in late Romanesque and early Gothic style in the 13th century; this is where both Emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II are buried. We stopped to admire the detailed statue of the Bamberger Reiter, or Bamberg Horseman. We saw the picturesque Rathaus, or Town Hall, built in the middle of a double-arched bridge over the Regnitz River.

After our walk there was a short amount of time for some shopping which included bottles of the town’s auchbier, or smoke-flavored beer. I grabbed a couple of bottles for Vit and Yegor. I even snuck a bottle in for Henry to try and cheer him up. He’s become very glum with Barney gone.

I am back in the cabin after a security briefing – that I cannot record except to say the matter was being dealt with and that I was not censured. And that’s a good thing in my opinion only now Vit is being very protective and is once again expressing his concern over what he thinks of as unnecessary additional weight loss. He insists that I eat more. I am trying but the problem is that the food being served on the ship is primarily low-fat, low-carb, with mostly plant-based entrees. This would be fine if I were more sedentary, however my daily routine of walking, biking, etc. requires more good-fats than I am is getting. Increasing my daily supplements will only do so much and Vit is giving serious consideration to finding nutritional shakes so that I can have one each day as an additional “meal.”

I suppose I must give in on this though the idea of those shakes makes me shiver in distaste. Maybe he’ll accept me eating a yogurt instead. Ugh. So long as he doesn’t follow through on his threat to call Derrick. That’s all I need.

 

[sssarawolf]

Thank you for the 2 chapter treat. Yes for sure we all wish our gov. would really stand up and obey the laws already on the books. Nice dream, A My dad said before he passed that someone had to carry on the A at the end of a sentence lol.

 

[nancy98]

Thanks Kathy. Very enjoyable reading.

 

[IVYINFLA]

Thanks much, Kathy.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 237: Sep 20 - Nuremberg, Germany​

I will admit that I was still wound up this morning. Both the female staff members have been removed from the ship as soon as docking was completed and whisked away to await lawyers from their respective countries. I heard by way of the “grapevine” that there are monetary consequences in their contract for the behavior they displayed, and the US Department of Defense is handling things from there on out.

Polina told me, as a warning not a rebuke, that she has gotten a few complaints but not many and to ignore what I can or redirect them to her office. I believe I could let it go more or better if not for Vit. He must have his eye patched for a few days because of the serious bruise he received between his temple and the corner of his eye. It is only as a precaution, but it is no small matter either. Less than a half-inch more and he could have lost the eye. Ugh. Shiver. I would love him no less, but I know Vit and it would have affected him adversely, and not just physically.

Polina asked, “Can you act as guide today?”

I answered, “Yes, of course. And please don’t take this as I am trying to rise above my station or tell you how to do your job … But personnel must understand such behavior as last night cannot happen again. We have a job to do and a reputation to maintain. Having our own fight amongst themselves like unruly children does not help the mission. And … sorry … I know you of all people know this. I … I am fine and able to do my job. I am just still really irritated to the point of anger.”

She nodded. “Agreed.” The she snorts and I see one of her non-smiles lurking. “I doubt anyone will behave in such a way again without thinking through it fully. Yegor said that you left several people who should know better with their chin swinging in the breeze.”

I nearly rolled my eyes. “The ones that were on the B should know that I was security.”

“You still are a member of security,” Polina stated firmly.

“I am? I thought I was a tourist guide,” I said still feeling a bit sarcastic on the subject.

Slyly Polina answered, “Let us say that you, like many of us, have multiple hats to wear.”

Strangely enough Polina was making me feel calmer and I shrugged. “They will forget, they forget about the body cams.”

“Which is foolish,” she agreed. “It has already been used to prove who started the fight, when you took action and why. It shut their threats down and I heard their home countries are inclined to let them stew in the soup of their own baking.”

Yet again I wonder if Polina does that on purpose. It certainly gave me the first grin since last night. Vit is on temporary desk duty but thankfully it suits his day’s most needful tasks. I barely avoided coddling him but at least I could make sure he got breakfast before I disembarked. Today we were in Nuremberg. From several small German towns we are now back into the second largest city in the Bavarian area of Germany with a population of over 550,000 in the city alone. The first documented mention of the city was in 1050. From 1050 to 1571 the city expanded and rose dramatically in importance due to its location on key trade-routes.

Nuremberg is often referred to as the "unofficial capital" of the Holy Roman Empire, particularly because the imperial courts met at Nuremberg Castle and played an important role in the administration of the empire. It is ironic that the Nuremburg trials occurred where they did because Jews were persecuted there for centuries. Two dates of note supporting this is that in 1298 the Jews of the town were falsely accused of having “desecrated the host,” and 698 of them were killed in one of the many Rintfleisch massacres. In 1349 Nuremberg's Jews suffered a pogrom. They were burned at the stake or expelled, and a marketplace was built over the former Jewish quarter. The plague also played a significant role in Nuremburg and decimated the population over and over, including in 1405, 1435, 1437, 1482, 1494, 1520 and 1534.

As for our modern-day foray into Nuremburg, we visited the ruins of Zeppelin Field, the Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s; then saw the Palace of Justice, site of the infamous Nuremberg Trials. I could have wished for the students to be here. I miss the curiosity that they had. Too many of the adults I guided today seemed to believe they already knew it all. In addition to the two sites I’ve already mentioned, we took a World War II tour that included the Documentation Center Museum as well as what was once secret underground bunkers where priceless art was hidden during WW2.

From there we spent some three or so hours exploring Nuremberg’s Old Town stopping at such sites as Nuremburg Central Station, a large and neo-gothic structure. Our next stop, a site once known as "Blau Q", the Frauentorturm is one of the four main towers in Nuremberg's Old Town fortification. Considering the earliest payment documents for the gate keeper dated 1386, it is safe to assume that the gate's construction was completed by this year at latest. Today the gate is reserved solely for pedestrian use and has the Nuremberg Crafts Yard set up in its armory.

The Crafts Yard opened in 1971 and features exactly what it says, traditional crafts, and we spent a good bit of time there. Visitors and locals alike can watch craftsmen (and women) at work using traditional tools to create handmade goods. As we strolled through the yard, we spoke with tinsmiths and woodworkers making toys and even goldsmiths. The items on display included traditional goods such as model railways, miniature doll prams, and handmade figurines, detailed bookbinding, and intricate gingerbread designs. I’ll admit that I indulged and brought Vit back some of the “broken” gingerbread pieces sold as bakery goodies. The Crafts Yard also has several cafes, restaurants, and bars sprinkled about the craft shops where many in the tour group grabbed a bite to eat or drink, similar to the canned bratwurst and bottles of beer I picked up for Vit and Yegor. And I brought them back a few of the 230+ varieties of mustard that are available; all items were a hit.

Polina later told me, “Thank you for thinking of him.”

I shrugged. “It is like having another brat. So long as … hmmm …”

“Nyet. Let the words of the jealous cats no longer bother you. The worst of them are now gone and it is mostly to try and fry up burnt potatoes.”

I’ll follow Polina’s suggestion – er, without the burnt potatoes – as long as it does no bother Vit and he says he already understands and agrees.

Next was the former Customs House. This medieval building has served as a granary and customhouse throughout its centuries-old history. It was built as a granary around 1498 on the site of the former city moat. At the time, this was the largest grain house in the city and stored food for times of crisis.

A magnificent church was next on the list. Dedicated to one of the most venerated saints of the Roman Catholic Church, this church was badly damaged during World War II and later restored, now standing as one of the most prominent among the Evangelical Lutheran churches in Bavaria. More notably, the church is rich in 14th and 15th Century altarpieces, the earliest dating from 1316. There are also notable sculptures, including the famous statue of the "beautiful Madonna" – unusually portrayed smiling – from around 1280. Most striking is a stunning stone tabernacle, (built in 1493-6) the carvings of which depict the Passion of Christ. It is surmounted by a veritable explosion of pinnacles which soar 20 meters to the springing of the vaulting. As if this were not enough, the church has an exceptional array of medieval stained glass, mostly from the 15th century.

The building and furnishing of the church were cared of by the city council and by wealthy citizens. This is probably the reason why the art treasures of St. Lawrence were spared during the iconoclasm during the Reformation period. Despite St. Lawrence's being one of the first churches in Germany to be Lutheran (1525), the wealthy citizens of Nuremberg wanted to preserve the memory of their ancestors and refused the removal of the donated works of art.

I could continue on and on but some of the most notable spots were Heilig-Geist-Spital (Hospice of the Holy Spirit), Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square), City Hall, St. Sebaldus Church, the Nuremburg Toy Museum, Weissgerbergasse (Weissgerber Street), Maxbrücke (Max Bridge), Trodelmarkt (Flea Market), Ludwigsplatz (Ludwig's Square), St. Jakobskirche (St. Jacob's Church), and Zum Guldenen Stern Restaurant which is historic restaurant was originally built in 1380 on the cobbled Zirkelschmiedsgasse street. The restaurant was first mentioned in 1419 and has been serving bratwurst and other delectable dishes ever since. This is Nuremberg's oldest restaurant that has been continuously operating from the same location.

I know I wasn’t the only one not ready to return to the ship and I had to remind myself I wasn’t there for a holiday but for my job, one that included returning to the ship and picking up the next excursion group. The excursion was not necessarily my cup of tea but interesting in its own way. We were off to visit the Faber-Castell Factory and Museum and see how one of the world’s most famous brands in writing tools is made.

More than just a factory, Faber-Castell is one of the world’s oldest manufacturers of pencils and other office supplies’ it was founded in 1761 by Kaspar Faber. It employs over 7,000 people in ten countries, from Indonesia to Costa Rica. First came the museum and then a tour of one of their modern manufacturing facilities. And of course, there was a shop at the end of the tour where most everyone bought the requisite supply of writing utensils – primarily pencils – but I also picked up some Christmas gifts in the form of their higher end products, from mechanical penciles to colored pencils, and more. After getting back to the ship Vit fell on the mechanical pencils like they were one of the higher technological “toys” that Dylan has sent.

Tomorrow is Sunday but … happy, happy … I do not have to take any excursions off ship. I still have things to do but one of them will not be herding cats.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 238: Sep 21 - Roth, Germany (Sunday)​

Not much to write of today. Chief Gunder took today’s groups out and Vit and I practically hibernated in our cabin during our off hours. His eye feels better but he is still recovering. Vit had to take frequent calls and finally had to go mediate between some of the diplomats who simply do not understand – or do not wish to understand – that nearly all bandwidth is being rationed away from personal communication because it is needed for diplomatic purposes.

While he was doing that Chief Gunder returned to the ship and asked me to meet him in his office. I was worried at first, he looked nearly disheveled. We walked in at nearly the same moment and after giving me a look he shuts the “office” and says, “Oh mein Gott!”

It struck me as funny for some reason and we both wound up having a good laugh and a glass of wine. I believe he now begins to understand the entire excursion process better. He is a good chief but, I will admit, having what my brats call “skin in the game” will make him a better one and hopefully will address some of the problems that I am running up against with personality and ideological conflicts in certain staff and personnel on the excursions.

 

[Lake Lili]

Thanks Kathy! Wonderful to have you back!

 

[moldy]

Nothing like having to do the grunt work yourself to give you a bit better perspective!! so happy to see you back!

 

[Mr Bill]

Thanks bunches Kathy.

 

[sssarawolf]

Wow, thank you so much.

 

[Sportsman]

Thank you. Glad to see more of this saga!

 

[nancy98]

YeaaaaaHoooooo! Thanks Kathy

 

[john70]

great