After starting out on the barge and seeing a bridge on pontoons we left the barge for what was supposed to be a short shakedown ride. Because of the bridge construction we wound up riding through a very busy city Utrecht. This was not the normal route and had challenges to say the least. Traffic, cars, and bikes coming in every direction. Finally returning to the barge a delicious Indian dinner was served. We sailed further down the canal and actually went throug...

We left our friends in cologne this morning. We really enjoyed our time in cologne. It is a vibrant city with lots going on. Extremely walkable to stores and restaurants. It was a place we would like to go back to. We took the train which had difficulties and we wound up having to switch to a local train with our heavy suitcases in Utrecht. We made it to the barge about 2 and a half hours later Han planned. It has been great reuniting with old friends. This seems...

Today we took a leisurely boat ride down the Rhine. We saw cologne from the water a very different perspective. After the boat ride we had lunch at a very good hamburger place. We then drove to a magnificent palace, Schloss breuhl. Beautiful gardens similar to Versailles on a much smaller scale. We then rushed home to watch the Germany USA game. Germany won but both teams advanced. After the game we walked to get out last really good gelato. Tomorrow we leave for...

Arrived in Cologne Germany Tuesday June 24th to visit Renate and Wulf Crasselt, the parents of our next door neighbors. In an effort to keep us awake Renate and Wulf showed us the old part of cologne with a walk along the Rhine. In the heart of the city is the st Mary and st Peter gothic cathedral. Robert and I climbed 533 winding steps to get a panoramic view of the city. We also toured a perfume factory with a Tour guided by a person in period dress. We learned...

Last day in Marrakech. We walked for about an hour this morning on our free day to the yves st Laurent garden. A beautiful garden of palm trees and cacti to name a few plants. It was very unique. Spent a relaxing afternoon playing cards by the pool. Tonight is our farewell dinner. Travel day back home tomorrow. Been a great trip. Coming home