We have spent the last 3 days in the beautiful middle Rhine river valley, in a small medieval town, Bacharach, located right alongside the river between Mainz and Koblenz.

What a picturesque part of the world, with little villages and medieval castles, dating back to the 11 th century dotted all the way along the river. It is a very busy river with cargo boats as well as tourist boats travelling along the river constantly. This is also a famous wine grape region, where I believe the Rhine riesling wine originates from. Naturally, some tasting has been obligatory! Also, the local beer, grosser cups of kaffee, apple strudel and plenty of german sausage.

Have travelled up the river by boat and train and along walking trails and wandered through a couple of old castles - just glad I was born in the 20th century and not the 11th century. Life was pretty tough back then, yet I have been most surpised by the complexity in the designs and construction of these castles, given the meagre tools and resources that they had available.

Our feet are getting very tired from lots of walking and I am slowly recovering from laryngitis. But otherwise, the travels are going well. Really enjoying discovering new places - so much to see, so much history to absorb!

Will add photos of this lovely region soon. Off to London by train in the morning. Love receiving your messages!