Post script for Göttingen

One of the things Göttingen is well known for is the Gänseliesal figure on the fountain in the market place outside the old Rathus , (Town Hall)
Local tradition is that after passing their final exam the newly graduated doctors kiss Gänseliesal's cheek. I took a couple of photos of her , one earlier in the day and one latter in the afternoon. Hoping for better light, but not in luck today.


Seems to be also a tradition of leaving flowers, even the odd balloon.

Nearby is the church of St Johannis, intriguingly it has two different spires, the taller of them once being student accommodation, thus making them the highest 'digs' in Germany


detail of front door handle

More Postcards from Göttingen

I'm always drawn to decoration on houses and buildings and Göttingen has more than its fair share . Camera has gone into overdrive.

Göttingen

Göttingen, situated just about in the centre of Germany, was our destinatiln for overnight stay on our way from Denmark to Frankfurt airport.
We have not been disappointed, what a little gem this place is. We are staying in the old town, used to have a wall running all the way round, now a beautiful walking track.
Knud next to oldest tree, dating from 1735

Göttingen had been a medieval market town, now its a triving university town.University was founded in 1734 , last centuary alone more than 40 Nobel Prizes were awarded to scientists from Göttingen .

Jacobikirche ( St James Church) a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Built originally in 1300's . In 1480 some amazing decoration was added to the columns inside.
from the outside
front door
detail of door handle
inside





lots of photo opportunities

Postcards ftom Haderslev

Haderslev, our home town, Knud and Thorkild both born here , lot of the family & friends still here or in the region so naturally ' All roads lead to Haderslev '
Haderslev is situated on the east coast of Southern Jutland at the end of Haderslev fjord. Was settled over a thousand years ago , and has been a major centre for trading ever since. Population of around 22,000 , perfect size.





Older part of town has been done up somewhat.
Helga with her eldest granddaughter Stine and her 2 great granddaughters Freya and Anne
Anette, my gorgeous sister inlaw.
Knud and Helga

Postcards from Saarbrüken

A brief stopover here in Saarbrüken on our way to Denmark . Saarbrüken is thc capital of the state of Saarland Germany. City and surrounding area suffered under both world wars, experiencing extensive damage from bombing attacks because they were an important industrial and transport hub for coal, iron, sugar, pottery, beer & construction materials. Very close to the French border, they have shared a close history.

Always love a pretty door
Basilika St Johann
Ludwigskirche
Interesting fountain, sculpture
Knud

Last couple of weeks in France

Our cruise from Verdun to home port of Epinal went smoothly, finished going up the Meuse, then it was onto Canal Marne au Rhine to Toul, out onto the Moselle River then onto Vosges canal and home to Epinal. Water levels getting a little low as we were going up the Vosges Canal and we made it to Epinal before they started closing the canal early for the season because of water restrictions , phew. Weather has been glorious, warm sunny days and nights no frosts yet! Very unusual. Personally I was hanging out for some cold weather, winter is my favourite time of the year, but the locals are happy so thats the main thing.
cruising up the Meuse River
the elusive commander station, this is what we are searching for before we get to each lock. We have a commander that we have to press when we get to within 30mt of this station, this then activates the lock. We had a brilliantly good run with the system, only once did it not work & I had to get ashore get up to the lock and ring the VNF to come and fix the lock.

early morning fog, needless to say a latter start this day.
been a few boats through this lock
canal du Vosges
Linquenda all packed up and winterized
Has been another fabulous summer, travelled through many beautiful areas, had lots of great times on board Linquenda with family and friends and met more wonderful people, how blessed we are.

Week so far cruising the Meuse

All went to plan, we crossed southern Belgium and entered France last Monday. An Indian summer had hit Europe, and with temps in mid 30's we were expiring. Sounds silly I know but we are so used to air conditioning in Australia that coping with high temperatures and no aircon is a bit of a wake up call.
We pushed onwards heading up stream in a southerly direction. The Meuse is a beautiful river especially the stretch from Charleville Meziers in France to Namur in Belgium .
First touches of Autumn colours, we are just a couple of weeks too early
Peter & Michele leave us in Monthermé, what a great 6 days together, here they are waiting for a taxi that they thought would never arrive.
Interesting church spire , Sedan.
Early morning, by this stage heat wave was over and we are back to more comfortable weather. These elusive birds are difficult to catch on the camera , however that doesn't stop us trying.
Now on a stretch of the canal system that is manual, Knud gives the eclusier a hand opening the lock
Memorial in Verdun . Verdun the scene of huge battles during First World War , memorials, tours of battle fields etc await the tourist.

Today we are having a rest day, we have been on the move for 10 straight and covered 390km and gone up 60 locks, doesnt sound much I know but trust me it is. Today also Kaj's 31st birthday so even though we can't be with him we are celebrating and what better way than to make a few purchases at the Pâtisserie

Happy Birthday Kaj

Internet has been yet again a major headache, piggy backing off a nearby café 's system at the moment. Plan to leave Verdun tomorrow, heading up to Toul , should be there by next weekend, Epinal and home port before following weekend, just 70 locks to go and 180km.