Viking Rhine River Cruise - Amsterdam to Oberammergau, May 7-18, 2022

Day 1: Amsterdam, The Netherlands. On board a Viking longboat in Amsterdam, preparing to get underway on the Rhine. Marlene and I have been looking forward to this trip for over three years. We were originally scheduled for 2020 but, because of Covid-19, it was postponed for two years. Being here feels like a dream. Pictures and stories follow.

Day 2: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands. These are the famous windmills of Kinderdijk. Nineteen of them are clustered together for water management. And, even though we are onboard a longboat, the ship’s Wi-Fi allowed us to worship with our home church, Fellowship Reformed, Holland Mi and attend Petra’s (our granddaughter) graduation from Hope College. God is good.

Day 3: Cologne, Germany. This is the famous Gothic Cathedral of Cologne, Germany. We toured the old city of Cologne but spent most time at the Cathedral. Its beginnings date back to 1248 and it is the largest in Norther Europe. A magnificent gold altar inside the Cathedral is said to contain the bones of the Magi. Go figure. Who would expect to find the three kings in Cologne. I wonder if it had anything to do with the fragrances.

Day 4. Viking River Cruise. The highlight of the day was castle viewing on the the “Middle Rhine.” The River is lined with more than 28 castles, often dating back to the 1200 and 1300’s. We were able see many of these ancient domains. Our Program Director narrated as we navigated through this stage of our journey. As intriguing as they are, castles often have stories of conflict and conquest, as do a number of other things that we build in this life. I am reminded of the old gospel hymn…

I've got a mansion just over the hilltop

In that bright land where we'll never grow old.

And some day yonder, we will never more wander.

But walk on streets that are purest gold.

Day 5: Heidelberg, Germany. Meet Fredrick the Third (also called Fredrick the Pious, 1515-1576). We found this statue of him the wall of the Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberg, Germany). He is to be thanked for commissioning, implementing, and defending the Heidelberg Catechism. Do you remember Question and Answer 1 of the Catechism?

Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death - to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.

He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.

Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Day 6: Strasbourg, France. This is a spectacular city. I could tell you stories about conflicts between France and Germany, the European Union Parliament building, or the famous Cathedrale Norte Dame de Strasbourg and its astronomical clock. The below picture is of the inside of Cathedrale Norte Dame.

Day 7: Breisach, Germany, The Black Forest. There were several Black Forest-related choices for today. We choose the cuckoo clock demonstration, a walk down a path in the Black Forest, and - my favorite - how to make a decadent Black Forest Cake. What could be better than whipped cream, chocolate sponge cake rounds, cherries, shaved chocolate, and schnapps!

Day 8: Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is a city with astounding sculptures, historic buildings, beautiful churches, and scenic views. We toured Old Innsbruck, viewed the 3:00 PM worship service (9:00 AM Michigan time) of Fellowship Church, and are going to an “Austrian Folklore Evening” dinner, folklore, and music. This is an amazing city!

Can you see the Love in the pictured sculptured? It is not as easy to see the Hate but somehow the artist was able to build it into the reverse side of this piece. It should also be easier for others to see the love in our lives, and may God forgive and cleanse any hate… “Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow,” (Psalm 51:7).

Day 9: Bavaria, Germany.

Our senses are assaulted by the buildings and breads of the Bavarians. Today we had a few hours to explore the quaint town of Mittenwald (famous for crafting violins). It has a storybook look.

We lunched at a bakery/coffee shop. I can still taste the light and lemony pastry… out of this world. Also, the buildings in this town are a delight to the eyes, covered with colorful paintings.

We, next, visited an historic Benedictine monastery, Etta Abby. From there it was a motor coach ride to our hotel in Oberammergau where we will experience the Passion Play tomorrow.

Day 10: Oberammergau, Germany, The Passion Play.

The Passion Play is the culmination of our cruise. This event pictures the biblical story of salvation with an emphasis on the triumphal entry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. The town of Oberammergau (population of about 5,500) has been putting on "Passionsspiele" every 10 years since 1633 in gratitude to God for being spared from the Black Plague.

There are 106 performances between May and October. One thousand residents make up the performers and support staff. The open air auditorium seats 5,000.

The Play is an 8 hour experience, in German: part 1 (2.5 hours), dinner break (3 hours), part 2 (2.5 hours). After being delayed for 2 years because of the Covid 19 pandemic, we were blessed to be present at this epic event.

The Play ended at 10:30 PM. We left for the airport at about 5:00 AM the next day and landed in Grand Rapids at around 5:00 PM. Thank you Lord!