Monday in Speyer Germany

This is a beautiful pathway from the Rhine River to the town center

First thing we did was visit the cathedral built from 1030 to 1125, which was called the Emperor's Cathedral.

This is an inside view of the cathedral.

Right outside the cathedral was what they used as an alter until the cathedral was finished.  It is a monument of the mount of olives which is the place Jesus was crucified.

This large bowl looking object you would think is a fountain?  Not....  It is used only for very important celebrations such as a new bishop or something important like that.  It is then filled with wine for the people to celebrate.

This is looking down toward the center of town from the cathedral.

This is a tower of the old city wall on the opposite side of town from the river. Originally, there were over 60 towers. There are only 6 left.

There is a legend of these 8 kings or religious figures you see here. It is too long to talk about here, we'll have to tell you about it later!  Just know that some mysterious things happened when Germany needed help in battles a very long time ago. (Hint...coins of unknown origin)

Then in afternoon we were dropped off in groups of about 6 or so at homes around Speyer that Grand Circle had pre arranged.  Of course we didn't know who was going where until the program director pointed at you, you and you on the bus and said you get out here.  We visited with a younger couple, Marcus and Cony, who had a 6 year old son Maximilian.  We had a nice visit, ate some delicious pastries they had made and we all learned things from one another about life in Germany and vice versa.

Sunset shot as we're sailing on the river  toward Speyer (the night before).

Back on the boat we had a nice dinner then a "talent" show put on by the crew.  They were very very good.