Rhine Christmas Market Cruise Last Day of Sailing: Shoes, Bridges, and the transformative power of travel

This morning began with a sprinkle of holiday magic. We woke to find that St. Nicklaus, patron saint of kids, had paid us a visit overnight, leaving small surprises tucked into our shoes. It was a charming nod to the tradition of St. Nicholas Day, and the perfect way to start our final full day of sailing. This simple, joyful moment captured the essence of this trip: tradition, wonder, and the kind of delight that comes from experiencing the world through fresh eyes.

As we continued our journey along the Rhine, it struck me how bittersweet this moment was. The river has been everything I imagined and more—its castles, markets, and history flowing into each other like the currents themselves. But knowing this chapter of adventure will end tomorrow leaves me reflective, as travel always does.

The True Gift of Travel

What I love most about travel isn’t just the joy of discovering new places, uncovering layers of history, or indulging in the tastes of a region—though, don’t get me wrong, those are magical in their own right. For me, travel is most transformative because of the people. It’s the laughter shared with loved ones over mulled wine in a bustling Christmas market, the stories exchanged with strangers who become new friends, and the simple moments of connection that remind us of our shared humanity.

Travel gives us the gift of perspective. When we step out of our routines, the noise of daily stress fades, and we can clearly see what matters most. The people we love, the joy of new experiences, and the importance of living fully present in each moment—it all becomes so obvious. At the same time, travel gently reminds us of what’s unimportant: the worries we carry, the stress we let weigh us down, and the energy we spend on things that, in the grand scheme of life, don’t really matter.

Coming Home with the Spirit of Travel

The real challenge, of course, is holding on to this clarity once the trip ends. How do we carry the wonder, joy, and openness of travel into our everyday lives? I think the answer lies in staying curious—about our surroundings, about people, and about the stories that unfold around us daily. It’s about keeping the same excitement we feel when walking through a new city or meeting someone from a different culture, and applying it to our own backyard.

Travel changes us for the better because it stretches our empathy, deepens our gratitude, and renews our sense of wonder. The trick is to let those changes stick, to let the lessons we learn in faraway places transform the way we live at home.

The Journey Ahead

As this trip draws to a close, I find myself deeply grateful. Grateful for the places we’ve visited, the stories we’ve shared, and the friendships we’ve built along the way. Grateful for the time spent with wonderful mother and sister and for the new friends who’ve added so much warmth to this journey. And most of all, grateful for the ways this experience has reminded me of the beauty and goodness in the world.

When we wake up tomorrow in Amsterdam, it will be time to say goodbye to the Cruising the Rhine and the memories we’ve made here. But I hope to take the best parts of this trip home with me—the spirit of adventure, the joy of connection, and the reminder to always make space for the magic of life.

-Betsy ✨

Remagen and the Ludendorff Bridge: A Step into History

Our first highlight of the day was passing the ruins of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen. While it stands now as a quiet relic, this bridge carries a weighty history. During World War II, it was a pivotal crossing point over the Rhine, famously captured by Allied forces in 1945. This strategic win helped expedite the end of the war in Europe.

Seeing the remains of the bridge today—its stone towers standing as silent witnesses to history—was a humbling experience. Our guide shared stories of the soldiers who fought here and the bridge's dramatic collapse just days after its capture. It's one thing to read about history, but it's another to see it up close, surrounded by the very landscapes that bore witness to those moments. There is a 1969 movie The Bridge of Remagen

Frühschoppen Brunch with German Music

For brunch (they never stop feeding us), we embraced a true German tradition with a lively Frühschoppen in the ship’s lounge as we sailed toward Cologne. With the Rhine’s stunning landscapes gliding by, we indulged in savory sausages and fresh-baked pretzels paired with crisp, cold beer—because what better way to start the day? The atmosphere was warm and convivial, with laughter and conversation flowing as easily as the drinks. It was the perfect way to toast our journey, blending the flavors of Germany with the camaraderie we’ve shared throughout this incredible trip. Our little fairy friend came in her traditional dress and now I’m shopping on Etsy for Annie - https://www.etsy.com/de-en/shop/DirndlRosi?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1824044787&from_page=listing

Cologne: Markets and Castles

From Remagen, we continued to Cologne, where the holiday magic of the Christmas markets awaited us one last time. Being Saturday, the market was bustling with energy, its iconic cathedral towering in the background like a protective guardian. It was impossible not to get swept up in the festive spirit.

We also had the chance to visit a 13th century cathedral for an architecture tour, and let me tell you, the Rhine never runs out of fairytale-worthy fortresses and cathedrals. This one, perched on a hill and surrounded by misty views of the river, seemed plucked straight from a storybook.

It's not been hard to find Betsy in the markets

A Bittersweet Farewell to the Rhine

As we set sail for the final stretch toward Amsterdam, the reality of our trip coming to an end began to sink in. Tonight, we’ll enjoy one last dinner onboard, toasting to the incredible memories we’ve made along the way. Tomorrow, we’ll wake up in Amsterdam, stay in port for the evening before being taken to the airport Sunday morning.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

This trip has been a magical blend of history, culture, and holiday wonder. From the bustling markets to the serene stretches of the Rhine, every moment has been a reminder of the beauty in exploring the world—and the joy of doing so with the people you love. As we prepare to say goodbye to the Rhine, we are already planning our next adventure.

Here’s to St Nicholas surprises, historic bridges, and castles galore. Until next time, Rhine—auf Wiedersehen.

Final Day "Windmills, Waterways, and Dutch Reunions: A Day in the Netherlands"

Waking up this morning felt like a scene from a storybook. As the ship glided through the Dutch countryside, we were greeted with views of charming windmills, small farms, and quaint villages nestled among canals. The landscape was so picturesque we couldn’t bear to leave our room, so we ordered room service and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast from the comfort of our bed. After a late night of dancing in the lounge, it was the perfect way to ease into the day—just us, a steaming pot of coffee, and the peaceful rhythm of the Dutch countryside passing by.

Familiar Places and Fond Memories

As we continued toward Amsterdam, we passed towns that felt like old friends. Seeing Utrecht brought a wave of nostalgia for all the time we’ve spent exploring its charming streets and canals. There’s something so heartwarming about recognizing familiar places and reflecting on past adventures while embarking on new ones. The countryside gave way to the bustling waterways of Amsterdam, and before we knew it, we were ready to dive into the city’s energy.

Amsterdam Adventures: Canals and Flea Markets

The day’s itinerary was packed but delightful. We started with an Amsterdam canal cruise, a must for anyone visiting this iconic city. Gliding through the narrow waterways, we passed beneath arched bridges and alongside rows of gabled houses that seemed to lean playfully toward the water. The captain shared fascinating tidbits about the city’s history, and we soaked it all in, marveling at how Amsterdam feels like a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.

Next, we wandered through the flea markets, where stalls overflowed with treasures. From vintage postcards to hand-painted ceramics and quirky trinkets, the markets had something for everyone. It was impossible not to get caught up in the excitement of hunting for unique finds. Of course, we couldn’t resist picking up a few souvenirs to bring a bit of Dutch charm back home.

A Reunion with Marijke

One of the highlights of the day was meeting up with my dear friend Marijke from Leiden. It had been far too long since we last saw each other, and catching up in the heart of Amsterdam felt so special. We shared stories, laughter, and, of course, a few Dutch treats. It’s amazing how travel not only deepens connections with new people but also strengthens bonds with old friends.

Looking Ahead: Sharing Stories with Tom

As we wrapped up our whirlwind Dutch adventure, we couldn’t help but think of our other dear friend, Tom from Middelburg, who is currently staying at our house. We can’t wait to return and share all the details of our short but packed time in the Netherlands. From serene countryside views to the bustling energy of Amsterdam, this day was a perfect snapshot of everything we love about this beautiful country.

A Fond Farewell

As the sun set over Amsterdam’s canals, we reflected on how lucky we are to have these moments of connection—both with the places we visit and the people who make the journey unforgettable. This trip may be coming to an end, but the memories and friendships will last a lifetime.

Until next time, Holland. Tot ziens! 🇳🇱✨