Dear Ms Weber, Dear Ms Pfeiffer,
Unfortunately, it’s already been over a week since I returned from my trip, and I wanted to thank you once again for arranging such an eventful and wonderful cargo ship voyage.
It’s difficult to describe or explain a holiday like this to family and friends, as you really have to experience it for yourself to understand this kind of travel.
I haven’t felt this relaxed, impressed and ‘unhurried’ after a holiday for a long time… thank you.
Here’s a brief travel report:
We set off at night from Mannheim to Friesenheim (near Strasbourg), where we swapped the coal we’d unloaded in Germany for gravel. After passing through several interesting locks, the journey continued down the Rhine to Amsterdam. We were able to enjoy the journey past Mainz, Wiesbaden, the Loreley, Koblenz… and many beautiful castles in glorious sunshine and under a brilliant blue sky. After midnight, I could still see Düsseldorf, then my berth beckoned me for a few hours’ sleep.
The following morning, we were already almost in the Netherlands and were cruising along the beautiful River Waal. On the way to Amsterdam, I also got to see how such a large ship refuels with water and diesel.
I was amazed at the range of things you can buy at a bunkering station. From workwear, paint and grinders to tumble dryers, you can get almost everything there that’s needed for living and working on a freighter.
Once we arrived in Amsterdam, we had some time to go ashore until the gravel had been unloaded. It was enough time for a leisurely stroll through the beautiful city before we had to change harbours for a new coal load.
At night, we set off again, travelling upstream along the Rhine towards the Main and Frankfurt. Shortly before sunrise, I was treated to the sight of Cologne Cathedral all lit up, and then I was able to enjoy the beautiful stretch of the Rhine from the other direction at a more leisurely pace, as we were travelling at half the speed.
We passed the Loreley whilst the evening sun was still shining, and after that the Rhine is very peaceful at night.
On that final night, I let the gentle hum of the engines lull me to sleep and didn’t wake up until dawn in Frankfurt.
Now came the hardest part of the journey – saying goodbye…
We sat together comfortably until midday, and then, with a heavy heart, I left the ship.
I’ll remember the trip and the brilliant crew forever. I’ll miss the in-depth conversations and explanations from the owner/captain (and indeed all the captains and the whole crew) for a long time to come. No questions were left unanswered and no wishes unfulfilled. My deepest thanks go to the crew for an unforgettable, wonderful holiday and for allowing me to share in their life on board… .!
I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few things to mention here – it was simply INDESCRIBABLE 🙂
P.S.: This certainly won’t be my last trip on this (or any other) inland freighter.
Kind regards,
Ms E.