Meissan {With a Wittenberg FlashBack!}

The ship stayed docked in Torgau and some people went ashore again to check out the local pubs.  Elva and I enjoyed the evening of music in the lounge with Clare and Rosemary.   the ladies have been friends for 31 years and live not too far apart in Southern California.  Rosemary is the quiet one but so very nice and friendly.  Clare and I just set each other off in hysterics!

We went to bed glad that we had seen and done everything offered today.

Allow me to pause here and add a few pictures of great interest that should have been in yesterday's post.  We visited the town church where Martin Luther preached and also the Castle Church which had much greater importance.

 Town Square of Wittenberg.

 Approaching the Castle Church where often the King alone worshiped or even retreated to a have a few minutes of total alone-ness.  The only place he could!

 The tile mosaic roof glistened in the sunlight!

 The door of the church is now a replica in bronze.

 It was on this door upon which Martin Luther posted the 95 thesis.  He did it the night before All Souls Day because he knew that the next day every single person would be there.  they would pay a fee to walk around the tables that held precious relics and icons of Saints which were shown publicly  from the King's private collection on this special day.  Each time you walked around the table you were receiving an Indulgence to shorter your own time, or a relatives' time in Purgatory.  So many went round and round.  These Indulgences were not only retroactive but forgave future sins...sort of a Get Out of Jail Free card.

Back to our journey into Meissan.
 Early in the morning, about 5:30 we untied the ropes, and by we I mean the brilliant crew, and set sail for Meissan.  The scenery is getting more interesting and less flat as we go south.  It was quite nice to have our breakfast with a view through the large dining room windows while eating our Eggs Benedict (Elva) and made to order Omelette (me).  With both are independent and find it very pleasant to be waited on every now and then!

 Norman is all tucked in by Kremi, the Bartender, to enjoy the scenery in comfort.

 The Captain himself was measuring the hatch.  He has something to stow away but we don't know what.  although this isn't the most flattering view, I must say he was a most hands on Captain.  Seen about often.  One day he was collecting the shot glasses from the welcome aboard drink, another time handing out the welcome back candy.  Just lots of things.

 Enjoying the sunny view.

 Windy when going "full water jets ahead!"

 It was on this "tour" of the Bridge we learned that our boat has no propellers, just adjustable 

water jets.  Sort of riding down the river in a big Jacuzzi!

 Elva had to lean back for me to take this picture.  The Bridge is very, very small.  Basically the Captain has a comfortable chair and a desk with gauges and cameras, and a joystick.

Heading under a bridge arriving in Meissan.

Our Guided Walk took us to the Meissan Factory where fine porcelain has been made for hundreds of years.  It is all hand formed by potters, hand painted by artists.  This accounts for the price.

 Our bus delivered us to the factory where Sebastian waited with our tickets. 

 The symbol of Meissan china was seen in all the display cases.

 This lovely lady was created for the anniversary of the factory a couple of years ago.  The 8,000 tiny flowers are hand shaped like all elements of the pottery.

 A $2,500 place setting of 'everyday' Meissan.  Denise and Pat bought 23 place settings to complete a set they have at home.  Not this pattern.  $2,400 for three, 3-piece settings in the seconds shop!

 While waiting to leave the courtyard of an old monastery, one of Luther's haunts,

 through the gate above, I became fascinated with these mosses.

 The children were enjoying the niches while waiting with their mom's for
brothers and sisters to arrive from school.

 The town Market Square after we walked down from that particular church and castle.

.

 Mom was helping the little boy to wash in the square's rectangular well.

 

Back on board it was the Welcome Back explorer's Society.  Only six people, including Elva, had not sailed with viking before so everyone was invited.  The Captain displays the bottle while Janos explains the history of the traditional Aqua Vit.  It must travel in oak casks three times around the world at the equator or close to it to be truly Aqua Vit. The Viking tradition is for each officer to come around and toast with each person at the party.

 Kremi demonstrates how German girls show their availability. Tied in front is a Virgin!

 Lederhosen were the working class trousers and the waiters are always embarrassed to wear them.

 Sebastian gave a quick briefing of tomorrow's activities and Janos introduced the dinner......

 ....delicious!

And served with live music for the full two hours! 

 After dinner we played a lively game of Majority Rules.  No right or wrong answers, just be the team who most often matches the most other teams in the room...

AND WE DID!