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12/09/2006: "Luxembourg and Koblenz"

Been out of Internet access the last few days. I will do my best to catch you up.

Staying with our “flexible” itinerary, we headed out of Amsterdam for a long train ride down to Luxembourg. We arrived around 9:30 PM with no idea where the city was or where we were staying. A comic cab ride with driver that only spoke French managed to land us in the center of the city. We then started dragging our bags over the cobblestone pedestrian area in search of a hotel with space. At about ten, we lucked upon the Hotel Fancais and the proprietor was able to put us up in a penthouse apartment that looked out over the old square. Dropping our bags, we headed for dinner.

This is a beautiful city located in the tiny principality. It’s history dates back nearly two thousand years. The ancient fortifications in this city are so impressive that it is called the Gibraltar of the North. As we spent a couple of days wandering around, it was amazing to see ancient ramparts, next to medieval buildings, alongside baroque. The bridges and architecture takes your breath away.

We then left Luxembourg and landed in Koblenz, Germany. This is where the Mosel River flows into the Rhein. It is referred to as the Deutches Eck or Germany Corner. We have had a couple of beautiful days walking this town. The food has been fantastic, we are more comfortable speaking German and the Christmas market is wonderful.

Last night I took the train up to Cologne and back to get my injections of my own Dendritic Cells. That story will require its own posts.

Replies: 2 Comments

on Tuesday, December 12th, Debra G said

I finally had a chance to catch up reading your blog, and it left me speechless. And you know how rare that is!

Anyway I do want to say is your words, your pictures and your spirit moves me and motivates me more and farther than I ever thought possible.

Thank you! I am so glad you guys are having a wonderful trip!

on Sunday, December 10th, Kelly Herbelin-Farrar said

Hi Doug,
I'm not sure you will remember me but you were our swim coach many years ago with Bonnie Brae. I received this forward from a fellow Barracuda and I was moved by your ever positive and inspiring spirit.
One of my pivotal memories from childhood is my very first swim race. I was so nervous I false started. And then I began to cry. But you hopped in the water and encouraged me to swim to you. In that moment I know you changed my life. With your love and encouragement I did it. Such a small moment, but after that I saw myself differently. That was 26 years ago, but I still remember it clearly.
And here you are,sharing your story, continuing to love and inspire those around you. The world is a better place because of you. Thank you.

Our love and prayers are with you -
Kelly Farrar
PS - my brother, Tucker Farrar, and his wife just had their first child. He and I used to love listening to "The Greatest American Hero"soundtrack because we'd think of you. Your joy and enthusiasm in life are a blessing to all of us.