Bonn is situated right on both banks of the Rhine as it waves its way through North Rhein-Westfalia. The Rhine has been a vital waterway bringing trade and goods deep inland since Roman times. It forms part of the border between France and Germany, and empties into the North Sea. It's one of the busiest rivers in Europe and large cargo ships are seen at all points during the day and night making they way to various ports.
During our time in Bonn, I feel like I got to know the Rhine quite well. It was there just outside our hotel, and if I craned my neck just right I could see it from my window. I walked up and down the pathway next to its western bank, and was even able to stop one morning and paint a picture of the green bridge linking both sides of Bonn. After a particularly hot day it even provided a splendid chance to cool down with an evening dip into its waters. The current was enough to almost sweep me off my feet, just as Bonn has done.
On a sunny and hot Sunday we were treated to a cruise down the Rhine starting in Koblenz. This area of the Rhine was in part the inspiration for the Romantic period of literature and art. The waters were smooth and calm as we passed vineyards on steep hills, small river-side towns and of course, countless castles. The castles looked straight out of the books of knights I poured over when I was younger. So many of them had fascinating histories and stories tied to them.
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