Rachel's Visit: Vianden, Luxembourg

The Vianden Castle is one of the most nicely restored ones in the area. Rachel loved it.

Rachel's Visit: Trier

We visited the historic city of Trier where a wonderous Christmas market is in the shadow of the historic cathedral.

Tip: click the label "Trier" at the bottom of the page for other blogs of mine for more information about the city.

Rachel's Visit: Spa, Belgium

Spa, Belgium is the town that Spas are named after. It has natural mineral and thermal springs. The rich and famous throughout the centuries have come here for the medicinal benefits. It just happened to have a morning market downtown the day we arrived.
We road a tram up to the top of a mountainside, looking down over the town. There was a thermal spa at the top.

We ate lunch at a pastery shop. Belgium waffles in Belgium. Also enjoyed looking at the chocolates and marzipam confections.

Our final stop of the day was at one of the original springs to taste the mineral water. It is rich in iron and naturally carbonated. I liked it. Rachel didn't.

Rachel's visit: Cochem Medeival dinner

On a cold night by the full moon we visited the Cochem castle. This time we enjoyed their Medeival Dinner.

We were well entertained. Since we went with a large American group, they performed in English.

The town has a small but lovely Christmas market. The castle is beautiful from the market square.

Rachel's visit: Bernkastle

We enjoyed our first excursion with our daughter, Rachel at a favorite town on the Mosel River called Bernkastle. It was the day before the official Christmas market.

Rachel stands on the steps of the Landshut castle ruin above. Below she walks on the river front with the castle in the background.