Oh it’s a great life on the bus trip!
Just got back from a smashing tour about the town courtesy of the generous organisers. We began with a labyrinthine bus shuffle across bridges and beneath towers while a barmy old lady tour guide talked about fashion a lot and made constant reference “the dark period in German history” before qualifying that in a whispered tone “You know, the days between 1933 and 1945” as if she wasn’t legally allowed to say that out loud.
Then came the boat down the Rhine. It was a gloriously sunny morn, and we saw some beautiful sights – but it was flipping freezing – only just thawing out now! Then they took us on a walk around the old town, darting down back jittys between breweries and bakeries, with free cakes thrown in for good measure. The only star on show was the Bulgarian lass, with full squad in tow. No ill behaviour to report, sadly, although she did like to chat throughout the poor old lady guide’s patter.
They’re taking us to a coal mine in Essen in a couple of days – now that’s what I call a tour!