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2017 Rhine Cruise.

Beethoven, Brandt, Clara and Robert Schumann set in the pavement of Bonn

First stop the former Capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. Rain! But not too heavy. Afternoon arrival and we went on a walking tour of the City with a visit to the Beethoven House Museum. Good start! An excellent guide (Dieter), nearer our age than 18-30. We had pre-booked this excursion (£18 per person) but, because of the muck up that Saga had made of our car we were given a refund. Was well worth the £18 but we won't complain about getting it for nothing!

A pleasant stroll up to the Electoral Palace, which was built for the Prince-Elector Joseph Clemens c1700. Dieter made a big deal of it being built for one person, Having his dinner in one wing and sleeping in another wing. There is a myth among the British that the Germans have no sense of humour. Not true!

Electoral Palace (now the main building of the University of Bonn)

Bonn Minster where, allegedly, two Christian Roman soldiers were martyred for refusing to kill other Christians. Because they were citizens of Rome they had (apparently) the pleasure of beheading rather than a worse fate (is there a worse fate than death?).

Saints Cassius and Florentius

Beethoven (my apologies for TKMaxx but a photo from another angle shows the 2 Portaloos behind the statue!)

The Beethoven Museum was well worth a visit (although no photos were allowed). Some of our number gave it a miss (this is Saga after all) but, although there were a fair amount of stairs, it was not too bad. Lots to see but the one thing that sticks in my mind is that Ludwig is the German equivalent of Louis. I never knew! Did you?