5-5 Beilstein to Cochem (Sue)

Rain, rain, rain, rain, rain and then more rain.  That was the weather for Saturday in the Mosel River Valley - but it takes more than a few downpours to stop us from enjoying our last full day in Germany.  After another wonderful breakfast at the Hotel Haus Lipman we ventured into the Markplatz and continued up Furst-Metternich-Strasse which leads to the Klostertreppe.  While the population of this former monastery and beautiful church is down to one Carmelite monk, Rome continues to support this handsome Catholic church.  It was amazingly gorgeous inside (pictures to follow) and it was set up for a wedding.  After enjoying the interior and some more great views, we descended the stairs on the other side of the church and were treated to the lovely smell of the lilacs that we passed on the way down. 

Drivin' Derrick wanted to take a little drive today so we ventured 10 km up river to the largest city in the area, Cochem.  The town seems to have grown quickly due to tourism, and we were a  bit disappointed at how commercialized it seemed.  We have become very comfortable in our quiet, sleepy town of Beilstein, where you have to ring the bell to come back into the hotel after 10 pm. We walked through the Cochem town square, but really couldn't enjoy much due to the constant rain.  We took the shuttle bus (along with a group of loud, obnoxious Poles) up to the Cochem Castle (Reichberg Cochem).  What a beautiful castle.  The tour was given only in German, but they provided English explanation sheets.  Our guide, who was spectuacular, was kind enough to point alot of it out in English also.  We both agreed that this was the best tour and castle we have seen.  We had hoped to ride the Sesselbah chairlift and explore Cochem a bit more, but the weather was just not cooperative.  So trusty Derrick took us home to a few more Bitburger beers and another bottle of wine for Betty.  We have so fallen in love with this place that we decided to have dinner here again.  We had cream of asparagus soup, weinerschneitzer, fried potatoes, salat, and chocolate pudding (we split the special).  Back to the room to fulfill our nightly correspondence.  We skyped with the Dixon's, and we are looking forward to being back with them.  It continues to rain this evening....as we spend our last night in the homeland.  Thank you Deutschland - we have so enjoyed our time here.