\nFirst, we would return to the Hotel Cascade in D\u00fcsseldorf if for no other reason than the breakfast.\u00a0 When we checked in last night, the clerk mentioned they had a ‘very good breakfast’ – they have an Incredible<\/em> breakfast and beautiful room with windows to the garden.<\/p>\n
Besides the usual abundant fare of meats, cheeses and breads, there were several different homemade jams, caprese, eggs, bacon and sausage, several fruits, yogurts (several varieties).\u00a0 One cannot eat all the choices in one sitting – and I’m not a breakfast person……just incredible. Everything you could possibly want to buy, that costs WAY more than we could possibly afford, could be found here.\u00a0 The only actual shopping we did was for our computer and imagine the grumps we found.<\/p>\n We had to get some money exchanged so we stopped at a couple of banks.\u00a0 The first could not help, so they sent us to Deutshe Bank.\u00a0 I felt like the little children in Mary Poppins going into their father’s bank, it was massive and incredible.\u00a0 Luckily, I was not chased out and was able to complete my transaction, but the experience was worth whatever the outcome.<\/p>\n Dusseldorf also has some incredible architecture, old and new;\u00a0 you could spend a week in this town and not do or see it all.<\/p>\n Somehow, with the wind at your back the trails become better.\u00a0 In reality, we really did have beautiful paths along the Rhein.<\/p>\n Shortly before our destination we came into a very industrial area that didn’t register on our maps, nor were there good bike signs. \u00a0 As we sat trying to figure out which way to go, a biker rides by and somehow, Jerry assumed that we should follow the gentleman.\u00a0 He rides up beside him and starts asking directions; rather hysterical, Jerry speaking German (in English) to a German that speaks NO English.<\/p>\n It was an Excellent decision, though.\u00a0 He lead us through areas that would have taken us hours to navigate, the most of which was a Ford plant so large it had three individual train stops.\u00a0 About the time the gentlemen got us into town, a beautiful young lady, Alex (who does <\/em>speak English), lead us into town and gave us the ‘where we were’ story.<\/p>\n Stopping at tourist information, we were informed there was a HUGE “fair” in town and rooms were scarce.\u00a0 Luckily, we found one, right on the Rhein<\/p>\n with outside restaurants and cafes everywhere.<\/p>\n We quickly checked in as we had to see the K\u00f6ln Dom\/Cologne Cathedral before it got too late.\u00a0 To learn more about this Cathedral that began construction in 1248 AD Click Here<\/a>, incredible history.<\/p>\n On our stroll back to the hotel, we soon discovered what ‘fair” was in town……..a Wein Fair……..that means WINE in English……..and it lasts for 10 days, TODAY being the first day.\u00a0 Wine and food and people enjoying themselves everywhere,<\/p>\n MOST incredible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n So if our Spot tracker does not change for several days, you will know why.\u00a0 The following are just a few of the pictures to capture our evening before we finally tore ourselves away to go to bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The BEST red wine either of us have ever had; and we may hit the vineyard on our way south.<\/p>\n Can’t say das kinder were enjoying the wine festival, but the parents certainly knew how to keep them entertained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/M0014249.jpg\" "\\"Exif_JPEG_PICTURE\\"")
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\nOkay, then we venture out into an overcast, cold, windy day that could not be more perfect.\u00a0 The wind we faced yesterday in our face, had turned quite blustery, but it was now at our back – it was a glorious day.\u00a0 By all estimations we had a 70 kilometer ride ahead of us which was very unfortunate given our very late start.\u00a0 We’ll skip the excuses, but we were advised by our German tour guide (insert a big fancy word that neither or us can remember) but our dear Vatti recommended we visit the\u00a0 Konigs Alee Strasse before we left Dusseldorf.\u00a0 O.M.G. Rodeo Drive has NOTHING on this place.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n