Relaxing on the Rhine

After an epic journey north, we now find ourselves in the bucolic city of Bonn. Former capital of West Germany, superseded by Berlin after the fall of The Wall, it nonetheless retains the imprint of  its diplomatic importance. Centres of culture abound, from churches to museums to baseball diamonds(!), this latter a legacy of the longstanding American presence after the Second World War. This is the birthplace of Ludwig Van Beethoven, whose house we will visit tomorrow. With the hot, muggy summer weather, the agricultural parkland surrounding the city and the Rhine River a prominent natural feature, this city bears a striking resemblance to Winnipeg of all places. Bratwurst and beer, herring with potatoes, Riesling and cheese, lovely hosts and friendly people; it's great to be back in the North.