Page 178 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL EATING IBERIA

Sailing through the night and docking in
Braubach, the morning would begin on the mountain-
top at the twelfth century Marksburg Castle. This
complicated maze of passageways told stories of its
inhabitants since its beginning as museum-like rooms
exhibited lifestyle artifacts.
Once again, it felt good to return to the warm
ship. As we traveled down the Middle Rhine—known
for its quaint villages, historical castles and steep
vineyards—toward Rüdesheim, winter clouded the
view. In the rain and mist, I sat on the upper deck,
wrapped in a wool blanket, and listened as our pro-
gram director Sebastian passionately told stories and
legendsoftheregion.Toutedasoneofthemostbeau-
tiful parts of the cruise, I experienced the region
shroudedbeautifullyinwinterwithsmokerisingfrom
chimneysandmulti-coloredlightsencirclingtrees.In-
deed, this is the most beautiful time of year.

178 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2020