We've left Jackie on board to recover from an intestinal issue that came on last night, poor biddy. We're hopeful that after a day's rest she'll be good to go tomorrow. Ron, Larry and I join a walking group bound for the Bishop's Residenz in Wurtzburg.
Since the bishops of the Catholic Church were also princes, they were at home in this opulent baroque palace with its famous grand staircase. The steps were made low to allow ladies to glide up and down in their long, heavy dresses. Apparently, showing one's ankle was scandalous but revealing a deep décolletage was expected. The palace was built between 1720 and 1744 and features the largest ceiling fresco in the world created over a two-year period by an Italian painter imported for the job. One of the rooms was covered in mirrors connected by gold leaf. Over the top to be sure.
I note that the German guides give only perfunctory information about towns and buildings ruined during World War II as happened at the Residenz where only one area was spared destruction. Many rooms were restored postwar based on photos of the originals and removal of various treasures prior to the bombing. An American Army officer was instrumental in planning and beginning the restoration work.
This region of Germany is noted for wine production and the culture puts quite an emphasis on drinking - beer and wine mostly. We are encouraged at all the stops to try the local brews and to take advantage of the vintages produced here. Puts me in mind of the drinking songs I learned in the German classes I took in school which I imagine are no longer part of the curriculum.
After the tour, the guys and I walk back to the ship, putting on over 5 miles today. Good thing because I think I'd have to run home from Europe to counteract all the food I've been consuming. We settle for a lighter dinner on the front deck since it is the three of us. Blessedly quiet, a lovely twilight, and a good dinner. For better or worse, I discover that they serve sugarless ice cream and here I was having fruit for dessert. Oh boy!
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