The Niederwald Monument

Close to our friends house near Rudesheim is the bronze statue of Germania who personifies the new nation of the German Empire which was created following the victorious outcome of the Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871. At the time the empire consisted of 25 federal states.

We had a very long walk today, in spite of the snow flurries, cold air and ice/mud underfoot. Much like being at home, weather wise. We walked through forests and vineyards, and along the Rhine. See extra of an old castle overlooking the river with a white tower on an island in the Rhine. The other blip is of the Abbey of St Hildegard, a Benedictine monastic community of 47 nuns. We stopped there for a glass of wine produced by the sisters from their own vineyard.

A quick rest and then we are returning to Rudesheim for dinner at a restaurant, but this time we are going by car.