Magdeburg and the River Elbe.Two Versions

The last time I was here it was rather cold .Today however was beautiful . Clear blue skies , very warm and in spite of a strange start to the day it proved action packed and extremely colourful. This morning there was no water due to a major plumbing problem.

Easy solution --I washed my hair using a bottle of mineral water .( very effective ) Had a mini shower using a second bottle of such .Then off to the station on my bike to use their bathroom facilities .Cost 1 euro but I have to say they were so swish as to warrant every cent .My day can be seen here in this Picasa movie . From start to finish it's been a memorable Monday . By the way ,I returned home to find the plumbing sorted. German efficiency scores once more .

FACTS :-

Magdeburg is a very beautiful and friendly city . There are many extremely old churches which are part of the history of this area and country.

The landscape is wonderful and due to the woods , wetlands and vegetation is home for so much birdlife.

The Elbe ,one of Europe's major rivers . It rises on the borders of the Czech Republic and Poland . From there it flows southwest crossing Bohemia. After which it begins it's route northwest crossing Germany. This long journey brings it to the North Sea (Cuxhaven). Connected by canals to the Baltic , Havel River ,Ruhr region and Rhine River it is navigable upstream . After the war ,and before German reunification, barge traffic was severely hindered . Then came German Reunification, and the Magdeburg Water Bridge .This ensures that barges can always reach Berlin as they don't have to enter the Elbe where frequent low water levels had often proved a hindrance.

If you plan to take a mini break in Berlin add an extra day . The trains to Magdeburg are each hour . Once there you can rent a bike , see and enjoy this small but 'spacious' gem of a city.

Now here is actual film footage .Miss V on the go so to speak .Saying 'try Germany , it's a marvellous country to visit .'

A Beautiful Day In Berlin

Pictures can express more than a thousand words .So true today. After my bad accident in August it was terrific to be back in the saddle travelling some distance and simply enjoying'the cabaret' which is Berlin'. Where there's a will there's a way ! Later,Ms Moon come smiling at me through my windows. A perfect end to the day.

A Sunny April Sunday

Some rather special shots taken this weekend . This sensational Citroen car and caravan . What would I give to own these beauties .There would be no stopping me then .Watch out the world I'd be travelling .

The lovely church at Alt Kladow .It has a very famous organ and there are free concerts on the third Wednesday of each month . Note the delightful shadow of the tree made by the sun.
And finally a real sight for sore eyes ! Miss V looking as she once did on the hockey pitch in her grammar school days.Cycling long distances can be hard on ones 'seat' so over my cycling tights I wore gents underpants . Coordinating of course and , purchased for the purpose .Later on there was FKK swimming but no pictures of that. You just have to believe me . Here's hoping your weekend has been as much fun.