Just outside the city is the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial where over 5,000 US soldiers who fought in WWII are buried. The cemetery also is the final resting place of General George Patton, commander of the Third US Army. The cemetery is officially considered "US soil," a fact that became clear to us as we got off the bus and heard the unmistakeable sound of "Taps" being played. We slowed our steps and then heard the National Anthem. David stood at attention, hand on his heart, and the rest of our tour group (comprised of Americans, Brits, and Canadians) followed his lead as we paid our respects to the lives that ended here. It was particularly meaningful for David, knowing that his father Horace Calhoun had served with some of these fallen soldiers.
From the cemetery, we were not far from Trier, Germany, and it wasn't long before we were being warmly welcomed aboard the river barge and shown to our cabin.
We had decided to stay in one of the least expensive cabins, reasoning that we'd rather spend our money at the Christmas markets, and we made the right decision. Besides, we thought the usefulness of an outdoor balcony on a cruise where the temperatures would hover right at the freezing mark was limited. Despite being on what is jokingly called "the aquarium level" because most of the cabin is just beneath the water level, the space was efficient and provided everything we needed. There was a narrow window near the ceiling that afforded a view of the shore, and room to unpack our suitcases and get settled. And when we turned on the TV, we found a live broadcast of the Ohio State-Michigan football game ready to kick off! David wasn't sure which he wanted more: to watch the game or go above for the Welcome Aboard Cocktail party!
Eventually, we opted for cocktails, meeting the staff, and sitting down for our first delicious meal aboard ship. After that--we were ready for bed and a good night's sleep!
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