On Wednesday, 28th April, the Continent was again invaded by a School party, capably led by Mr. Lawrance and Mr. Foster. Having reached Victoria Station, where snacks were carefully digested with an eye to the future crossing, and where Smith's bookstall suffered a temporary shortage of stock, we proceeded to Dover and boarded the "Konig Albert". Sea-sickness pills were distributed to those who felt in need of them, but the voyage was reasonably calm, and only "Wal", whose face became a delicate pastel green, suffered any ill effects.
At Ostend we took the Continental Express to Cologne. This journey lay across Belgium, but, as it was now quite dark (the scenery, as we found later, was uninspiring, anyway), we attempted to gain a few hours' sleep en route. Three fortunates, Muir, Rouse and Piper, found an empty first-class compartment and reposed there in comfort, in spite of the questioning intrusion of several officials who must have been softened by the sight of three blissfully innocent, sleeping faces.
From Cologne the train reversed to Bonn, where a coach was waiting to take us into Konigswinter at a helter-skelter pace through darkened country lanes. We tumbled into bed at about half-past four in the morning, but this did not deter one zealous person from rising three hours later to sample Konigswinter's warm sunshine, despite the fact that breakfast that morning was not until 10 a.m. In the time that remained to us before lunch, we accustomed ourselves to the town, procured German currency, and bought postcards, stamps and films. At lunch, Rouse was one of the first to try out a little German tentatively, when he ordered an Appelsaft. This drink is similar to cider, but is much sweeter and cooler, and proved very popular during our stay.
A coach tour of the surrounding countryside had been arranged for the afternoon, and our guide pointed out the more interesting details and places of note, such as the abbey ruins at Heisterbach. A rapid scramble up Oelberg, one of the Seven Mountains, provided an excellent excuse for Coca-cola and further Appelsaft, and from here there was a wonderful view of the other mountains and of the distant Rhine. After dinner everyone was free to do as he wished, and several of the party climbed to where
"The castled crag of Drachenfels
Frowns o'er the wide and winding Rhine."Siegfried's dragon was supposed to have inhabited this crag, and later during our stay, several private visits to its lair were arranged.
The next morning was also free, and we all split up. Perry, Rouse, Royston, Fordham, Muir and Burton climbed Wolkenberg in gay and goatlike mood, and, having rested at the top to bask in the sun and to eat oranges and toffees, espied some deer which were tracked in the hope of taking some photographs. This, however, was too tedious for "Lobby", who promptly set off in wild pursuit. The sight of this notable member of the Sixth Form scampering in his own inimitable way through the woods after three poor, elusive animals was too much for the others who doubled up in mirth. The incident was afterwards referred to as "Lobby chasing his deer", and there was considerable speculation as to how the latter word was spelled !
In the afternoon the whole group visited the Alit Valley, after having crossed the Rhine by ferry. A pottery at Addendorf was inspected and many of the finished products were bought. Then, having travelled to Altenahr, where a ride on a cable railway was eagerly experienced, the party returned to Mayschoss where we were shown round the oldest co-operative wine cellar in Germany, and all received a sample of red or white wine. The next stop was Bad Neuenahr, where many of the boys showed a keen interest in the local beauties.
The next day, Saturday, was May Day, and a national holiday. Everyone in Konigswinter was gaily attired, but only a few of us remained in the town during the morning, some to write postcards, and others, like Rouse, Green, Nicholas and Cox, to devour peppermints at incredible speed. Most of the rest climbed Petersberg. In the afternoon there was a trip to Rölandsbogen to see
the arch through which the knight, Roland, was said to have gazed at the nunnery (which cannot be seen) where his lady spent her days after believing him forever lost. It was descending from the restaurant on Rölandsbogen, that the party met up with a group of girls from the Ruhr. Several interesting photographs were taken, and Rouse was conscripted as chief interpreter. Casting around desperately for something to say, he actually asked one girl if she spoke Chinese !The evening in Konigswinter was one of great merriment. The wine flowed freely, and Belgian soldiers took the town by storm, their motto seeming to be the German one " Wer nicht liebt Wein, Weib und Gesang, Der bleibt ein Narr sein Leben lang."
Dancing took place, and everywhere was thronged with large happy crowds. Two members of our party (who shall be nameless) were carried away by the festival spirit, and caused considerable amusement by wearing their jackets back-to-front.Sunday was spent touring the Mosel Valley, but unfortunately the ultra-fine weather broke. This did not deter us, however, from visiting the Laacher See, a former volcanic crater, and the Maria Laach monastery which provided an interesting example of the Romanesque style of architecture. At Cochem were were conducted round the Castle, and inspected its Art treasures. Turning
homewards, we followed the river Mosel, with its almost unbroken succession of picturesque cherry trees in early blossom, to Koblenz, where we saw the only fish and chip shop in Western Germany.On Monday we travelled along an Autobahn to Cologne, where some of the party were fortunate enough to be shown round the modern Broadcasting Station. Features of interest were the sound effects studio and the ever-moving lift which works on the escalator principle. Afterwards we entered and admired the famous Cathedral, and most of us took the opportunity while still in Cologne to do some bargain-hunting in the city's wonderful shopping centre.
Moving southwards, our next stop was at Bonn. Here the less energetic toured the Bundeshaus, or Parliament Buildings, while the sportsmen amongst us, seeing a football being punted about by some German youths, were unable to restrain themselves from rushing into the fray. Doe, of course, went off alone on safari and scouts had to be sent out in all direction before we could leave.
The evening was free, and Fordham, Royston, Rouse and Burton crossed the river to walk round the American Embassy buildings. Guards with machine-guns regarded us suspiciously as we strolled past a security area, but in spite of "Lobby's" worrying himself nearly stiff, they seemed to be satisfied with what they saw.
On Tuesday the party journeyed by coach to Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine castle which has never been destroyed. We then passed through the Rhine Gorge, stopping on the Lorelei, and continued on to Rudesheim, which is in the American Zone. Here we boarded a steamer to return by river to Koblenz and although one or two showers and a fresh breeze occasionally marred the scenery somewhat, the trip was enlivened for some of the party by Belgian female company.
Wednesday we had to ourselves. Some went to Bonn or took the tram to various neighbouring villages, while others stayed in Konigswinter for a last look round. Green, Cox and Rouse seized this opportunity to explore the southern slopes of Drachenfels, and spent a very warm afternoon scrambling amongst rocks and undergrowth. In the evening, Royston, Fordham and Rouse went for a quiet stroll along the banks of the Rhine, and, meeting two pleasant young frauleins, escorted them politely home serenading them, much to their delight and amusement.
We all rose early next morning, and, bidding farewell to our smiling hosts, we left by coach for Cologne, where we were lucky enough to catch the Continental Express dead on time. We returned in much the same manner through Belgium, and, although the weather report in the Channel was not very optimistic, we got under way and hugged the coastline until just past Dunkirk, when we steamed quickly across to Dover. Here a customs official declared us all innocent of smuggling, and we reached London late in the evening. We were met by one of Palmer's coaches, and all arrived home very late, exhausted but still elated after a wonderful holiday.
" For king-like rolls the Rhine, And the scenery's divine,
And the victuals and the wine Rather good."C.A.R.
From the Soham Grammarian Summer 1954 - If you can add anecdotes or photos about this trip, please contact the editor.