For the third Christmas in a row Kim and I cruised a European river with GCT, this trip exclusively in France on the Rhone River between Lyon and Arles.  I guess we might be in a "rut" but we have really enjoyed these small riverboat trips.  The fantastic food and wine, intimate small boats, making new friends, and the festive Christmas markets in Europe make for a wonderful Christmas and vacation. 

  We planned our trip and traveled with our new friends Harry and Kathy from Parker, Colorado, whom we met on last year's Christmas Rhine River cruise.  It was a new experience planning a trip with another couple, trading ideas and thoughts, and looking forward to the trip together. 

  No massive snow storms hit Denver this year as we departed for Europe, but long layovers in Atlanta and Paris make the long trip over feel even longer.  It was cold as usual, but no rain or snow, and a fair amount of sunshine helped keep our spirits up.  There was lot's of early morning fog, sometimes turning to ice on the trees and grass, giving the landscape a serene and surreal feel--perfect for Christmas.

  Our ship, the Chardonnay, was half the size of our prior river boats, only 42 passengers and 2 decks.  Much more intimate, but almost too much so.  Public areas were tighter, and there was less choice of food at dinner.

  Unfortunately, this trip will be long remembered as the flu cruise.  One or two sick fellow travelers pretty much infected the entire boat with their constant coughing and sneezing, some of it quite inconsiderate.  Poor Harry and Kathy caught the bug while Kim and I were lucky and never got sick.

  We also "re-met" Dominic, a passenger from last year's cruise, and got to know him much better.  Dominic was probably the youngest on board.  He's quite the beer gourmet, and had lot's of fun discovering  and sampling all the Euro brews he could find.  He had many funny stories of his world travels.

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