We landed safe and secure as the day dawned in Frankfurt –at 7:02 AM to be precise. This is the second stop enroute to our final destination and the entry point to the Schengen Area, the 27-member treaty zone which allows people to travel freely between member countries without going through border controls.
Our too-early-for-a-Sunday arrival was also an issue in the über efficient Germany. There were only two border control officers working, one for the EU member passport holders and the other for all other passports. Fortunately, we were either the first or second arrival of the morning and, while the processing was slow moving, the lines were relatively short…until several other arrivals swelled the lines with fidgety, anxious travelers fretting over missing connections.
We, however, breezed through after having waited a “sufficient” length of time and headed for our puddle-jumper flight to Basel.
After transport and check-ins, we finally settled in on the M/S River Harmony.
A light lunch was provided as we all struggled to adjust to the time difference. Some down time (read: a nap) was wisely spent. And, after a group meeting, our first dinner was served. I had forgotten how much time is spent in the consumption of food!
But the lack of sleep was catching up with me. I nearly dozed off several times during dinner. To wind down before calling it a night, as if we really need to, Rob and I took a 2K walk along the Rhine River, crossing from one bank to the other and back over two nearby bridges, coming full-circle back to our ship.
Tomorrow, it’s into central Basel.
Romance of the Rhine & Mosel 
I’m so glad you all made it safe and sound! Even though you must be exhausted from all the travel and anxiety of making your connecting flights, I’m sure you’re thrilled to be in Basel and to start your adventure!!!
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Seems like you had a smooth check-in and boarding.
Sleep tight!
❤️ Nini
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