Today we’re going to do a rambly little post all about our experience in Rüdesheim, Germany with Viking. We have a video up (as always), so check that out.

While we were in Rüdesheim, we spent the day on the boat and then partied all night with an optional excursion. This excursion took us on a tiny tourist train into the heart of the town where we had an authentic dinner with oom-pah-pah entertainment.

The food was amazing. So unexpectedly delicious. Unfortunately, I couldn’t tell you what anything was. It was just really freaking good.

We thought the band would be the highlight of the entertainment, but turns out it wasn’t. A lovely couple who was in the restaurant just having a casual dinner decided to get up and completely rock out on the dance floor. They swayed and trotted across the floor with the most beautiful grace. They even inspired a bunch of others to get up and dance with them. We didn’t dance, but don’t worry! We still had some fun.

Before the dessert (which blew my mind) came to our table, the restaurant had some fun Germany party games to play. There was a bell choir and a conga line type of band situation. But the moment that changed the course of the evening was the schnapps.

Yes. Schnapps.

There were 5-6 pewter shot glasses on a board. They got volunteers from the restaurant on the dance floor, counted down, and WHOOP! The line of people tilted the board and DOWN THE HATCH went the schnapps.

Our amazing new friends Liz and Bob went first and then, after much convincing, we followed. It was invigorating.

It wasn’t just a rush because HELLO ALCOHOL, but because we got out of our seats, stood in front of everyone, and did something objectively crazy.

We’re usually the sit down, stay quiet, and let life pass by kind of people. Especially Jenni (hi, I’m writing this). I tend to let myself fade into the background, fully risking a life of regret. But in Rüdesheim (and on the Rhine Getaway in general) I stood up, took risks, lived with reckless abandon, and put everything on the line.

It felt amazing.

Now, I’m not telling you to go out and get drunk. Please for the love of all that’s good and holy don’t do that! But live your life with a little more risk. Take a chance. Sing karaoke. Dance like no one’s watching. Volunteer as tribute in a group game. HAVE FUN. Embrace life.

Live.

That’s what Rüdesheim will always be for us. That night when we took a shot of schnapps from a community shot glass. That night that we sang and laughed with friends we’ll have for a lifetime. That night when life felt every bit of the adventure we dreamed of.

It’s a night we’ll remember forever.

And we’re extremely grateful to Viking for making it happen.

If you want to book your own Viking cruise, just click this link and find the perfect one for you. Don’t forget to tell them that Joanie and Jenni B. sent you!

A very special thank you to Viking for allowing us to adventure with you!

If you want to see more adorable German towns, check out this post from Melissa at A Solo Woman Traveling on the most idyllic small towns in Germany.

If you’d like to support this wild ride, become a Patron, we have some awesome reward tiers. Sometimes we even pick up little gifts for you along our travels.

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Visiting Rüdesheim, Germany with Viking River Cruises || 2020 Rhine Getaway