During my visit to Koblenz hospital last night with my sick pupil, we were attended to by a very bossy doctor. I actually quite like bossy doctors because they inspire me with confidence. This one was particularly loud. When we suggested that the sickness might have been caused by a dodgy mussel on the ferry on Sunday evening, she was very dismissive. NO she shouted, IT IS NOT THE MUSSEL! YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN SICK AFTER TWO HOURS! THE MUSSEL IS GONE! She prescribed three different types of medicine for the gastroenteritis, one of which was by suppository; the pupil respectfully asked if he could have a tablet instead. IN GERMANY WE LIKE SUPPOSITORIES, THEY ARE QUICKER! she yelled, YOU NEED TO DRINK ONLY WATER OR APFEL JUICE AND ONLY EAT BREAD OR PRETZELS! I asked if flat coke would be helpful (as is recommended in Scotland for sickness) and she was horrified! NEIN! NEIN! NOT IN THIS COUNTRY!
The doctor then advised the sick pupil not to take part in today's activity; a visit to Phantasia land theme park. In fact she seemed quite disapproving of theme parks and demanded to know why we were going there. I explained that we have been performing a series of concerts and that our pupils would enjoy a theme park. WHY? she asked insistently, IT IS NOT CULTURE! YOU SHOULD TAKE THEM TO HAMBURG OR KÖLN! I didn't really have a good answer to this and she followed up with, I BET THAT WHEN YOU TAKE THEM TO PARIS YOU TAKE THEM TO DISNEY! Since this is in fact true, I didn't have any comeback apart from muttering weakly that we take them to cultural things too. She didn't reply but looked at me with thinly veiled disbelief.
This morning the sick pupil wisely stayed in his bed and I volunteered to stay at the hotel with him. This was no hardship for me as I have visited Phantasia land several times before on school trips, and although, as theme parks go, it is a good one, I was quite happy to give it a miss this time. I spent the morning reading and by lunchtime, sick pupil emerged from his room feeling much better and ready to venture forth for some water and bread.
A really lovely afternoon ensued. We went for a walk around the village and had lunch at a restaurant on the banks of the Rhine. The sun came out on cue and I ordered a toastie which consisted of ham with hot cherries and topped with cheese. It was absolutely delicious and I am going to make it for James when I get home. Sick pupil sensibly stuck to bread with a little ham.
We then walked for about half an hour along the river to a tiny ferry which took us over to the pretty village of Boppard. It was absolutely gorgeous and we strolled around the village with its little streets and cafés before having a drink on the flower filled terrace of the Bellevue Rheinhotel. It was warm and sunny and the views up and down the river were beautiful. No harm to Phantasia land but I'm glad that we went to Boppard and I would love to return there. Actually I will be returning there tonight for our final concert, but I mean on a future holiday!
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