Tracing the Rhine: from Amsterdam to the Alps

Ben Coates, the humorous traveler, lived for five years on one of the main channels of the Rhine, crossing it every day, swimming in its tributaries, and sailing in boats. He set out from the Netherlands, with the unique leisurely mentality of a city wanderer, tasting the fine wine and cheese produced in the vineyards and pastures along the way, sometimes rowing a boat, sometimes pedaling a bicycle, sometimes sitting on the back of a cow over the hills, and finally arrived at the source of the Rhine River - the cold Alps. In addition to recording his travel experiences along the river, he vividly recounted the historical anecdotes and myths and legends of different lands in cheerful language. This river brought great wealth to almost all the landowners it passed through, and also brought courage and inspiration to countless politicians, warriors, artists and writers. From rafting on the canals of Amsterdam to riding bulls over the Alps, and finally to the tranquil Lake Constance and the snow-capped mountains, this book combines wonderful and interesting travel experiences with extraordinary historical narrative to tell the fascinating story of how the great river Rhine shaped a continent.