Cruising Europe 2017

As seen from our cabin. We are anchored directly opposite.

One of the many beautiful examples

as seen from the riverboat

as seen from the riverboat

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY After the disappointing tour of Bratislava in the rain, Budapest has blown us away with its beauty. Sailing into this magnificent city was one of the highlights of this river cruise. We drifted by the impressive Parliament, St. Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion and are anchored just opposite the Gellert Hill where a statue of a woman is holding a laurel wreath - a sign of peace. The locals refer to her as the world's largest bottle opener. Our guide also informed us that Hungary has yet to win a war - they were under Ottoman rule, then Communism before becoming the republic they are now. She joked that since Hungary is part of NATO, it would be dangerous for NATO to go to war. There wasn't much to see in Bratislava and our guide must have thought we were simpletons or infirm - I lost track of how many times we were told 'ladies and gentlemen' watch your step, be careful, etc. Instead of the Palace, we toured a church. We went...

The local dessert. As if we needed any more sweets. We followed it up by some chocolates filled with rum when we got back to the boat. We are so bad!

Of the same name where many of the Hapsburg Kings and Queens were crowned. A famous Italian whose name I have forgotten cast the statue. It is so dark because it used to stand outside the cathedral. This picture is for Norma who loves all things horsey.

This was one of the few buildings worthy of a picture.

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA We left Vienna this morning and are now cruising to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and a city of 450,000 people. This afternoon we will have a visit to the Primates Palace and a walking tour through the historic centre of the city. We are also scheduled to stop at a traditional cafe for refreshment and typical specialty cakes. Just what we need. However, there is a 90% chance of rain but the high is still predicted to be 26C/79F. We'll wear our rain gear and Keen sandals so still plan on going. Speaking of cakes, at a special coffee event held about one hour after breakfast, I couldn't resist picking up the last slice of marzipan cake that Norma and I plan to share when and if we ever get hungry. We seem to be spending our time going from one meal to another. Strawberries have been in season and are served in copious quantities at each breakfast. They are delicious with yoghurt and maple syrup and we are eating a lot of them. The almond c...

Fabulous!

The palace has 1141 rooms.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA We are docked quite far away from the centre of the city but are on a panoramic bus tour this morning of the major sites followed by a visit to the Schonbrunn Summer Palace. It is going to be very hot so plan on returning to the ship for lunch rather than staying downtown wandering the shops. There is an opportunity to venture out tonight for a Ferris wheel ride - the Prater Stern - but that doesn't appeal. We are back from our morning adventures - it was 24 C when we left and 34C when we got back to the boat in time for lunch. The panoramic tour on the bus was just that - we whipped by some spectacular buildings and I managed a few pics but don't ask me what they were - an opera house, a town hall, a winter palace, another palace, the Parliament, etc. etc. We finally arrived at the Summer Palace - crowded with tourists. We took a short tour of the 500-acre Baroque garden before entering to tour the State Rooms. Those Hapsburgs sure knew how to live!...

The castle is where Richard the Lion Hearted was imprisoned until a ransom was paid for his release.

We encountered this sculpture on our walk back to the boat.

This shows only a small part of the complex

MELK, AUSTRIA AND CRUISING THROUGH THE WACHAU VALLEY We docked early this morning in Melk and are to visit the "Magnificent Baroque Abbey of Melk". We have free time until we depart for a cruise through the Wachau Valley en route to Vienna. The Valley is considered to be one of the most picturesque areas along the Danube and is a prime wine growing area. At 5:00 pm we are scheduled to leave for Vienna by bus in all our finery for a "Sparkling" Event at the Palais Ferstel for dinner and a show of Viennese Musical Traditions. It is supposed to be the highlight of this trip but we are not too sure about it. The menu doesn't appeal and neither of us likes the feeling of being trapped for 5 hours if we are not enjoying ourselves. The Abbey Museum tour was a little boring - but we did learn that 30 monks reside there and that a school of 900 pupils occupies much of the building. The exception was the Church - Baroque in the extreme. The amount of g...

We were lucky enough to be up to take this photo as we cruised passed Linz

The Oberhaus was built around 1000 AD and renovated in 1499. The 4 is shown as half of the number 8.

Thought this one would be a good Ikebana container

Above is the gold-leafed pulpit

and the dates they occurred. The 2013 flood rose well above the door on the ground level.

PASSAU, GERMANY Yesterday went exactly as I outlined in my last post. We were kept very busy and were tired on our return to the ship just in time to sample some of the local delicacies. They included a line of jam-like mustards to eat with cheese and meat - a hit of sweetness followed by a real bite of mustard. The 'Spice Girls" were in Heaven. Later, Norma asked the Hotel Manager on the boat where we could purchase some. He offered to give us the leftovers! We are now in possession of 4 small bottles. Now all we have to do is divide them up without beginning WWIII. Brownie points to Norma. We enjoyed the a Capella group and after their performance retired to bed. We started to watch the movie Girl with a Pearl Earring. Every scene in it is like a painting - beautifully photographed. Hope to finish watching it this afternoon. We are unsure of what is planned for today. Apparently, there isn't enough room between the bottom of the canal and the bottom ...

The structure - a copy of the Parthenon in Athens - housed marble busts of important Germans.