The internet connection is not certain the next day or so but we will try and keep the regular bulletins coming.
It's a beautiful day, so we're planning to don coats and scarves and spend some time up on the sun-deck. Such a great view from up there. Not far down from our room is the gym, and conveniently for us we can go through it and up a stairway to the deck.
Just in case Matt is missing the news, we have another "choo choo" waiting at Bratislava to show the "gentle walkers" round the town (left).
Arthur may end up permanently scarred by all these non-railway contraptions.
Cruising this morning has been sensational - bright sun and cool breeze (getting colder though). We spent quite some time up on the "sun" deck just enjoying the light and the passing parade of fishermen's huts along the riverbank. They all look like they have been made by the three little pigs (right).
For the energetic, the walking track round the deck has been getting a workout. As one enthusiast commented, "I want to be able to say I WALKED down the Danube". Go Elaine! She and husband Mal have made eating time quite exciting, though our poor waiter seems to have the occasional difficulty coping. No, actually... I think the waiter revels in all the nonsense. I should really tell you about the episode of the fresh fruit and the watermelon. But I have to draw the line somewhere...!!
The sun is shining, and we are in Bratislava - so it's rug up time and get out amongst it.
Bratislava is quite attractive but it does show the results of communism rather clearly. There are beautiful buldings from Hapsburg days but many are run down and neglected; at first sight the people are more interested in drinking than in caring for their town. There is a tired grandure about the place. And then next to that, we see blatant neglect. Roads and footpaths unrepaired (some dangerous holes in the cobblestone at times), graffitti, windows boarded up, paint peeling off things, etc., etc. That seems quite sad. Did take a few pictures of the city trams as they pootled along the streets of the old city.
We pottered around town in a tour group as obedient sheep ... for about 25% of the tour. Found this magic little coffee shop and could not resist a coffee with REAL milk again. So stepped in. Found comfortable chairs in a downstairs room and settled down for some pure bliss, in a room of non-English speakers. These Slavs do have many merits. They like personal confort and make a mean coffee.
Back on to the streets and a self guided tour of the old town finally ended with us back on the boat. Nice to have had the sunshine all day (now the day is dying ...presumably in the west) and nice to be back in our cabin with our shoes off. Both of us feel about six inches shorter with all the walking this last few weeks.
Tonight we have been told to leave one shoe (or boot) outside our cabin door when we go to bed. Apparently St Nicholas is calling and will fill it for us. Nice local tradion. Wonder what that will mean??
We had a wonderful dinner - the Captains Farewell Dinner - with great friends and desert marched in in rather spectacular form. After dinner a group of five girls played popular tunes on strings and piano and flute. Absolutely wonderful. Called themselves "The Aphrodites". Thoroughly enjoyed them.
Just to keep the food theme going -
Photos, showing that the waiter's patience more than matched Mal's nonsence. He ordered - not a platter of fresh fruit, just "A watermelon". He got one!!!
Off to Hungary and its capital Budapest tomorrow. Guess when we are due to arrive, Matthew???
I think you have been rather kind in your comments about Bratislava! At least you had a lovely comfortable boat and dinner to go back too! Glad you enjoyed "the Aphrodites".
ReplyDeleteAnd if you are wandering in Budapest dont be suprised when you come across "The Aboriginal Shop"!! It was in the main street when we were there a few years ago.
I wonder what St Nicolas brought you?
Happy travels!