WanderlustandWhimSea

I finally succumbed to the lure of the European River Cruise. Because I usually jump into travel experiences with both feet, I decided the Amsterdam to Budapest route was a good choice. The River cruise has a much different rhythm than a typical land tour where you stay in hotels a couple of nights and then move on to the next city. My itinerary promised a 14 day uninterrupted float down the Rhein, Main and Danube Rivers. The ship typically moves during the night and you stop in charming towns along the route during the day. We were gifted a beautiful day on the Rhein passing all those castles I routinely visited in my car nearly 40 years ago when I lived in Germany. The route from Amsterdam to Budapest requires hundreds of locks to connect all the pieces. One amazing feat of engineering is the Main Danube Canal which essentially connects the North Sea to the Black Sea. This canal system was completed in 1992 and basically raises ships 574 feet in total over the continental divide. The biggest locks were over 80 feet and quite the experience even for a seasoned lock aficionado like me. Fortunately I wasn’t expected to do any work to get us through these locks and I happily sat working on my counted cross stitch.

Wurzburg was a great town to visit and the wine was flowing. They are known for their white wine and everyone gravitated to the Philosphers bridge to enjoy a glass. Although there were a lot of tourists in town, the locals were out and about enjoying the early fall day.

It’s Europe so there is a danger of Cathedral, Abbey, Church, Palace, Castle fatigue. I decided to visit the places that were new to me and known to be spectacular. I also decided to read Ken Follet’s A Pillar of the Earth. This book is about building a Cathedral in the 1100’s and the people, skill and dedication it required, it allowed me to appreciate the Cathedral’s at a different level

I just had to share my “best ever” room location in Budapest. My phone showed my GPS dot so close to the church I appeared to be sleeping in it. Great location to wander around with incredible views of the city. Another win for Gate1, my favorite travel company.

Ahhhhh the food and wine in Europe is such a delight, and often that food comes with a fantastic view. I have to be honest, I would sell my soul for a German brezel, or kase stange or even just a brotchen.

The trip has gone well so far with just a few minor hiccups. Remember that River cruise that allowed me to unpack once for 14 days, well we ran out of water in the Danube and had to transfer to a different ship after 9 days. Fortunately there was a ship available and the transfer was pretty simple. The River cruise was part 1 of this adventure. I’m taking the train from Budapest to explore Slovenia for 5 days. I’ve never been to Slovenia and Lake Bled is on the top of my list.