Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 24 - 26, 2016 Prague Extension

 We were up bright and early Friday morning after saying good bye the night before to those who were leaving to go home that day.  Over breakfast we had the chance to say our farewells to those who were staying on in Budapest.  The weather was already recording in the high 20’s by 8:30 when we left for Prague.  Joining Harry and I were Warren and Joan who we have known for several years through our church connection at Crescent. 

We loaded our luggage and were joined by several others from the Vili/Var group on a bus for our 7½ hour journey to the capital of the Czech Republic.  The countryside is lovely and we enjoyed watching the green fields and numerous small towns along the way.

Before we left Hungary we had a quick pit stop at a very nice clean facility.  After a ½ hour we were back on our way, very soon passing through Slovakia on onto the Czech Republic.  Just inside the border we stopped for a lovely lunch stop, then we were on our way again. 

We arrived at the Prague Hilton shortly after 4 in the afternoon and were quickly escorted to our rooms. Around 5 we were given a briefing on where to find various facilities around the hotel including a grocery store and pharmacy and the entrance to the underground transit system – all of which were within a 5 minute walk from the hotel.  We were also given some suggestions for dinner out.

The four of us decided that dinner out on Friday would consist of a happy hour in our room followed by dinner in the hotel dining room.  It was very hot outside and everyone was a bit tired so this felt like a great solution.

Saturday morning – by 8:30 the temperature was already in the high 20’s so as a wise move Joan and Harry decided to enjoy the comfort of the hotel while Warren and Barb took part in the City Tour.  This proved to be a very wise decision as the tour included a good 4 hours of walking in 35C weather with intense sun.  That being said – the tour was fabulous.  We started with a very brief bus ride, and then we explored the old city square with our guide Vera.  This included an elevator ride up and a walk town the tower pictured here.  On every hour the figures appear from behind the little doors and a trumpeter performs from the observation deck.  The square is a busy place with lots of places to have a bite of food or to grab a beer, or just watch people or listen to the musicians that frequent the square in order to raise a few extra dollars. 

From here we ventured down a pedestrian walkway and onto the Charles bridge – which is a pedestrian only bridge connecting the two sides of the city.  It is also frequented by artist who will do a pencil portrait, musician or Mimes.  On the other side walked through a lovely park and along streets including one where the walls were covered with graffiti memorializing John Lennon.  Once we met up with our bus we proceeded to the top of the hill and the Cathedral and Lobkowicz  Castle.  On the way up we saw the largest stadium in the world – build during the Russian Occupation as a way of making a large statement.  Unfortunately it is so large it is seldom used and is scheduled for demolition.  Once at the top we intended to go through the church, unfortunately there was an ordination ceremony going on which kept the church off limits for the time we had there.  We then walked down to the entrance to the Lovovitz Castle where we dropped off the group that had signed up for lunch and a concert within the Castle.  The rest of us were transported back to our hotel where we enjoyed a lovely cool, relaxing afternoon.

We celebrated happy hour at Joan and Warren’s room, then went on our way to a lovely dinner at a local Italian Restaurant.  After dinner we met up with another couple from our River Cruise and enjoyed a pre bedtime drink in Barb & Harry’s room. 

Sunday morning proved to be a lovely, cool day which meant it was reasonable for Warren and I to show Joan and Harry a bit of the tour they had missed the day before.  We took the underground to the Museum station then walked down Wenceslas Street (about 7 blocks) including the block long market and showed them the Old City Square.  It was really busy with entertainers, Segways, horse drawn carriages and other tourists.  It was great time for people watching while we enjoyed indulging in an ice cream. 

Then we made our way down to the Charles Bridge – going only about 1/3^rd of the way across, then making our way back to the Underground and back to the hotel.  Harry did well, making his way down a very long flight of stairs and an escalator while Warren and I carried his walker.  Of note however – the wheels took a real beating on the cobblestones to the point that the walker will likely need to be replaced.

Back to the hotel we had time to get cooled off, shower and change, then Warren and I finished his bottle of great Rye so that he didn’t have to carry it home.  Then we were off to the Folk Evening at a small village called Cicovocky Divur.  The dinner was a lovely serving of Czech cuisine and wonderful entertainment including a fabulous glockenspiel player, two female singers and dancers and four male singer – one of whom also danced.  We had great fun trying out the local dances before heading back to our hotel for some last minute packing to get ready for our departure at 6:15 in the morning.

Morning came very soon – we put the last few things in our suitcases, were given a box breakfast then loaded on a bus for the Airport.  A quick check in, dispose of the last few Krauna  and then onto the plane from Prague to Amsterdam.  We had a couple of hours in Amsterdam where Barb almost missed the plane as she got involved in charging up her phone and was out of range of the loading call.  Fortunately she was found and although last to load on the plane – did not hold it up.   It is interesting in the Amsterdam Airport as there is an announcement almost every 5 minutes about someone not showing up for their flight – it could be that as with Barb the call to load the plane does not go beyond the immediate loading area. Interesting!

Well now we are back at home – a wonderful adventure and now we are headed out to Naramata on July 1^st in the RV to enjoy a brief visit with Jim and Jean, then a relaxing week at the Centre. 

Thursday June 23, 2016 =- Budapest

This morning – a lovely sunny one – we expected to wake up in Hungary, unfortunately things were moving a wee bit slower and we did not arrive to our first destination until 9:30.  Therefore we did not set out on our included tour of Budapest until about 9:40. 

We started out at the little town of Esztergom which is still the religious center of Hungary, and used to be the capital until circumstances, different regimes and various conquests changed the capital to Budapest.  Today this small town is home to a lovely University but only about 20,000 citizens.

Add caption

Our guide Charles was very well versed in the history of Hungary and took us through the centuries, explaining how the original people actually came from the Asia - close to Siberia.  The original Hungarians were very well to do, but this changed with the many conquers including the Ottoman Empire of Turkey.  When the Turks came they changed many of the churches from Catholic Cathedrals to Mosques or added elements of the same to the architecture. 

Then there were the Austrians and of course eventually the Germans who once more changed many features.  Unfortunately then the country – which for its own sake sided with the Germans – was extensively bombed by the Americans destroying much of the buildings.   Under the Communist Era many very large very ugly apartment buildings were constructed.  He also talked of how so many Hungarians lost everything and became quite destitute. There was a great deal of construction of various facilities like the Underground in 1896 to celebrate the Millennium of the founding of Hungary.

Within Budapest we continued our bus ride past the Hero’s Square and by the City Hall, ending on the Buda side of the river and up to the Matthias Church.  Here we began a walking tour and were given free time to explore the church and admire the beautiful structure and decorations.  We also wandered around the Fisherman’s Hill and admired the view over the city.

We got word around 1PM that our ship had docked in Budapest so we were able to get back on board.  It was a great tour but it was also good to be back on board.  After lunch was time to explore Budapest on our own, or take one of the several optional tours.  A number of folk made their way – about 20 minutes on foot, or 15 minutes on the tram to the Central Market.  Those who went on the tour were offered tastings of various Hungarian dishes including sausages, cheese, pickles and sweets. But whether or a tour or not the market was a very interesting place where you can purchase everything from clothing, handicraft items or foods from sausages to fresh fruits and vegetables and spices particularly Paprika. Some like the pickles featured here were very creative.  

One of the other popular optional tours was the Hungarian Horsemen which proved to be very entertaining.  Sharon showed her prowess with a whip and was able to knock a wine bottle of its perch.  She ended up with the wine – likely to be consumed in Budapest.

Back on the ship we had a toast to the Var staff and an unfortunate note from the Captain that we would be unable because of the high water to do the scenic tour he had hoped to do in the evening.  Instead – after supper many of our group gathered to drink up our champagne and consumed some of the Sacher Tortes that had been so lovingly decorated in Vienna at the Demel Coffee House.  It was also time for a bit of dancing and then off to our rooms to prepare for departure tomorrow morning.  Some depart the ship as early as 3:30 while others have much more reasonable departures – either onto Post trips in Budapest or Prague, or just home. 

All in all it was a wonderful trip – some challenging time due to river conditions, but lots of opportunities to explore Europe and see many new to us sites.  The staff of both ships were great – but we all enjoyed the care given to us by Carl the Program Director and Nina the Concierge – both of whom stayed with us when we transferred ships. 

Wednesday June 22, 2016 - Vienna

We awoke this morning to another beautiful day in Vienna – and the weather held throughout the day.  Most of the travelers in our group went on the included tour.

 This included a bus ride through the Ring Strassa around the city and then throughout much of the old city including a view of the Imperial (Winter Palace) and the Cathedral.  The guides pointed out so many of the museums and buildings that have historical importance. They then had a walking tour through the pedestrian portion of the Old City (which features many high end stores) and took time to explore and appreciate the Cathedral.   

This is a beautiful old city that was only partially destroyed (60%) during the WWII.  Many of the buildings have been restored to their original glory and others – that started out as individual family residents are now rentals owned by the city thus keeping rents very reasonable.

One interesting point was that the cleaning of the facades is a never ending task that is partially financed by the advertisements seen on the various buildings.

Another interesting sight was the Anker Clock which forms a bridge between the two parts of the Anker Insurance Company’s building.  In the course of 12 hours, twelve historical figures or pairs of figures move across the bridge, then every day at noon all of the figures parade, each accompanied by music from its era.

The other prominent feature on the skyline is the oldest functioning Ferris wheel in the world.  There are 15 cabins – that besides a regular tour are also offering a Candlelight dinner.  As the cabin completes the circle – the next course is brought on board.

Three of us attended the Demel Coffee House and Bakery and were shown how to decorate the famous Sacher torte.  It was great fun but   the difference between our attempts and that of our instructor were very obvious.  But we did have fun. We also toured the Demel museum which showed off their various creations including these two – almost all of the contents of the creation are edible – except for the feathers on Sissy’s dress.

I think all the groups walked by the Lipizzaner Stables, unfortunately they were all away from their stables in preparation of the White Ball – an annual event held in the arena attached to the stables.

Very close to where we are located is a new building occupied by the United Nations.  It is currently the second tallest building in Vienna – surpassed only by a tower a short distance away that has a revolving observation floor.

In the afternoon a few of our folk went to the Schonbrunn Summer Palace for a look at this facility which housed the Hapsburg Dynasty in the summer months when they were not in the Winter Palace in Vienna. It is a magnificent structure which was designed to rival the Palace of Versailles in Paris.

This afternoon we also had the opportunity to learn a little about the history of Austria from a very knowledgeable and well spoken professor.

Then time for our daily briefing at 5:45 so those of us going to the Mozart and Strauss Concert this evening could have dinner before departure.  The Concert was absolutely amazing – such great musicians playing and singing wonderful music and to add to this they seemed to be enjoying themselves, we know we did.