Gottweig Abbey
September 26, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
The Abbey was established in 529 AD with 13,000 acres. It takes $1m to maintain the abbey each year. Recently all the roofs were replaced, at the cost of $17m. The church was built in 1083 and most ofRead more
Apricot Dumpling Cooking Class
September 26, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
After our tour of the Abbey we were treated to a cooking demonstration using the apricots from their orchard. I never drink black coffee, but I really enjoyed the coffee served here at the abbey. ToRead more
Trip Highlight (SO FAR)
September 26, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌙 68 °F
This evening’s concert performance of the Strauss Capelle Vienna orchestra was led by Alma Deutscher. Alma was born in 2005. She is a composer, pianist, violinist & conductor. Playing piano when sheRead more
Off to Vienna
September 26, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌙 64 °F
While enjoying the abbey, our ship repositioned to Tully. Enjoyed the scenery to the ship and were greeted by two swans when we returned to our stateroom. We continued to sail onto Vienna, throughRead more
An evening on the town
September 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌙 64 °F
Concert, goulash and a cocktail before turning in.
Good night, Vienna
September 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
From our balcony
Vienna
September 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
Today we visited the center of Vienna. Lots of churches and beautiful buildings. We saw the world’s oldest Ferris wheel.
Swarovski Flagship Store
September 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Three floors of decisions.
And we partied!
September 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌙 68 °F
Night out in the town.
Fun signs along the way
September 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌙 66 °F
After the tour we had time to shop. Saw some signs that I couldn’t resist sharing.
And we ate!!
September 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌙 64 °F
Leisurely Day
September 28, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
Was able to sleep in and then enjoy lunch onboard before heading out.
Vienna Boys Choir
September 28, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
Choir members are 10-14 years old. The boarding school where they live goes from K-12. Tuition is minimal, with focus on singing, not financial status. While in the choir, scholarships cover a portionRead more
Boarding school life
September 28, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ 🌙 59 °F
One of our choir members going to entertain us while classmates play in the school yard. And a picture of their original uniforms.
Our choir
September 28, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ 🌙 59 °F
Front row center view.
My picture in the palace
September 28, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ 🌙 59 °F
Sailing the Danube
September 28, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ 🌙 59 °F
Underway to Budapest. Another beautiful day. Weather has been sunny and high seventies to low 80’s. Just perfect. While on deck we passed under several bridges.
Lounge Entertainment
September 28, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ 🌙 59 °F
Tonight Meko and our Program Director surprised us with quite an enjoyable experience after dinner in the lounge. Dinner I chose was a crab cake, chateaubriand and chocolate lava cake.
Budapest, Finally!
September 29, 2023 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
The day started out with a bang. Sharon banged her leg into something on deck this morning and it ruined her whole day. We are waiting now, 9:45 PM, for a medic to come on board. We are packed for ourRead more
Panoramic Budapest
September 29, 2023 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
I went out for the morning tour of the city while Sharon sat with her foot up.
Beautiful Church. Can’t pronounce the na
September 29, 2023 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Beautiful working church. The name is on the sign.
…and more eating
September 29, 2023 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
Went to the market and learned of different meats, cheeses and chocolates. Oh yes, and paprikas. Spare time for shopping before enjoying a tasting of pickles, cheeses and meats.
More Shopping
September 29, 2023 in Hungary ⋅ 🌙 63 °F
Free time during the city tour. Our guide was a hoot! The manhole covers are beautiful.
Our last dinner on the ship
September 30, 2023 in Hungary ⋅ 🌙 59 °F
Farewell to the Captain and crew. It was a wonderful time. A traditional Hungarian dinner.
Last Stop in Budapest
September 30, 2023 in Hungary ⋅ 🌙 59 °F
Three hours til our departure. We are in the hospital. Sharon’s wound refuses to stop bleeding. ER has a warehouse feel with cots everywhere.















































































































































































TravelerWow, beautiful place!
TravelerBeautiful