European River Cruise Rob Cheryl John and Ann (2024)

30/05/2019

A terrible accident happened on the Danube near us last night . We heard lots of sirens for a considerable time . A large cruise ship collided with a smaller ship carrying a group of Koreans and 7 people have been killed with 16 missing. The river is running incredibly fast so the bodies could be a long way down the fiver . A terrible tragedy. I had thought about the potential for a collusion as there are so many river boats all trying to look at the lights of Budapest. So sad . Occupational health and safety is nowhere as good here as it is in Australia. Things might tighten up with river traffic now .

29/05/2019

Today is the last day of our holiday. We are in Budapest and walked across the Chain Bridge over the Danube to catch the Funicular up to the Palace overlooking the Pest side of Budapest. We visited the Budapest History Museum which tells the many conquests of this city. Over the centuries this city has been destroyed, devastated by wars . There is a very moving area on the edge of the Danube where a simple memorial consisting of shoes from the hundreds of thousands of Jews who were killed/ shot by the N***s and fell into the Danube. Tourism is a huge part of the economy of Hungry. Early tomorrow morning we catch our flight back home . 6 hours to Doha then a 4 hour wait before a 15hr flight to Sydney. We arrive Sydney 6,30pm Friday . Home to PMQ Saturday lunchtime. We have had a fantastic holiday.

27/05/2019

On the last day of our Czech visit we went by coach to the impressive Sternbergs Nobel Family home Chateau Jemniste about an hours drive from Prague. We watched a remarkable Falconry show . Had a guided tour of the chateau and lunch in the restaurant. Our APT group had the chateau to ourselves. This home has a turbulent history. The N***s used it in WW11 . The SS were trained in the grounds . Enormous damage was done to the chateau. The family were able to hide some artefacts in Family graves and in houses in the village. It was then taken over by the Soviet Army and by the ensuing communist regime. The family got their badly damaged home back after the Velvet Revolution in 1989 when the Iron Curtain fell . The Czech Republic has been through a tumultuous history. Our APT guide is a woman in her early 50s and has told us many stories of her life under the communist regime. Rob is much better today . We leave our hotel 5.15 am tomorrow morning for a Czech Airline flight back to Budapest.

26/05/2019

Today I’m the photographer as Rob is unwell. We visited Prague Castle which is the residence of the President of the Czech Republic. Due to the political unrest security is tight entering the castle. It’s similar to airport security. We watched the changing of the guards . They have large guns over their shoulders. Our guide said not to provoke them as they act as they have been trained too . Our guide was an interesting fellow and taught us how to act as a wall of Australians when we were looking at points of interests and not to give way to the very pushy Koreans who try to get us out of the way . We had coffee and Apple Strudel which was delicious. Rob spent the day in our room at the Hotel . Tonight there is a farewell dinner which I will attend . There are 3 other people also unwell with this tummy bug which started on the ship . Rob is feeling better this arvo. I hope I avoid it .

25/05/2019

Today we had an 8 hour drive by coach to Prague. 33 people from the river cruise are doing the optional trip to Prague. It was an interesting drive through Slovakia now know as the Slovak Republic. We drove through Bratislava where we saw typical ugly housing of the Communist Regime. The Czech Republic was also under Communist rule until 30yrs ago when there was an uprising and the Soviets were thrown out . Our guide was a girl of 16yrs and told us the student protests she attended. She told us of the abusive regime . These people in Hungry Slovakia and the Czech Republic suffered greatly under the Soviets. We are staying at a 5 star hotel right in the centre of Prague. We were taken on an orientation walking tour of the vibrant centre of the city. Note the photo Rob took of people sitting in the shop window with their feet in a fish tank . The fish are eating or cleaning the loose skin on their legs . Yuck yuck . We are both very tired . Going to bed early tonight.

24/05/2019

Tonight we had the experience of a lifetime watching the illuminations of Budapest from the top deck of our river cruiser . We had a marvellous dinner at the Chefs Table prior to viewing the city lights . Tomorrow we leave the ship and travel onto Prague.

24/05/2019

We have had a great day in the beautiful city of Budapest. Hungry has experienced WW1 , WW11 . Russian invasion and communist rule . It is a beautiful interesting city . We toured by bus both Buda and Pest which are both sides of the Danube River which is in flood . Visited a cathedral and castle. Went on what they call a signature experience on the steam train Empress Express . We had a silver service lunch before visiting the baroque castle of Empress Sisi . Budapest is a fitting place to end our 2 week cruise.

23/05/2019

Another cold windy day in Vienna . We visited the impressive Schronbrunn Palace and gardens . This was the summer residence of the Hapsburgs . Queen Marie Teresa who had 16 children one of which was Marie Antionette who was the wife of Louis 16th of France . Unfortunately she was decapitated aged 36yrs . Tonight is the Captains farewell cocktail party . John and Ann have been invited to dine at the Captains Table . We didn’t get an invite as this is our first APT tour . Tomorrow we arrive at Budapest .

22/05/2019

On this cold wet windy day we are docked in Vienna . We were taken on an orientation tour of this beautiful city . Rob and I have visited Vienna previously. We were given some fee time in the city this morning and visited the cathedral. Had the obligatory coffee and cake or I should say strudel. Due to the awful weather we came back to the ship for a rest before going to a Mozart concert tonight. The Danube is running a banker . Umbrellas are blowing inside out . People are mimicking Mary Poppins. It’s time for me to have a Nana Nap .

21/05/2019

Today we cruised the Danube River visiting Melk Abby a Benedictine Monestry . I chose to go with the gentle walking group as my knee was very sore after the big day yesterday. I used my walking stick and have been adopted as a member of the disabled group now . Later in the day we stopped at the quaint village of Durnstien where we went on a train ride through several small villages and vineyards. The disabled group allowed Rob to accompany me on the train . Rob John and I and some of the disabled group had beer and German sausages at a bar . This group are good fun . Tonight we had a chocolate fountain desert extravaganza in the lounge bar. The company and organisation of this APT River Cruise has been excellent. They cater for all mobilities . There is an active walking group, a moderate walking group and a gentle walking group .

20/05/2019

Today we visited the World Heritage listed city of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic situated on the Vitava River . The town was built around a 13th century castle with Baroque Gothic and Renaissance elements . It was drizzling rain most of the day . The cobblestone streets were extremely slippery. I witnessed 2 young men slip and fall . One lady from our ship also fell and has injured her leg . I use Rob as my stability. We had a typical Czech lunch of soup Goulash and pancakes desert. We visited a Medieval torture museum to get out of the rain in our free time .

19/05/2019

Today we are docked at Regenburg ,another Medieval city . Did a guided walk through the cobblestone narrow streets . Visited another church and had coffee with the locals . One of the photos is of our sister ship coming out of a lock . We are very impressed with the APT tour . We are enjoying the company of our fellow passengers.

18/05/2019

Today we visited Nuremberg and the site of Hi**er and the N**i party parade grounds . The German people realise the tragedy of WW11 . Nuremberg was extensively bombed by the allies . The trials of N**i leaders were held here . Unfortunately most of them suicided before being sentenced for war crimes . We visited the market place and another church where we listened to an orchestra playing Bach .

18/05/2019

We visited historic Bamberg yesterday the year 802 and 100 were mentioned in descriptions . It was not bombed in WW11 possibly because of all the breweries in the city. Lots of walking and dodging of killer bikes. Traffic is a nightmare on the cobblestone narrow streets. John had some smoked beer which is a specialty of Bamberg but Rob declined . John tried his German that he has been learning but the young woman did not understand. After much laughing the young woman told him she spoke English. The majority of the people we have come across speak English. We ate at the Chefs Table last night on the ship . 6 courses .

17/05/2019

After Rothenburg we were bused to Wurzburg in north west Bavaria. The highlight of this city is is it’s Residenz or palace which was built for the prince/ bishops of the Schonborn family. An enjoyable part of this city was drinking wine ( non alcoholic for me ) on the old stone bridge. This is a University city so there were some very colourful students drinking at the bar . We stood on the bridge in the rain with our drinks watching the people pass by .

17/05/2019

Our ship is running a bit behind schedule due to the technical problems. We had a big day off the boat yesterday. We were bused to the picturesque Medieval town of Rothenburg which is completely surrounded by its old city wall . Lots of walking on cobble Stones . We climbed the steep steps and walked the wall . My new knee got a real workout .

15/05/2019

We have had a quiet day cruising . Overnight we unexpectedly docked at Frankfurt due to a technical fault in the mechanics of the ship . An engineer was flown in from Rotterdam . We were booked on a trip to Miltonberg but due to the unexpected delays the day trip would not return until 9pm . To late for us so we elected to stay onboard and view the sights on the river from our viewing area at the front of the ship . I have included a photo of a lock which some of you may find interesting.

14/05/2019

This afternoon we visited a historic music museum at Rudisheim ,a very picturesque touristy village . Lots of shops selling Christmas decorations.

14/05/2019

More photos of the Rhine River Gorge . There are many castles with gruesome history and barbaric stories. We have communication devices called Quiet Boxes that give a commentary. Rob has been taking photos from the open top deck . Too cold and windy for me . I’m sitting up the front of the lounge area surrounded by glass windows watching the scenery.

14/05/2019

Today we are cruising the most spectacular Rhine River Gorge . Castles and scenic small towns dot the edge of the river . Last night we visited a castle and dined in the beautiful Mirror Room . A family live in the castle and open their home to APT groups . Weddings and other functions are held at the castle. The castle was built in the 1300s and has been owned by various influential and royal families. It fell into a state of disrepair after WW11 . The current Princess who lives here with her daughter maintains the castle by inviting people into her home . It was a bit strange walking through bedrooms, living rooms and bathrooms dotted with personal things .

13/05/2019

Today we did a walking tour of Cologne . Our guide was a young Jewish women who was able to give us the history of Cologne Cathedral from her perspective. She talked about WW11 and the N**i regime. We were taken to a German Pub for beer and nonalcoholic cider tasting. Included were typical German snacks including raw minced pork on bread which none at our table ate . Then we were transported to Bonn where we reboarded our ship . We have been travelling along the very scenic Rhine River . Tonight we are having dinner in Namedy Castle.

12/05/2019

More photos of Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. We are now cruising towards Cologne . Have been through 3 large locks . Fascinating seeing how these locks work . When we boarded the ship yesterday we found we had been upgraded to a suite with butler service. Swanky but we probably won’t use the Butler . The meals onboard are very good . I must use restraint at meal times .

12/05/2019

Today we visited the spectacular Keukenhof Tulip Gardens . It is 70yrs since the first Tulip display. The theme this year is the 70s . Peace love harmony and happiness. Hippie culture. According to my brother John who is an authority on Gardens this display rivals the Chelsea Flower Show . It was a cold morning drizzling with rain . Three seasons within an hour . We are enjoying the company of John and Ann and the other Australians we met while staying at the Marriott in Amsterdam.

11/05/2019

Saturday we traveled to historic Utrecht where we did a walking tour seeing the flower markets and the bustling university city . Did another canal cruise and had lunch and a beer tasting at a restaurant that brewed its own beer . Then travelled back to Amsterdam to join our ship Armaverde . There are 137 fellow passengers aboard. All Australian. Tomorrow we visit the Tulip Gardens at Keukenhof before sailing to Cologne .

10/05/2019

Some photos of today’s adventure. The 4 of us went on a walking tour for 3 hours to visit a typical historical house from one of wealthy Dutch families. We crossed many canals and dodged many bikes . There is over 1 million bikes in Amsterdam for a population of 8 hundred thousand. They dredge up many thousands of bikes out of the canals every few weeks . Bikes are parked on barges and many other places . You may note the men’s toilet in one of the photos. The elderly lady who fell yesterday is 91yrs old . She is travelling alone . Won’t use a walking stick . We haven’t seen her since the fall . We are going to a restaurant that sells typical Dutch food tonight. Rob is the photographer.

09/05/2019

Today we traveled by coach to Delft and visited the ceramics factory where the very expensive Royal Delft China is made . Walked through the old town of Delft with its canals and market place . Travelled onto The Hague and had a BBQ lunch at the impressive Grand Hotel Amarath Kurhaus on the North Sea . Then traveled through The Hague seeing the embassy’s and impressive buildings . When we were walking to get on the coach this morning an elderly lady who is travelling alone fell and has been at the hospital all day . Our tour guide has been with her . The poor lady must be shocked . It upset me . Falls happen so easily. Rob is my helper and stability. I hold his arm . Cyclists are a real hazard. There are literally thousands of them .

08/05/2019

Today we spent 4hrs at the RUKS Museum viewing Dutch Masters paintings from 15th to 19th centuries. A magnificent building housing these artworks. It was very crowded . We then had lunch at a cafe/bar . It’s been drizzling rain all day and cool . We need jackets and raincoats . We went for a canal boat cruise. There are many cyclists on all the roads . We need to be very careful not to get knocked over by cyclists. We met our tour guide and are going to drinks with 18 of our tour group this evening. Tomorrow we are going to The Hague .

08/05/2019

After 24hrs travel with Qatar Airlines Business Class we arrived in Amsterdam. Excellent service and a comfortable lie flat bed made for good trip . Me being the Bionic women set of the alarms at immigration Doha Airport. Both my arm and knee alarmed and I was frisked/patted down by a large women and allowed to go . Doha Airport is a huge new international hub . We had to catch a train in the secure area to the enormous Business Class Lounge . It’s Ramadan and we were warned there may not be any food available at the lounge but seeing we arrived at 4.30am even though it was daylight we were able to eat . We are staying at the Marriott in central Amsterdam for 4 nights . Today we are going to the Dutch Masters Art Gallery and will do a small canal cruise. The weather is cool . 9 dg when we landed at 1.30 pm . We meet the rest of the tour group this evening.

06/05/2019

The view from our first nights accommodation at John and Ann’s home at St Leonard’s . We are being picked up at 5pm for our flight out this evening.

European River Cruise Rob Cheryl John and Ann

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