The next stop on our Danube river cruise is Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. We’ll take a half-day tour, then we’ll be on our own. We don’t quite know what to expect. Continue reading “Belgrade”
Budapest – Just Scratching the Surface
Yesterday we were in Slovakia. Today, Hungary. That’s how it goes when you’re cruisin’ down the Danube. Budapest, with its massive parliament building dominating the view, is an impressive destination when arriving by boat. Continue reading “Budapest – Just Scratching the Surface”
Beautiful Downtown Bratislava
The first stop on our Danube river cruise is Bratislava, Slovakia. We disembarked here this morning, hopped on a big tour bus, and toured Bratislava Castle. Now we’re headed back down Castle Hill, on our way to see beautiful downtown Bratislava. Continue reading “Beautiful Downtown Bratislava”
The Life and Rebirth of Bratislava Castle
If castles could talk, Bratislava Castle would have a few tales to tell. Our enthusiastic Slavic guide is telling us about the castle’s history. Here’s a condensed version… Continue reading “The Life and Rebirth of Bratislava Castle”
Good Morning Bratislava!
Yesterday was our last day in Vienna, Austria. We boarded a riverboat in the afternoon, and sometime last night, started heading south on the Danube river. Next stop: Bratislava. Continue reading “Good Morning Bratislava!”
Cruisin’ Down the Danube
Vienna was great, but it’s time to move on. We’re going to board a boat and go cruisin’ down the Danube river. We’ve done some river cruising before. It’s a nice way to travel. Maybe our favorite. C’mon. Let’s go! Continue reading “Cruisin’ Down the Danube”
Good-Bye Vienna!
We arrived in Vienna, Austria just three days ago, but I feel like I got a pretty good taste of what life is like here – figuratively and literally. And there are a LOT of good things to taste here. But it’s time for us to say good-bye to Vienna. Maybe after just one more piece of strudel. Continue reading “Good-Bye Vienna!”
Empress Sisi – Let’s Get to Know Her Better
Vienna’s Hofburg Palace is huge. Much of consists of Austrian government offices, but there’s one wing of the palace that Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth – Empress Sisi – called their own. We met Empress Sisi last time, but we just scratched the surface of her difficult life. Let’s get to know her better. Continue reading “Empress Sisi – Let’s Get to Know Her Better “
Empress Elisabeth of Austria – Family Ties
Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria ruled the Habsburg empire for much of the 19th century. He was an interesting guy. But it turns out that his wife, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, was far more interesting. We met her last time. Let us continue her sad story now. Continue reading “Empress Elisabeth of Austria – Family Ties”
Meanwhile, Deep in the Bavarian Woods…
We’re in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, walking through the private quarters where Emperor Franz Joseph did his best to steer Austria-Hungary through the turbulent 19th century. As recounted here last time, things got bad, then things got worse, culminating in the First World War. Meanwhile, deep in the Bavarian woods… Continue reading “Meanwhile, Deep in the Bavarian Woods…”
