Why I want to go on an
eight-day Emerald Waterways river cruise through Europe
I can’t think of any reason why not?
leelaurino@earthlink.net
Dreaming of a European river cruise, who doesn’t first think
of the Danube river? And on the Danube Delights (DD) itinerary, this water highway passes towns and cities
older than any in the USA. For
inspiration I am listening to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CTYymbbEL4&feature=kp,
The Blue Danube Waltz by Stauress.
An opportunity to
sail on the rivers of Europe has been my dream for years. Sailing on all the routes offered would
still
nly scratch the surface of this iconic part of ‘old world’ Europe.
Many of the stops will
be new to me, but I travel without a list of must see monument, statues, works of art and no preconceptions.
This adventure will not be what
did I see but instead, what new experiences
and people will remain in my memory after this adventure.
 |
| Bratislava |
Each town will be a surprise that I can discover, much like
a Russian matryoshka doll. I hope to experience for the short
time I am ashore, some part of life in the towns and cities we visit. I travel blog full time and every trip is
an adventure of new people, new
places and lots of history to be written about every night back on the ship.
I always travel with a theme
and My Emerald Waterways theme
for this adventure is:
Cake, Castles, and
Crafts
· At each stop I hope to visit the oldest bakery
to sample the best they have to offer.
Hard work but I am ready for the challenge. Cities
and regions all have their signature sweets.
And everyone is happy when they are eating cake! A few
of the establishments and treats that await me:
Melk Abby
restaurant’s Koloman cake
Ruszurm Pastry Shop
in Budapest, 173 years old and still
makes the Ruszwurm cream filled pastry!
Kaffe Mayer in Bratislava (1878) an online post told me
to try Krenovy rez
sacher torte from the Hotel
Sacher in Vienna
In Nuremberg a search of Lebkuchen (gingerbread) whose
origin dates back to the 1400’s…
I am
gaining weight just researching bakeries for the other stops! So it is a relief to know there are walking tours planned
that shall help me burn those extra calories.
DD offers more walking tours that allow travelers to
see life on the same level as the locals
I don’t think you see a country
or a town from a bus or train window the same way as when you walk the street,
smell the fresh bread baking, chat with a local sitting on a bench in the sun
or watch the children playing in the park.
 |
| Vienna Austria |
·
Castles: no need to plan or search for these since
CPDD has included many on the daily tours and others shall be easy to find, as
well as abbeys and palaces. Any opportunity to visit some of the 900+
UNESCO World Heritage sites is an added bonus and during this 8 day adventure
there are several to be explored..
 |
| Market in Budapest |
·
Crafts: A cleaver term to disguise shopping. Local markets in each city and small shops
owned by locals afford an easy introduction to some of the people who live in
each location. Searching for hand crafted items to remember an
incredible trip or a walk through the daily food market is an excellent way to
meet and chat and learn about life in that town. Often you just need to say jo napot, guten morgen, pozdravi or just hello.
·
If I travel during Ball Week, I dream of attending one of the many Waltz Balls in Vienna. Dancing the Viennese waltz in Vienna, what
can top that? I can hear the music now.
Luxury treatment for 8 days, cake at every town, shopping
and the best castles and palaces……what else could I ask for? The
luxury of first class treatment, meals prepared, entertainment daily and even
informative lectures shall make it difficult to venture OFF the ship!
If you see me
lingering over a cappuccino on the deck one morning, shout out and encourage me
to ‘get out there!’
See you aboard
.
