Imagine a dictionary page filled with words describing travel. I believe there are over two hundred synonyms to try and help us describe this fascination with experiencing our world.
Let our adventure begin!
(standing by the Parliament in Bucharest)
Our first stop in Bucharest was at a Village Museum. This ethnographic museum was a perfect place to learn about people and culture of Romania. This lovely artist was selling her hand painted eggs. We could not communicate verbally but we smiled at each other and I admired her artwork. It was a great way to start our journey.
These two felines were on mouse patrol and looked very well fed and cared for at the outdoor museum.
The museum was a collection of homes and buildings. Each unique and each with a rich history.
Carturesti Bookstore: One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. This was on my list of "must see" places in Bucharest. Learn more; Carturesti Bookstore
Our time in Bucharest was coming to an end and we were anxious to board our Viking Long Ship the Lif.
We would be sailing on the Danube River and we were looking forward to our adventure!
Always a serious time for the crew but two retired educators lamented that we were just happy we were not in charge of the field trip roll call!
It was an important drill because the very first night on the ship an alarm sounded. My travel companion had our vests and coats out and ready before I was even awake! Thankfully it was a false alarm and we all laughed during breakfast with fellow passengers.
First breakfast on the ship and I was happy I purchased beautiful postcards at the gorgeous bookstore in Bucharest. I enjoy keeping up this timeless travel tradition.
While sailing through Bulgaria we were fortunate to visit several sites. Included were Veliko Tarnovo and Vidin.
A fun stop for lunch with local entertainment. Any guess who joined the dance when they asked? Oh, you know me so well!
Nativity Church in Arbanasi, Bulgaria. Floor to ceiling murals and icons.
A Turkish coffee at a local coffee shop provided a much needed break!
Samovodska Charshia is a street that offers local artwork and a lot of character!
This local artist made copper items. I purchased a copper necklace and asked if I could take a photo. He immediately motioned to his workspace and posed with pride.
While in Vidin we participated in a home cooking class. We learned how to prepare the popular dish called Banitsa. Our hostess had her aunt helping her and it was fun to hear about their relationship. While the bread baked we learned how to make yogurt which is a well loved food in Bulgaria.
Here is the recipe Ramona gave us-might be hard to read but there are also recipes online.
As our river journey continued we sailed through the Iron Gates. This is the border area between Serbia and Romania. We went through a lock and then sailed through a beautiful gorge. At the border there was a rock sculpture looking over the river.
Also on the border was a nunnery.
A lot to learn on this trip and the learning doesn't stop when we are onboard. We had a cooking demonstration (Poppy Seed Strudel) and a tour of the ship's galley.
Golubac Fortress
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I thought I would provide a little break from architecture and landscapes and share a few photos from the Viking Lif. Most of our crew were born and raised in the countries we visited. It was always interesting to share conversations with the crew.
Every time we crossed a border to a new country their flag would be flown.
Because this was not my first Viking cruise I am now a member of the Explorer group.
(evening toast with captain)
Several times on the cruise we were treated to local artists performing traditional music.
Discussion with crew about their lives growing up and their careers.
Our captain was a man of few words and a serious sailor.
Captain sighting in the wheel house!
Yes, this machine and I became very well acquainted!
Good morning, captain!
In the morning we woke up in Belgrade, Serbia. This vibrant city was a joy to visit.
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Croatia was our next country to visit along the Danube.
The summary below is from our Viking itinerary.
Cruise along the Danube, arriving at Vukovar around noon. Disembark for an afternoon excursion to the charming Croatian city of Osijek. Inhabited since Neolithic times, this area has had several heydays under the Romans, the Ottomans and the Hapsburgs; now, Vukovar is revered for its baroque buildings, parks and monuments.
While in Croatia we were fortunate to visit Ester's home. The woman on the right was our interpreter and a university student. It was a memorable afternoon. We discussed everything from war and conflict to grandchildren and gardens. In 1991 their family along with 400,000 Croats were expelled from their homes. She was proud of the home that they rebuilt after finding it in ruin when they returned.
Cherry strudel, yogurt cake, cherry brandy and plum brandy were ready for us when we arrived. The cherries were from her garden.
Thanks for your warm hospitality!
Upon leaving Ester's home we were treated to this sight- a stork nesting on top of a utility pole!
We saw storks throughout our travels. Some villages have more storks than residents!
When you have time read this
article about a long-term caring relationship between an injured stork and a loving human. I think it would make a great book and movie.
The next day we visited St. Joseph Church in Kalocsa, Hungary for an organ concert.
Later in the day we toured a ranch and watched a traditional Puszta horsemanship show. It was amazing to see the skills of the horseman and the animals. The noise of the whip occurs when it breaks the sound barrier. Horses were taught to lay down in the fields so the enemy could not spot them. An artist had a dream about a horseman riding a team of four horses and he created a painting of the scene. Horseman accepted the challenge and added horses to the scene!
This musician played an almost haunting song during the performance.
The Hungarian Puszta is a gorgeous area of the Great Hungarian Plain. Traditional pastoral has been used for over two millenniums. It was magical watching the herds of sheep and cattle in the distance.
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Our adventure was coming to an end. We disembarked in Budapest. We packed in as much as we could during our short stay. I learned that visiting a city for a second time can be just as fun as the first time.
Our hotel was The Corinthia but it was once named the Grand Hotel Royal Budapest. Founded in 1896 it was an inspiration for the movie, "The Grand Budapest Hotel". Hopefully my photos will give you some sense of the beauty of this hotel.
It is easy to fall in love with the cities of Buda and Pest. I hope you enjoy my photos as you tour the cities with me.
One of Jamie Oliver's restaurants.
Traditional Hungarian Goulash at the market.
What a creative community building idea.
My friend found the perfect restaurant for dinner in Budapest. We are both retired educators and she discovered a place that creates a menu centered around a book. It was decorated with books and a great experience. Learn more; Konyvbar and restaurant
We were staying near the Opera House. As I was searching for the box office I met a young woman from China who was also searching. We found it and exchanged some travel ideas and Google Map tips (I can always use those!)
Hello old friend! It has been eight months since we first met.
When I visited Budapest in August the Chain Bridge was closed for renovation. I had read that it had reopened and was looking forward to walking across this iconic bridge. It was only open to taxi and bus traffic-no pedestrians. On my list for my next Budapest visit!
"Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
