Bratislava, Slovak Republic - 11th August 2024.
We woke at 7.15am and the Viking Vilhjalm had berthed in Bratislave just after 5.00am , but we heard nothing. We showered dressed and got to Breakfast at about 8.00am and enjoyed a full buffet breakfast at a leisurely pace aware that our morning excursion din’t depart until 9.00am (delayed from 8.30am).
It was interesting to listen and join the conversation as to last night’s concert in Vienna. People who had never taken part or been to such a concert were in awe and still excited. We also felt uplifted.
Several people were obviously tired after the steady progress each day. But we felt the pace and activities were about right.
This morning was a slow yet enjoyable stroll through Bratislava, where there is a lot to see and take in , but the guides also respected that several people were tired.
We took many photos, enjoyed the different architecture and pace.
Lunch was served at 12.00pm, but we had been requested to ensure that we were all aboard by 11.45am to allow a departure for Budapest just after 11.50am. Our lunch was again a buffet of salads and different pastas followed by a selection of different desserts and ice creams.
This had been a short stopover.
The afternoon was highlighted by a lengthy and detailed lecture and discussion from Violeta titled growing up on Eastern Europe. A detailed and thought provoking discussion on the changes followin g the tearing down of the Brandenburg Gate, the elimination of the Berlin Wall and the opening up of Eastern Europe after the cold War and the lowering of the Soviet influence after the collapse economically of the USSR and the departure of several soviet satellite states. It was open challenging and full of facts. THere are many crew members who came from Eastern Europe. We were glad to participate and understand more. We take our life and its benefits for granted. This was also challenging for the many Americans of our age. We had no idea how hard like was for so many of these staff and their parents. They have seen a life changing geopolitical change. You also understand their concerns re Putin with his desire to reunite under force, the former states of the USSR which many are now free and operating totally independently. They and their parents do not want to return and the see horrible signs from the Ukraine invasion.
Later we participated in the Final Cocktail party, which was very much a celebration. It was a loud and noisy affair with all passengers mixing. We have built several friendships and we enjoy the company and friendly manner. We agree to share a table of 8 tonight, bigger than usual to fit another couple into our group. The crew have been exceptional in every way. The time has gone very quickly. I haven’t as yet described the amazin lock system used to lift and lower ships transitioning through the Danube. I will do and will add photos.
There is thern a prt talk and discussion re disembarcation in Budapest. WE also have excursions tomorrow in Budapest.
The dinner is a banquet of superb food an tastings from the Cruise towns and cities. There is a range of outstanding wines to compliment the food, the chef is in a very good mood, and visits and talks to each table. Jeanette and Ken thoroughly enjoy this evening. OIt is really a celebration of the shole river cruise. Viking do it so well.
Following dinner we all gravitate toward the lounge for Erik to entertain us, swap some addresses and cards.
We are back in our suite by 11.15pm amd into bed by 11.35pm.
We sit and watch the lights of Budapest as we arrive and berth upon the Pest side of the Danube at 11.15pm. It is a clear spectaular evening. The light of Parliament Buiolding have gone out so we will await that for tomorrow evening.