Continuing our cruising experiences....World Cruise, Asia, Mediterranean, Baltics', South Pacific, Indian Ocean, Australia and New Zealand
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Prague Day 3
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Prague Day 2 pm and Day 3
The evening of our first full day in Prague we were treated to a Czech Highlight Dinner in Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle. What a treat! We were welcomed by a two ladies playing piano accordian and clarinet with various Czech traditional pieces of music. Then between courses they again treated us to their hand clapping and swaying music. The final act had changed to a gentleman playing old sing-alongs with his piano accordian. Much to the forgetfulness of us Aussies, we only knew a couple of lines to the songs, mainly the chorus, even Waltzing Matilda! I am sure if he played the national anthem, he would be lucky to hear the words to the first verse, little lone second or third.
Next morning DH had a lazy sleep in, I was up at 6.30am with a handful of others to walk the Charles Bridge without the masses. There were still some people on the bridge but just a handful compared to yesterday. The rest of the morning was spent rather leisurely, haing a late breakfast then walking to Wencesles Square named after Saint Wenceslas, patron saint of Bohemia, to witness the local celebrations for Wencesles Public holiday. In the area the buildings are mainly Art Nouveau, having been built in the late nineteenth century and early twentith. Very attractive facades with their long flowing and curved decorations. So much detail is unique for each building.
We now have some easy days to explore Prague on our own before flying back home via Singapore.
Next morning DH had a lazy sleep in, I was up at 6.30am with a handful of others to walk the Charles Bridge without the masses. There were still some people on the bridge but just a handful compared to yesterday. The rest of the morning was spent rather leisurely, haing a late breakfast then walking to Wencesles Square named after Saint Wenceslas, patron saint of Bohemia, to witness the local celebrations for Wencesles Public holiday. In the area the buildings are mainly Art Nouveau, having been built in the late nineteenth century and early twentith. Very attractive facades with their long flowing and curved decorations. So much detail is unique for each building.
We now have some easy days to explore Prague on our own before flying back home via Singapore.
Prague Day 2 photos
Prague Day 2
I have been told Prague is a beautiful city, well who-ever told me, was right! Today the weather is around 18c and slightly cloudy, ideal for walking around some of the sights of Prague. Our bus picked us up at the hotel to take us to the Prague Castle area. Then for those who wish to be transported back to the hotel, a bus was available. We had been given excellent advice from friends back home, that the walk downhill was over fairly uneven cobblestones, and maybe best if DH returned on the bus. He considered this advice and the lovely weather and the fact that there were a lot of stragglers in the group any way (those taking photos and slow walkers), he chose to leg-it back with the rest of us. And he was not sorry, though this afternoon's rest time helped his recovery.
We arrived early to this atraction, mainly to walk reasonably unhindered by other tour groups. Firstly we passed through the three castle courtyards to see St Vitus Cathedral, a few palace buildings now used for various government departments, a couple of statues, an obelisk before passing through the castle gates to witness the changing of the guards. Outside the main gates are variuos other style palaces and churches all built there for the hill-top advantage. It is pretty mind numbing when our guide rattles off nobility and events for various times, it just gets mixed-up like a bowl of spaghetti. Anyway we were treated to yummy strudel and coffee at Salm Palace, just outside the Prague Castle gates. The view over the city from there was spectacular.
Refreshed, we continued on down the steep, cobbled pathways or roads, which ever we happened to walk on at the time. I must admit, it was easier going to walk on the paths as the cobblestones were a lot smaller and easier for balance. On the way down the hill we were taken to various points of interest, a couple being the John Lennon graffitti wall and a small water wheel. Then it was onto the Charles Bridge via walking up a two flight staircase. You know DH did well. The crowds, or should I say hordes of people, swarmed the famous medieval roadway, just managing not to knock over the artists stalls placed every so often along the sides of the bridge. There was just civil politeness, the masses competing for their turn to touch the so-called lucky five stars of St John of Bohemia, at the point where he was thrown from the bridge! The statues along this beautiful bridge were very black and it was hard to see what they were representing, unfortunately age and pollution had caused this sad effect and being made of sandstone has made any chance of restoration impossible.
We walked through the winding cobblestoned alleyways of the Old Town of Prague to finish our sightseeing tour in front of the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Square. When we ariived our guide positioned us in front of the clock at good 15 minutes to twelve, by the time twelve o'clock arrived, we couldn't move for other tourists vying for a view. Before we knew it, the show was over. 35 seconds to be exact! But cute and worth the wait.
We arrived early to this atraction, mainly to walk reasonably unhindered by other tour groups. Firstly we passed through the three castle courtyards to see St Vitus Cathedral, a few palace buildings now used for various government departments, a couple of statues, an obelisk before passing through the castle gates to witness the changing of the guards. Outside the main gates are variuos other style palaces and churches all built there for the hill-top advantage. It is pretty mind numbing when our guide rattles off nobility and events for various times, it just gets mixed-up like a bowl of spaghetti. Anyway we were treated to yummy strudel and coffee at Salm Palace, just outside the Prague Castle gates. The view over the city from there was spectacular.
Refreshed, we continued on down the steep, cobbled pathways or roads, which ever we happened to walk on at the time. I must admit, it was easier going to walk on the paths as the cobblestones were a lot smaller and easier for balance. On the way down the hill we were taken to various points of interest, a couple being the John Lennon graffitti wall and a small water wheel. Then it was onto the Charles Bridge via walking up a two flight staircase. You know DH did well. The crowds, or should I say hordes of people, swarmed the famous medieval roadway, just managing not to knock over the artists stalls placed every so often along the sides of the bridge. There was just civil politeness, the masses competing for their turn to touch the so-called lucky five stars of St John of Bohemia, at the point where he was thrown from the bridge! The statues along this beautiful bridge were very black and it was hard to see what they were representing, unfortunately age and pollution had caused this sad effect and being made of sandstone has made any chance of restoration impossible.
We walked through the winding cobblestoned alleyways of the Old Town of Prague to finish our sightseeing tour in front of the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Square. When we ariived our guide positioned us in front of the clock at good 15 minutes to twelve, by the time twelve o'clock arrived, we couldn't move for other tourists vying for a view. Before we knew it, the show was over. 35 seconds to be exact! But cute and worth the wait.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Prague K & K Hotel
Prague Day 1
We arrived in our hotel after a pretty uneventful 10 hour bus trip from Budapest. Most of us on the bus slept the first few hours after leaving, so by the time we stopped off to 'wash our hands' we were reasonably awake. Unfortunately a lot of us have caught sore throats and head colds, DH lost his voice for 2 days, so when it started to return, he hasn't stopped talking and telling his jokes. Three people have requested to see a doctor when they arrive, mainly for flu-like or similar conditions.
Our tour guide for Prague was already on the bus, waiting for us. He is one terrific guide, told us all how to adjust our bus seats and a/c, wanted to know if we were confortable enough with the temperature, brilliant. Nothing seemed to be too hard for him to fix. He even had change for the wc's. It costs 50c to use most European w/c's.
As we passed through Bratislakia, we stopped for lunch at a diiferent restaurant. The impreesion I have of this old city is of chandliers, lots of big, heavy ones. I always liked chandliers but now I am not so sure. Anyway, after rejoining the bus for the second leg of our journey, our considerate guide put on a DVD movie for us the while away our time. This is the first time I have actually watched anything on a bus, aways seen the blank and dark screens suspended in front of us without having been turned on.
Arrived in Prague around 6pm to our decorative art nouveau hotel. The interior light fittings and stairwell are encrusted with leaves which curl and swirl around them. The elevator is a beautiful display of this art form.
Our tour guide for Prague was already on the bus, waiting for us. He is one terrific guide, told us all how to adjust our bus seats and a/c, wanted to know if we were confortable enough with the temperature, brilliant. Nothing seemed to be too hard for him to fix. He even had change for the wc's. It costs 50c to use most European w/c's.
As we passed through Bratislakia, we stopped for lunch at a diiferent restaurant. The impreesion I have of this old city is of chandliers, lots of big, heavy ones. I always liked chandliers but now I am not so sure. Anyway, after rejoining the bus for the second leg of our journey, our considerate guide put on a DVD movie for us the while away our time. This is the first time I have actually watched anything on a bus, aways seen the blank and dark screens suspended in front of us without having been turned on.
Arrived in Prague around 6pm to our decorative art nouveau hotel. The interior light fittings and stairwell are encrusted with leaves which curl and swirl around them. The elevator is a beautiful display of this art form.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Budapest
Tulln to Budapest photos
Tulln to Budapest
What a fantastic welcome back onboard recpetion we were given. You know, I can't fault this cruiseline, they really bend over backwards to make our cruise special.
We sailed through the night and woke up in the morning to the grey light of rain and more rain. So happy to be taking it easy today. We have not unpacked our suitcases as we need to have them outside the cabin door first thing in the morning, making it easier just to rumage through looking for the extra change of clothes. Such an easy day. We needed it as bus travel seems to tire us out, I wouldn't have believed it, but sitting around most of the day in a bus IS TIRING! DH certainly appreciated the do-nothing day.
We arrived in Budapest just as the day's light was fading, so I managed to get some photos of the famous buildings on the Danube. Then again when the lights were on. The ship did a river cruise after dinner and the crew performed a special show, then we were able to see the beautiful Budapest buildings lit up in the night. I said to DH during the Hungaian Folk show that had performed on the ship just before dinner "that I would have liked our dear Hungarian friend 'Nic' to be here with us"
Then before we knew it, is was well after midnight and we had a 8.30am start.
We sailed through the night and woke up in the morning to the grey light of rain and more rain. So happy to be taking it easy today. We have not unpacked our suitcases as we need to have them outside the cabin door first thing in the morning, making it easier just to rumage through looking for the extra change of clothes. Such an easy day. We needed it as bus travel seems to tire us out, I wouldn't have believed it, but sitting around most of the day in a bus IS TIRING! DH certainly appreciated the do-nothing day.
We arrived in Budapest just as the day's light was fading, so I managed to get some photos of the famous buildings on the Danube. Then again when the lights were on. The ship did a river cruise after dinner and the crew performed a special show, then we were able to see the beautiful Budapest buildings lit up in the night. I said to DH during the Hungaian Folk show that had performed on the ship just before dinner "that I would have liked our dear Hungarian friend 'Nic' to be here with us"
Then before we knew it, is was well after midnight and we had a 8.30am start.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Bratislava
Friday, September 25, 2015
Bratislava, Slovakia
We travelled by bus from Vienna to Bratislava where our guide took us on a short walk through the Old City. Fortunately we started at the highest section which takes us through the old gate into the once fortified city, then the walk was a gentle down-hill stroll through winding alleys and lanes past old buildings now turned into Irish Pubs, Scottish Pubs and even a Meixcan Cantina. Our walk took us into the old city square where the Town Hall was situated. Further along we came out of the alleyways to walk past the National Theatre where our guide expained that a lot of residents from Vienna would travel to Bratislava for a dinner and show, then return home, saving quite a bit of money than if they had gone to a theatric show in Vienna.
Next stop was the hill-top fortress with its great views over the old city, Danube and the apartment blocks on the other side of the river.
After lunch we were taken to have coffee and cake at a local's village house in the foothills of Little Carpathians. The lady who owned the house took us through her garden of apple and pear trees, various grapes vines, vegetables and various strawberries and blackberries. There was not a weed to be seen, and the garden seemed to 'hum' with fresh vibrations.
After this lovely alternative style tour, we headed back up the Danube, past Vienna to rejoin our ship which had managed to navigate the low river levels between Deggendorf and Passau. What a welcome we were given when we reboarded the ship! And it was so lovely to get back into our cabins again. I spoke to one of the passengers who had stayed on board who described the sound of the ship's haul scrapping along a couple of sections of the river as it sailed through the shallow waters. He also informed me the swimming pool had been emptied to lighten the ship, and while we were away, the crew were scrubbing the ship from 'top to toe'. It is so nice to be back, However I would like to mention Markas our Cruise Director and head office for Emerald Cruises who did a great job organising a hotel for about 130 people to stay in, buses to pick us up and return us, booking restaurants for our lunches and tour guides for each bus. A five star effort. *****
I am actually writing this section whilst we are sailing down the Daube, the ship has sailed continuously since we reboarded, with the hope we will arrive in Budapest around 6-7pm. Our city tour this afternoon will not happen, and looking outside our cabin window, I am quite pleased to sit here watching the various changes in the river banks as the rain is pouring down. There have been people camping on the banks, fishing rods out and lines in the water, and their tents erected under a tree. One more sleep before we say goodbye to the many lovely friends we have made and disembark to travel to Prague for our next journey.
Next stop was the hill-top fortress with its great views over the old city, Danube and the apartment blocks on the other side of the river.
After lunch we were taken to have coffee and cake at a local's village house in the foothills of Little Carpathians. The lady who owned the house took us through her garden of apple and pear trees, various grapes vines, vegetables and various strawberries and blackberries. There was not a weed to be seen, and the garden seemed to 'hum' with fresh vibrations.
After this lovely alternative style tour, we headed back up the Danube, past Vienna to rejoin our ship which had managed to navigate the low river levels between Deggendorf and Passau. What a welcome we were given when we reboarded the ship! And it was so lovely to get back into our cabins again. I spoke to one of the passengers who had stayed on board who described the sound of the ship's haul scrapping along a couple of sections of the river as it sailed through the shallow waters. He also informed me the swimming pool had been emptied to lighten the ship, and while we were away, the crew were scrubbing the ship from 'top to toe'. It is so nice to be back, However I would like to mention Markas our Cruise Director and head office for Emerald Cruises who did a great job organising a hotel for about 130 people to stay in, buses to pick us up and return us, booking restaurants for our lunches and tour guides for each bus. A five star effort. *****
I am actually writing this section whilst we are sailing down the Daube, the ship has sailed continuously since we reboarded, with the hope we will arrive in Budapest around 6-7pm. Our city tour this afternoon will not happen, and looking outside our cabin window, I am quite pleased to sit here watching the various changes in the river banks as the rain is pouring down. There have been people camping on the banks, fishing rods out and lines in the water, and their tents erected under a tree. One more sleep before we say goodbye to the many lovely friends we have made and disembark to travel to Prague for our next journey.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Vienna
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