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Day 14 – Budapest; A City to Watch in the 21st Century.

06 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Budapest, Hungary, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

Buda, Budapest, Danube, Fisherman's Bastion, Heroes' Square, Hungarian Parliament Building, Hungary, Matthias Church, Pest

Budapest, the city to watch in the 21st CenturyStraddling both sides of the mighty Danube, Budapest, Hungary is currently reported to be one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Europe. It famously combines what were originally two separate cities, namely the green, hilly, castled side of the Danube known as “Buda” on the cities’ West, and the sprawling, flat shopping and suburban plain area known as “Pest” which runs along the East of the Danube.

According to Time Magazine it has already been recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. Some have even labeled it “Paris of the East”.

Fellow bloggers, Terri and James Vance over at “GALLIVANCE” recently noted that the well respected Condé Nast Traveler magazine had just referenced Budapest as Number 2 in its “Top 25 Cities of the World”, 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards.

You know, I have to admit it….I myself was in no way prepared for the absolute beauty that lay before us as we headed out to explore. I soon found that most areas of old Budapest (pop about 1.8 million) were literally lined with amazingly palatial, architectural, religious and historical gems.

Michelle taking in the beautiful Views from the "Buda" side of Budapest.

Michelle taking in the beautiful Views from the “Buda” side of Budapest.

Sure there were still areas of the city that were desperately in need of repair work after experiencing their darkest days under the Nazi regime and later as part of the communist bloc in the 20th century.

But everywhere we went we saw outstandingly intricate and amazingly ornate detail, even on buildings that were still badly in need of repair and renovation. Budapest is a city that was obviously originally built on the very grandest of scales, and….. I’m guessing, in a somewhat similar fashion to the ever enchanting Vienna which of course I happen to love dearly.

Story has it that one famous monarch, namely Queen Elizabeth (often better known as Queen Sissi) of Habsburg Royal Family fame, had in fact taken a quite a personal liking to Budapest. It is believed she chose to spend significant amounts of time in her beloved Hungary whenever she could. It is only personal speculation on my part, but perhaps some of this cities’ wonderful historical finery may actually stem from her private love and early nurture of the young cities growth. I’m not really sure but I could hazard a guess to say that this may well have been the case.

Anyway…finery there was aplenty.

We began our bus tour on the flat “Pest” side of the city, travelling along the beautiful tree-lined avenue known as the Andrássy út which I believe is thought to be very similar to the famous Parisian Champs–Élysées. We journeyed on past the Budapest Opera House and up towards the grand Millennium Memorial in the Heroes’ Square which was completed at the beginning of the 20th century.

Heroes' Square Budapest, Hungary.

Heroes’ Square Budapest, Hungary.

Palace of Art in Heroes' Square in Budapest, Hungary.

Palace of Art in Heroes’ Square, Budapest, Hungary.

Later we journeyed through the old Jewish Quarter and then along past the famous Budapest Market Place before actually crossing the Danube to explore the “Buda” side of the city. From there we traveled on past the vernacular leading up to the Grand Budapest Castle sitting atop Castle Hill.

Buda Castle in Budapest.

Buda Castle in Budapest.

We were all rather eager to spend some time exploring the eclectic architectural mix of the area with its old historical Matthias Church (also sometimes known as the Church of Our Lady), The Fisherman’s Bastion, The St Stephen Monument and so much more.

Exterior of Matthias Church

Exterior of Matthias Church

Beautiful detailed interior of Beautiful detailed interior of the Matthias Church, Budapest.

Beautiful detailed interior of Beautiful detailed interior of the Matthias Church, Budapest.

More of the wonderful detail inside the Matthias Church in Budapest.

More of the wonderful detail inside the Matthias Church in Budapest.

Last photo showing the interior of Matthias Church, Budapest.

Last photo showing the interior of Matthias Church, Budapest.

We were totally mesmerized by the views from up on top. We could see such a long way…right up along the Danube and way out over the “Pest” plains to the East.

Holy Trinity Column, Fisherman's Bastion area in Budapest.

Holy Trinity Column, Fisherman’s Bastion area in Budapest.

And of course there were also the absolutely breathtaking views of the stately Hungarian Parliament Building that had been constructed in the late 19th century. From the Fisherman’s Bastion you can see it in all of its Neo-Gothic Majesty as it rises up from the Eastern Bank of the Danube. I’ve read that it houses some 691 rooms and over 20 kilometers of stairs….how amazing!

Oh what a wonderful Vista it was.

But wait. I’m told Budapest has actually one more claim to fame and that is as the “City of Beautiful Panoramas”…..and for very good reason I would suggest.

View from the Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest.

View from the Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest.

With so much to offer, I truly believe that Budapest will definitely be the city to watch in the 21st century. It will undoubtedly continue to gather momentum as it undergoes further refurbishment and repair. I believe it could well reclaim its former title as one of the world’s grandest cities. It is already becoming one of Europe’s most well loved.

Parliament House, Budapest.

Parliament House, Budapest.

Statue of St Gerard on Gellert Hill Budapest

Statue of St Gerard on Gellert Hill Budapest

Fruit cocktails and delicious pastries, Fisherman's Bastion area, Budapest.

Fruit cocktails and delicious pastries, Fisherman’s Bastion area, Budapest.

Spring Planting, Budapest, Hungary.

Spring Planting, Budapest, Hungary.

Related articles

  • Budapest – I’m Hungary, where’s the goulash? (markmeltonblog.com)
  • A View From the Top: Budapest’s Castle Hill (gallivance.net)
  • Lace Ladies of Budapest (gallivance.net)
  • Budapest for you (circleme.com)
  • Summary: What I know about Hungary now (alicemywonderland.wordpress.com)
  • Stunning Budapest in Timelapse (ireport.cnn.com)
  • Day 13 – Budapest; Like a Fairy Tale Kingdom after Dark (kidazzleink.com)
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Day 13 – Budapest; Like a Fairy Tale Kingdom after Dark

04 Wednesday Dec 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Hungary, Sailing into Budapest, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Budapest, Danube, Danube Bend, Enchanting Architectural Wonders, Glittering Lights, Hungary, River Cruise, Travel and Tourism, Viking River Cruise

Sailing into the Fairy Tale Kingdom of Budapest, Hungary.

Sailing into the Fairy Tale Kingdom of Budapest, Hungary.

Some six months have now passed since our first magical Viking River Cruise, yet it can still be a little difficult to determine whether Day 13 was actually the grandest or perhaps even the most dismal of days.

On the one hand we’d been relaxing, yes we’d actually been socialising and partying whilst sailing on towards what can only be described as the a most Spectacular Panorama…. “Budapest by Night”.

But on the other we were now beginning our sad farewells. We’d actually spent time today catching up with other guests to discuss their plans for post-cruise journeys and of course to wish them well as they made their way back home.

Day 13 was going to be our very last day of sailing along the mighty Danube. By tomorrow we would have just one more day of precious luxury to enjoy.

By early evening we would be dressing in our glittering finery….attending the Captain’s elegant Farewell Reception and Formal Dinner.

Amazingly D.B. and I had managed to spend some time during the early afternoon hours just lazing in the Viking Longship’s main lounge, enjoying the comforts and, at times. soaking up the gentle Spring Breeze out on the lovely alfresco Aquavit Terrace.

Later in the afternoon our Longship Tor had passed by the famous Danube Bend along with the notable Eszgertom Basilica which is said to be the largest catholic cathedral in Hungary.

Esztergom Catholic Cathedral on the Danube

Esztergom Catholic Cathedral on the Danube

Esztergom  Cathedral from a different perspective.

Esztergom Cathedral from a different perspective.

We’d been cocktailed, we’d been champagned, we’d been wined and dined, and YES….all in a most convivial atmosphere right throughout the evening.

Many guests  were now starting to trade Email addresses and contact information with their new found friends.

But I will never forget…..it was some time shortly after 10.00pm that the real magic began to crescendo as Viking Tor started it’s culminating cruise into the sparkling city of Budapest.

I don’t think very many of us were actually expecting the level of fairy tale enchantment that was soon infusing the night’s atmosphere. We drank it all in….the sparkling architectural wonder. There was the stately parliament building, there were so many historical bridges, there was an ABSOLUTELY GLISTENING display of city lights, and a very romantic…… almost magical castle. There were many beautiful old buildings lining the banks of the Danube. They all seemed to add their own aura to the breathtaking vista of this evening. Yes Budapest was just like a fairy tale kingdom after dark.

Parliament throught one of the Bridges. Budapest, Hungary.

Parliament and one of the Bridges. Budapest, Hungary.

An Architectural Wonder, Parliament House, Budapest, Hungary.

An Architectural Wonder, Parliament House, Budapest, Hungary.

More of Parliment House, Budapest, Hungary.

More of Parliment House, Budapest, Hungary.

The Castle, Budapest, Hungary.

The Castle, Budapest, Hungary.

One more shot of the Castle, Budapest, Hungary.

One more shot of the Castle, Budapest, Hungary.

Stateroom, Day 13, a small visitor, Budapest, Hungary.

Stateroom, Day 13, a small visitor, Budapest, Hungary.

The Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary.

The Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary.

It was all a most amazing and satisfying climax to our truly remarkable cruise.

Related articles
  • Budapest – I’m Hungary, where’s the goulash? (markmeltonblog.com)
  • The 12 Days Of Viking Christmas: Visiting Vienna, Austria Via Viking Longship (chriscruises.com)
  • Matthias Church – (Catholic) Budapest,Hungary (malc39.wordpress.com)
    • Stunning Budapest in Timelapse (ireport.cnn.com)

Day 13 – Bratislava; The City of Fun.

27 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Art, Bratislava, Slavakia, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

A City of Fun, Bratislava, Carpathian Mountain, Central Europe, Danube, Pressburg, Schoolies, Slovakia

A City of Fun. Bratislava.

A City of Fun. Bratislava.

I thought I was going to be the first to call it this….but NO…evidently not so.

Bratislava in Slovakia (Pop about 470,000) has actually been labeled the “City Of Fun” by several others in the past, and long before our visit in the Spring of 2013 (well this is what I’ve recently read on the almighty Google network anyway).

Bratislava Castle, Slovakia on a warm hazy day.

Bratislava Castle, Slovakia on a warm hazy day.

Mind you it’s really not at all surprising that others have also graced it with this name. With its oh-so-charmingly comical elements and its deeply embedded sense of humour, this tag just seems to be a rather perfect fit somehow. I believe it describes modern day Bratislava remarkably well. And after our early info-walk around the old town area, on what was now Day 13 of our wonderful river cruise, this was precisely the catch phrase that had begun to echo in my brain as we’d soaked up the cities new contemporary atmosphere.

Bratislava Slovakia, a city with a sense  of fun.

Bratislava Slovakia, so enjoyed this playful City.

More of Bratislava the city with a sense of Fun.

More of Bratislava the city with a wonderful atmosphere of Fun.

However, I should probably also add, our visit just happened to coincide with a sort of “Schoolies” day in the city. Many of Bratislava’s final year High School students were out and about, wandering the old town areas, looking to create some mischief of their own and having, what looked like, a jolly good time.

Schoolies in Bratislava, Slovakia, 2013.

Schoolies in Bratislava, Slovakia, 2013.

They were obviously fund raising…..trying to collect donations (more precious penny treasure from we, the  impoverished river cruise tourists, who had already given all of our carefully saved pennies away to the wonderful Viking Company LOL– see my post “Lost in Regensberg” for more about how our personal penny treasure had already disappeared).

A Modern Day Fairy Tale

More Penny Treasure

Schoolie funds raised would soon be put towards their own after dark celebrations that evening. These, we were told, would begin just after sun-down that same evening. As the moon began to rise and the sun began to set and sink behind the old city horizon, the young were obviously about to put on their new shoes and party like they’d never done before!

By then it would be time for all self-respecting Viking River Cruise Tourists to be sailing on!

Moon Rising, Schoolies Party Time.

Moon Rising, Schoolies Party Time, Bratislava, Slovakia.

Well I guess many people would have cringed at the thought of having a bunch of rowdy, out-of-control Schoolies partying all around on the streets as they explored a new city, but actually ….this was NOT the case at all. These excited young people appeared to be quite well-behaved albeit VERY VERY boisterous, VERY VERY happy and VERY VERY  noisy. I found it a most convivial atmosphere and I believe it actually added to, rather than subtracted from, our morning visit to this wonderful mid-sized city.

Day 13 -  Viking River Cruise, Bratislava, Slovakia.

Day 13 – Viking River Cruise Info-Walk Morning, Bratislava, Slovakia.

Geographically, Bratislava, Slavakia is close by the Carpathian Mountain range of Central Europe. According to Wikipedia, it occupies the Southwestern corner of the new nation. Sprawling around the Danube, the little Danube and the Morava River. It is actually renowned as the only independent National Capital to border two independent countries….namely Austria and Hungary.

View of the Danube and surrounding Mountains from Bratislava Castle,Slovakia.

View of the Danube and surrounding Mountains from Bratislava Castle,Slovakia.

Indeed at one time in this cities’ early history (1526 -1867) Bratislavia had been the grand capital of the Kingdom of Hungary and part of the larger Habsburg Family ruled territories. At that time it had been called Pressburg (1536-1783).

Post World War 1 it became part of the new nation of Czechoslovakia.

Post World War 2 it was forced into a far more serious chapter in history when it became part of the organised communist block of countries. Bratslavia then remained oppressed, socialist and centrally ruled for near on 5 decades until, in early 1993,  it is described as undergoing the “Velvet Divorce” from these restrictive socialist ties.

The separation heralded in a whole new era as Bratislava became part of the new Republic of Slovakia.

A city with heart, Bratislava, Slovakia.

A city with a new heart, Bratislava, Slovakia.

Perhaps it is because of,  or indeed perhaps it is in spite of….. all those years of strict control (I’m not actually sure which), but Bratislava today exudes the most wonderful sense of humour.

While the city was largely refurbished in the late 20th century, its historical town centre remains fairly intact. But wherever you go, wherever you look as you wander the city’s streets today, there’s evidence of so many new and lighter, one could even say, more whimsical touches. They all add to the cities new and cheerful atmosphere. As you can see from my photos, modern  Bratislava is indeed a most wonderful experience…..a city just brimful of fun. Today it could easily become a new centre for the arts.

The longest legs I'veever seen, Bratislava, Slovakia.

The longest legs I’ve ever seen, Bratislava, Slovakia.

A family of hedgehogs in the Market Square, Bratislavia, Slovakia.

A rather sweet little family of hedgehogs in the Market Square, Bratislavia, Slovakia.

Ice Creams Bratislava, Slovakia.

Ice Creams Bratislava, Slovakia.

Pretty Flower Box, Bratislava, Sovakia.

Pretty Flower Box, Bratislava, Sovakia.

For more informative reflections on Bratislavia, Slovakia you might like to read these wonderful posts from Terri and James Vance at Gallivance on WordPress:

http://gallivance.net/2013/11/04/bratislavas-hidden-gems/

http://gallivance.net/2013/10/28/bratislava-a-delightful-chance-to-recharge-the-batteries/

http://gallivance.net/2013/11/02/bratislava-its-all-in-the-details/

 

RELATED VIDEOS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KybTbyqgd0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwtxOpJh-Hs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-_73Jr6f3E

 

RELATED BLOG POSTS:

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Day 10 – Picturesque Passau; A Township on 3 Rivers

06 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Germany, Passau, River Cruising, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

3 Rivers, Austria, Czech Republic, Danube, Germany, Ilz, Inn, Passau, St Stephen's

Beautiful Interior, St Stephen's Passau, Germany

Beautiful Interior, St Stephen’s Passau, Germany

How could this be I had to ask? We did still have one more day in Germany after all. I’d thought Passau was in Austria but no…I find it’s actually in Germany but sitting right on the border between the two countries. It’s also only about 30klms away from the border of the Czech Republic.

Sailing down the Danube to

Sailing down the Danube to

So with yet one more day in Germany, we were soon off to explore lovely Picturesque Passau (Pop approx 50,000), which sits rather poetically on the confluence of three rivers – The Ilz, The Inn and The Danube.

It’s also sometimes referred to in German as the Drieflussestadt which translates to “the Town of 3 rivers” and at other times as “Barvaria’s Venice”.

View from high on the hill overlooking the confluence of the 3 rivers, Passau, Germany

View from high on the hill overlooking the confluence of the 3 rivers, Passau, Germany

Another photo of the beautiful view in Passau, Germany

Another photo of the beautiful view in Passau, Germany

Veste Orberhaus, Fortrees on  the Hill, Passau, Germany

Veste Orberhaus, Fortress on the Hill, Passau, Germany

We’d decided to catch a little sightseeing bus and travel up to the top of the hill behind Passau in order to take in it’s picture perfect views. Needless to say there were watery vistas everywhere below…..indeed such a pretty little place.

Our bus driver was talking to all of the other passengers on board in German; hence we couldn’t understand a word he was saying for most of the journey. Many on board actually seemed to be participating in a little Trivia Quiz and some were even winning little prizes for their correct responses.

Then all of a sudden, the bus driver turned to us and directed a question in English.

“Passau is famous for its three rivers,” he said. “Can you tell me the names of all three?”

Well thankfully I’d actually read the little news letter delivered to our stateroom the evening before just as I always did. And I think I must have read it far more carefully than Dearly Beloved (D.B.) for I quickly rattled off my response ….”The Ilz, The Inn and The Danube,” I replied with quite some pride in my newly acquired knowledge.

Interesting doorway Passau, Germany.

Interesting doorway Passau, Germany.

“Wonderful,” replied our rather friendly bus driver. “You have won yourself this little voucher for some cake and coffee at a little café in Passau. I will show you where to go when we get back down into the town.”Indeed, I was quite excited by all of this! I’d actually won something.

Passau township, Germany

Passau township, Germany

But as you are probably aware, the rivers of Passau have also caused its Town-folk much grief at various times throughout history. Sodden and waterlogged as it was yet again early in June this year (and just one short month after our own visit). Record high floods had again triggered a massive cleanup to remove all of the smelly mud and silt from the cities roads and buildings as the water receded. If you have time, you might like to click on the video links below and take a closer look at the havoc it caused.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TueW2wD3RWo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRiiBtZ7FtY

Of the 50,000 inhabitants of Passau, 10,000 of them evidently include a revolving residency of students who attend the Passau universities. As such, this lovely little Town does have a rather youngish feel to it. There were love heart banners across its streets and  young people out and about just enjoying the sunny day.

Yellow Rose display, Passau, Germany

Yellow Rose display, Passau, Germany

According to Wikipedia, Passau was first settled by some displaced Roman tribes way back in about the 2nd century A.D.  Later, it was called home by the “Batavi” an old German tribe.  By the 8th century it had become the largest dioceses of the Holy Roman Empire.

Door on St Stephen's Passau, Germany

Door on St Stephen’s Passau, Germany

St Stephen's Passau, Germany

St Stephen’s Passau, Germany

Detail inside St Stephen's Passau, Germany.

Detail inside St Stephen’s Passau, Germany.

One part of the organ, St Stephen's Passau, Germany

One part of the organ, St Stephen’s Passau, Germany

Gold statue, St Stephen's Passau, Germany.

Gold statue, St Stephen’s Passau, Germany.

More Statues inside St stephen's Pasau, Germany

More Statues inside St Stephen’s Passau, Germany

More detail, St Stephen's, Passau, Germany

More detail, St Stephen’s, Passau, Germany

Last photo, St Stephen's Passau, Germany.

Last photo, St Stephen’s Passau, Germany.

For us, today’s wonderful little sightseeing gems included the Alstadt (Old Town area) and the majestic, Gothic and Baroque St Stephen’s Cathedral, which was built in about the 17th century A.D. With its beautiful white interior and its Carpoforo Tencalla, Ceiling Frescos, St Stephen’s is truly a stand out piece of architecture.  The cathedral houses eight bells and lays claim to the largest organ in the world outside of the United States of America. We were lucky enough to hear it play as we were treated to an organ concert at the end of the morning’s info-walk. Just wonderful…….and yes yet another interesting and enjoyable day. But this one really was our last in Germany!

Spring Flower Display down near the river, Passau, Germany

Spring Flower Display down near the river, Passau, Germany

Passau Resident, Germany.

Passau Resident, Germany.

Apricot Rose in Passau, Germany.

Apricot Rose in Passau, Germany.

Pink rose in Passau, Germany.

Pink rose in Passau, Germany.

Children's traditional clothing for sale Passau Germany

Children’s traditional clothing for sale Passau Germany

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Day 9 – Regensburg, Germany – Famous for its 900 year old Sausage Kitchen.

30 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Germany, Regensburg, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Bavaria, Black Forest, Danube, Germany, Regensburg, Stone Bridge, UNESCO, World Heritage Site

Regensburg is sometimes also known as Ratisbon or even Ratisbonna –  both were evidently among the early Celtic names given to this little township in around the 1st Century A.D.

Sailing towards Regensburg, Germany

Sailing towards Regensburg, Germany

It was a big day for us. It it was probably going to be our very last day in Germany for many, many years. Later tonight we would sail across the German border into Austria.

But as you all probably know by now, I do so truly love the land of the Peridot green valleys and the Tiffany blue lakes (Austria that is).

Despite this, I  wanted to make the most of our last day and truly relish in this opportunity to explore yet another beautiful German city we’d never seen before.

Armed with my trusty D7000 and our knowledgeable, but young info-walk guide, I was determined to get the very best photos I could in this pretty city.

Outside Portia Praetoria, Regensburg, Germany.

Outside Portia Praetoria, Regensburg, Germany.

According to one famous British architect, Lord Norman Foster, Regensburg, Germany, (Population about 140,000) is actually one of the most beautiful, and historic cities in the world. Sitting right on the banks of the Danube and Regens Rivers; just a little west of the Black Forest in Germany, it is historically abundant. The city showcases many old buildings and “centuries old’ architectural styles. Some buildings even date back to the Stone Age (around 90 A.D.)

Wandering around Regensburg's cobbled streets, in Germany.

Wandering around Regensburg’s cobbled streets, in Germany.

Unlike Nuremberg (which we visited yesterday), Regensburg was left relatively untouched by the World War 2 bombing raids. But it is of course another UNESCO World Heritage Listed City due to its many irreplaceable treasures. As such it provides significant windows into Germany’s architectural and historical richness…….a city that has survived many of Germany’s early conflicts.

St Peter's Dom, Regensburg, Germany.

St Peter’s Dom, Regensburg, Germany.

Inside the Dom, Regensburg

Inside the Dom, Regensburg

All of the early architecture is still there, Romanesque, Roccoco, Gothic. There’s even a very early Roman wall and a reproduction temple built to honour of the Parthenon in Greece. The latter, called Walhalla is evidently some 15 kilometres to the east of Regensburg; it sits in a little place called Donaustuaf. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see it.  I think I would have loved to visit but maybe there is good reason why we didn’t.

I’ve been told, Regensburg lays claim to the oldest sausage kitchen in the world (some 900 years old in fact). Dating back to about the 12th Century A.D., people still throng to its rustic ambiance. They sit on basic wooden bench seats watching the Danube pass them by as they chat about the treasures cacooned within the area. And they enjoy sampling the deliciously spicy German fried sausages with caraway seed rolls, homemade sauerkraut and mustard. Yummm

Old Sausge Kitchen, Regensburg, Germany.

Old Sausge Kitchen, Regensburg, Germany.

But Viking were indeed keeping us very well fed during this wonderful river cruise. I have to say there were always delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners; smallish servings on the whole, but so many courses meant we were unable to squeeze in even a another morsel…not even a mouthful of sauerkraut, let alone a whole sausage meal, complimented by a caraway roll and other condiments to boot. Sadly our very sated tums meant we had to leave the sampling of such tasty age-old morsels to all of the other hungry visitors to Regensburg that day!

As we wandered along the banks of the Danube, we came to Regensburg’s old, arching stone bridge. It was evidently the very first stone Bridge to cross the banks of the Danube in Germany…..so old indeed, that it has seen the knights of the 2nd and 3rd Crusades trotting across its structure on their trusty steeds way back in about the 12th Century A.D.

And I must say that the view from the bridge was really beautiful…..there were historical regional city views with Cathedral spires in one direction, busy river boat and water views in another and there were even some small wilderness areas on the other side.

Regensburg, Germany, taken from the old stone bridge across the Danube.

Regensburg, Germany, taken from the old stone bridge across the Danube.

The Danube River, Regensburg, Germany.

The Danube River, Regensburg, Germany.

Greenery seen from the bridge in Regensburg, Germany.

Greenery seen from the bridge in Regensburg, Germany.

We visited so many places that afternoon on our short 1- 2 hour info-walk.

I more than most it would seem!!!

Between all of the historic buildings, knowing it was our last day in Germany, and with my very deep-seated desire to take the best photos I possibly could……..  it  turned out to be a rather more eventful afternoon than we’d intended!!

Ah but that’s another German “tale” altogether!  Germany’s simply full of all sorts of German tales I believe. Must be something to do with a tradition of the fairy tales and the Grimm Brothers perhaps!

Another  view from the old stone brige, Regensburg, Germany.

Another view from the old stone brige, Regensburg, Germany.

Traditional clothing for sale, Regensburg, Germany.

Traditional clothing for sale, Regensburg, Germany.

Mozart with a tourist, Rergensburg, Germany.

Mozart with a tourist, Rergensburg, Germany.

David and Goliath Mural, Regensburg, Germany.

David and Goliath Mural, Regensburg, Germany.

"Dr Bear" outside of a medical centre, Regensburg, Germany.

“Dr Bear” outside of a medical centre, Regensburg, Germany.

Cute little garden gnomes, Regensburg, Germany.

Cute little garden gnomes, Regensburg, Germany

Can you believe it though?  The continuing story has something to do with some  Magic Gnomes having to return a rather lost Viking tourist to a very worried husband and  her tour group! But more of that intriguing little tale next time! Please don’t worry ….. all good fairy tales tend to have happy endings these days!

Madame Tussauds – Photographing the stars.

06 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam, Holidays, Madam Tussauds, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Amsterdam, Anne Frank House, Coronation, Dam Square, Danube, Madame Tussaud, Netherlands

Strangely, I’d felt a wee bit like a Paparazzi that day….but there was certainly going to be no stopping me!

1-nef  2606201204311_pp

This was my very first (and most likely my very last) opportunity to photograph celebrities at such close range. And “WOW”, I seem to recall there were just so many of them all in the one place! I could see Royalty, Prime Ministers, Scientists, Famous Historical Faces, Sporting Aces, Religious Figures, Hollywood Starlets, Supermodels and Rock Stars everywhere I looked that day. Had it all been for real I know I would have considered myself to be way out of my personal comfort zone!!

1-nef  260620120439

Anyway, it wasn’t for real, and I have to admit to feeling a little excited by the prospect of spending time amongst these replicas of the sparkling glitterati (even if they were only of a plastic variety). I’d managed to convince my dearly beloved that this could be an interesting way to while away an hour or two. He actually even seemed to be in favour of the idea himself. So with the decision made we’d headed back towards the Dam Square in the centre of the City. We’d been trying to make the most of our last couple of days in the Netherlands, just pursuing some of our lighter touristy type interests, before embarking on our long-awaited Viking River Cruise.

The Female Stars

The Female Stars

For today our first choice had been the convenience of a Hop On, Hop Off bus! This way, we’d hoped to gain a slightly different perspective of Amsterdam to the one we’d enjoyed the previous day as we’d travelled through the beautiful canals and the IJ.

Somehow (don’t ask how) we’d managed to arrive safely in-front of the old brick building, Madame Tussauds. We’d narrowly been missed by cars and trams and then also by millions and zillions of bikes! You know, back home here in Australia (aka in the world down under/God’s own country), we’ve really only ever had to worry about being missed by big things like cars and trucks….even then I’m told pedestrians in Australia still have the right of way! (Not that I’m likely to be testing that assumption any time soon. I sort of like being in just one piece!)

Anyway, let me say that the intensity of the traffic around Amsterdam City was somewhat challenging….there was always a lot to watch out for ….and just so so many bicycles. At times, it felt like we were physically crossing up to three main roads all at once. YES THREE…first there were the buses and cars just like we have here at home, then there were the trams and finally after that there were still the thousands of bikes to watch out for!

Yikes…and each of them appeared to be really merciless towards poor strangling, geographically-challenged, pedestrian tourists such as us.

Anne Frank

Anne Frank

Earlier that same morning we’d already tried to visit the historical Anne Frank House. Sadly the queues had been just too off-putting (well over an hour of waiting we’d been told) and that was fairly early in the day. So in the interests of saving time, we’d thought it best to give it a miss for now. Maybe we could try again another day.

Madam Tussauds

Madame Tussauds

So we’d made our way through the crowds to Madame Tussauds. We’d arrived right in the centre of Amsterdam. And it was actually a kind of special time. Dam Square and the Tussauds building (like much of the rest of Amsterdam at this time) were adorned with the most enormous flags and crowns and other quite royal regalia. On arrival a couple of days earlier, we’d learnt that the Coronation of King Willem-Alexander was about to take place in just a couple of days – April 30, 2013 to be precise. Crowds had been building in preparation for the royal event; and there’d been heaps of folk everywhere you looked. We would have liked to have stayed for the coronation too, but unfortunately we’d had to miss it. By then we were already travelling on….sailing down the mighty Danube and on through Germany and Austria to Slovakia and finally into Budapest.

But for this day, neither of us had ever been to a Madame Tussauds before. So we decided to enjoy the moment and just look around at all of the interesting characters on display. I’m glad to say neither of us were disappointed by our visit. It was quite amazing how life-like some of these waxy figures appeared to be.

And of course, for me, it was just another photographer’s paradise… After all, I was photographing some of the most AMAZINGLY COOPERATIVE MODELS I’d ever tried to capture….there was no grumbling, no moaning, no “can we stop smiling now”, and no blinking at the wrong time by any of them. HOW EASY CAN IT BE? We both spent an interesting hour or two acquainting ourselves with all the historical figures and learning heaps more Hollywood trivia.

As we were leaving we stumbled upon a most interesting “Amsterdam Street Artist”.  Take a look below…he was oh so cool and hip in his shiny silver suit. He sat, or should I say stood, in the most unusual and unnatural position for what seemed an eternity. Of course I had to get a photo of him too. I nicknamed him “Amsterdam’s Newest Star!” Unlike all the other stars we’d already seen that day, he was absolutely 100% for real. How he managed to stay in that very strange and unusual half sitting/half standing position I’ll never know. Maybe some of you might have an idea or two…Let me know if you have any inkling regarding how it is done??

Amsterdam's Newest Star

Amsterdam’s Newest Star

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Singapura and a very comfy transit hotel

31 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Holidays, River Cruising, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, travel, Travelling in Europe, Uncategorized

≈ 5 Comments

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Brisbane Airport, Danube, Gold Coast, Keukenhof, Netherlands, Queensland, Rhine, Singapore, Singapore Changi Airport

3.15am and the alarm trilled in the darkness but we were already wide awake. Little sleep had been achieved by either of us during, what had seemed to be, the long and never-ending night before.

1-Michelle Davies_Foggy Morning on the Gold Coast_Light Aware_2

Our big day had actually arrived and our enthusiastic anticipation was now filling the pre-dawn air with an exciting and magical quality.

Today was the day! We were leaving our home on the ever beautiful Gold Coast (in Queensland, Australia – aka God’s Own Country as can truly be seen in the photos both above and below.)

Michelle Davies_Gold Coast 2

We were heading off on our extended four-and-a-half week adventure through Europe to visit the historical, culture-rich, northern hemisphere. Our minds were alive with all of the coming adventures….Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Keukenhof, Slovakia, Hungary and, of course, our grand 15 days of river cruising along the Rhine, the Main and the Danube.

Within 20 minutes we were locking our doors and heading off to the Brisbane Airport  for our long-awaited departure. First stop would be the multi-award winning, Changi Airport in Singapore.

Michelle Davies - Orchids in Singapore

Sad to say, it wasn’t long before we found out that we had way too much luggage. As always, trying to juggle it though the airport and customs was the usual agitating and nerve wringing experience…. Surely this part of a journey has much room for improvement in these modern times! With all of our 21st century technologies and scientific advancements, the airport experience and, particularly customs experiences, could be greatly refined and improved I believe. Perhaps someone just needs to give it a little thought and then give it all a major overhaul.

Anyway, before long we were up in the big blue vastness and being totally spoiled by our gracious air hostesses. We were catching up on movies we’d missed, discussing places we could visit, enjoying just having our meals brought to us for a change and trying to catch a little shut-eye whenever possible. The later, I must say, proved to be a bit difficult to achieve with all of that was going on.

Nevertheless, time passed quickly and soon we were landing at Changi.

Michelle Davies - Changi Airport Tropical Garden Singapore

So many beautiful orchid displays, water features and even goldfish. Changi is always a delight to visit. There were new technologies to explore and entertain us, along with the many bright and bountiful shops and Duty Free Outlets.

But after yet another tasty meal, and a brief sticky beak around to see what was new, it was certainly time to head for our transit hotel which was right within Changi airport itself. There were no windows at all in our room, but what a delight it was! And even more so, as it had only cost us just one Aussie dollar each for the next six sleep filled hours! There was a comfy bed, clean soft towels, in-room amenities for showering and glorious fresh sheets and soft pillows. At last it was time for a little bit of shut-eye!

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