from Budapest to Bratislava (now what? where?)

We are zipping up the Danube this morning after another full day in Budapest. I FINALLY got on the bus tour and it was wonderful and we learned so much and I took notes and photos. Stunning old city filled with history. We were honored at the Chef's Table last night and then we all scurried upstairs and outside to see the lights of Budapest, including the Parliament Building, as we sailed (?) off and today is a walking tour, my first ever in Slovakia. Now, on a personal note, I just want to say that I did not start this trip in a 100% enthusiastic and positive manner. Thank you to the friends and family who encouraged me and they were right ~ once I settled in I am just so happy to be doing this. Traveling as an older person is not exactly easy, but hey, just do it. Happy for my walking stick and folding cane ~ and laptop and phone.

Monday in photos

 I love my room and the dinner on board last night was delicious! Huge market near the ship. Gotta run....

You meet my entire traveling group in the top photo. Fun folks.

making group plans hahahahahaha

 Well, at least we got a good walk in by the River Danube yesterday afternoon. Ferris wheel and bus tour today or who knows? It is just so wonderful to be in this city. Lunch at an Italian place and I now know Katya (from Sausalito) and Jim from Idaho, I think. The walk reminded me a bit of Savannah and emphasized once again how important rivers are to cities and commerce. I bowed out of group dining last night to enjoy ghoulash soup in the hotel cafe. Everyone friendly and helpful so far. Yay! We board the bus for the boat today at 3pm, or so says the itinerary. P.S. soup tasted just like our veggie soup...

barbed wire and luxury

 Oh, fancy and wonderful Kempinski Hotel in Budapest. Above, view from my hotel window. GREAT 8 hour sleep last night after hellish Heathrow all day experience. I am starved and must eat now. Bus tour this afternoon. Met Ginger 2 and Betsy for big hugs in lobby this morning. Oh yes, I questioned this trip so many times this past year but now I am very, very happy that I did this crazy thing. Lots of buttons and strange things in my hotel room, but all electronics are getting charged and I haven't lost my passport or credit cards and no BFD with custom check-in last night at the Pest airport, thank god. Small favors. Now to mop up the bathroom after European shower experience once again. xoxoxoxox