What a beautiful country is our United States, and traveling by car is just the best way to see it! Today Jan and I traveled from the rolling hills of Hunterdon County through the green fields and sun-dappled mountains of Pennsylvania into the slightly industrial zone of Ohio. The day was clear and bright, the highways were not crowded and Hurricane Irene was safely distant.
We're heading to Minnesota for our annual visit to my family's fishing lake and the awesome Minnesota State Fair. Making the trip by car adds four days to the enterprise, but the chance to take in what is the amazing variety of this country at ground level is worth it. Travel by air is okay when longer distances are involved or time is of the essence, but when I can, I like the car.
Key to the ease of travel is the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System, so named because it was an idea championed by Dwight Eisenhower during his presidency. He had been impressed by the German Autobahn while serving in World War II and saw the creation of a similar network in the US not only as a means of moving troops rapidly in the event of an invasion, but also as an aid to interstate commerce. And it makes our annual trip so much better!
(I wish our present Congress and administration could envision another bold plan such as the interstate highways that would both create jobs and make this country proud of something again.)
Tomorrow we head through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois before stopping for the night in Wisconsin. More time on the Interstates and more beautiful country to see...
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Day Seven - Nuremberg
After sailing overnight, the Viking Legend arrived just outside the city of Nuremberg, Germany. Many people remember Nuremberg as the city in which the Nazi party held annual mass meetings, and where were held the war trials following the end of World War II. On our bus tour, which followed breakfast, we saw the building in which the trials were held. The tour took us to the castle high above Nuremberg, fascinating in itself, but also as a vantage point to see the area which had been mostly destroyed by Allied bombing and almost miraculously rebuilt.
Our guide then led us down from the castle past the house in which the artist Albrect Durer did his work, past St. Sebaldus church, past the city hall to the main market place of the Old Town. There were stalls upon stall selling all manner of fresh vegetables and lebkuchen -- gingerbread -- a local speciality.
After lunch aboard the ship, Jan and I went back to the center of the Old Town on our own, to see the interior of St. Sebaldus church which had been badly damaged by the bombing and rebuilt after the war. It was somber to see what is the waste and suffering of war for all concerned, and to see the hope for peace the church now represents.
We then walked through more of the Old Town and the Pegnitz River which flows through it. We went outside the city walls to the Baroque Garden and returned for a cappuccino at the Nuremberg Starbucks.
Tonight we enjoyed our final dinner and began our good-byes. In the morning we leave early for the Nuremberg airport, from which we fly to Frankfurt and then back to Newark. We look forward to being back home.
Our guide then led us down from the castle past the house in which the artist Albrect Durer did his work, past St. Sebaldus church, past the city hall to the main market place of the Old Town. There were stalls upon stall selling all manner of fresh vegetables and lebkuchen -- gingerbread -- a local speciality.
We then walked through more of the Old Town and the Pegnitz River which flows through it. We went outside the city walls to the Baroque Garden and returned for a cappuccino at the Nuremberg Starbucks.
Tonight we enjoyed our final dinner and began our good-byes. In the morning we leave early for the Nuremberg airport, from which we fly to Frankfurt and then back to Newark. We look forward to being back home.
Day 6 - Regensburg, Weltenburg Abbey, Kelheim
Our day began with a visit to Regensburg, a medieval town on the Danube which became famous and wealthy because the Romans built a stone bridge there -- the only one between Vienna and points north. Then, after conquered by Napoleon, it faded into some obscurity, which is why it was not bombed during the Second World War. So much of the charm of the medieval buildings and narrow alleys is still there to see.
After lunch we headed to the Weltenburg Abbey, a Benedictine community which had renovated its church in the High Baroque style -- much ornamentation and gold plated statues. The community has its own brewery so we were able to have a sample of the smooth, dark beer. It was Ascension Day which, in Germany is also Fathers Day, so there were lots of fathers celebrating in the abbey beer garden.
We then boarded a small boat to sail through the narrowest part of the Danube, appropriately called the Danube Gorge. High cliffs on either side gave a sense of being at the Lorelei on the Rhine river.
The evening meal was the Captain's Farewell dinner. Though we will still have one more day in Nuremburg, some of the passengers were leaving in the morning. The dinner is capped off with Baked Alaska for dessert, introduced by as parade of the kitchen staff carrying the Baked Alaska topped with sparklers. It's fun! And yes, we dressed up a bit for the dinner.
Tomorrow is the last day of the trip. We will be in Nuremburg. So, there is yet more to come...
After lunch we headed to the Weltenburg Abbey, a Benedictine community which had renovated its church in the High Baroque style -- much ornamentation and gold plated statues. The community has its own brewery so we were able to have a sample of the smooth, dark beer. It was Ascension Day which, in Germany is also Fathers Day, so there were lots of fathers celebrating in the abbey beer garden.
We then boarded a small boat to sail through the narrowest part of the Danube, appropriately called the Danube Gorge. High cliffs on either side gave a sense of being at the Lorelei on the Rhine river.
Tomorrow is the last day of the trip. We will be in Nuremburg. So, there is yet more to come...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Day Five - Passau, Germany
Our day began in the morning as we arrived in the German city of Passau. After breakfast, we were given an introduction to the European Community -- its history, accomplishments and present-day hurdles. We learned about the common currency -- the euro -- and of how the economic problems of Greece and Ireland are causing other European Community members to wonder if this was the best path to follow.
Then we took a walking tour of the old city of Passau. The city is a bit hilly, so our regular excercise routine paid off as we had no problems keeping up with the guide. The city had for centuries a bishop-prince, so the cathedral -- St. Stephen's -- was magnificent. Inside the cathedral is the largest organ in Europe, containing almost 18,000 pipes. At noon we were treated to an half-hour concert, and the organist played selections that allowed the most use of the pipes.
Following lunch, Jan and I walked to the point of Passau where two other rivers joined the Danube. The confluence of three rivers is both a source of pride for the city, and a major threat for annual flooding. We saw sections of the town that had experienced over 20 feet of water above the normal levels, most recently in 2002.
The ship then sailed again, headed for Regensberg and our next set of adventures. More to come...
Following lunch, Jan and I walked to the point of Passau where two other rivers joined the Danube. The confluence of three rivers is both a source of pride for the city, and a major threat for annual flooding. We saw sections of the town that had experienced over 20 feet of water above the normal levels, most recently in 2002.
The ship then sailed again, headed for Regensberg and our next set of adventures. More to come...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Day Three - Vienna -- Day Four - Melk
Today we spent visiting the beautiful city of Vienna. Our ship docked at the city port and we were taken by bus for a tour of the inner city, first by a travelogue and secondly by a walking tour in the very city center.
I was not prepared for how big is the city, although as the capital of Austria, I should have known. It is a bustling metropolis as well the home of great music and art.
In the afternoon we visited the Schonbrun Palace, the summer residence of many of the Hapsburg royalty. The state rooms were heavily decorated with lots of gilded ornamentation and the floors were masterpieces of wooden tiles. The gardens were extensive, laid out in formal patterns. Jan and I found the original "beautiful spring" from which the name Schonbrun comes.
In the evening we attended a live concert of selections from Mozart and Strauss, including, of course, the Blue Danube Waltz. The ensemble was top-notch, as the organization has just been named the official chamber orchestra of Austria.
The weather has been beautiful and we hope it continues. So, more to come!
Day Four - Melk
Our ship sailed just after midnight, again heading upstream from Vienna toward the village of Melk.
On the way, we passed through the Wachau Valley, one of the most scenic spots on the Danube. The weather was beautiful so we were able to sit on the top outside deck to watch the scenery roll by. Villages, castles, ruins, vineyards, were the main attractions.
At lunch, the ship's chef and crew put together an outdoor picnic of Austrian specialties, including sausages, warm pate sandwiches, potato salad and strudel rolls.
After lunch we took a short bus ride to the Melk Abby -- a Benedictine monastery built over two hundred years ago formerly as the palace of the ruling Austrian family before the Hapsburg ruling family took over. The abbey was turned over to the Benedictines who made it one of the most progressive sites in Austria. During a forty year period the buildings were rebuilt in a lavish baroque style -- ornate, yet beautiful.
At 4:00 p.m. our ship again set sail, this time for Passau, which we will see tomorrow.
(Internet connection is very poor, so these blog posts may come sporadically.)
I was not prepared for how big is the city, although as the capital of Austria, I should have known. It is a bustling metropolis as well the home of great music and art.
In the evening we attended a live concert of selections from Mozart and Strauss, including, of course, the Blue Danube Waltz. The ensemble was top-notch, as the organization has just been named the official chamber orchestra of Austria.
The weather has been beautiful and we hope it continues. So, more to come!
Day Four - Melk
Our ship sailed just after midnight, again heading upstream from Vienna toward the village of Melk.
On the way, we passed through the Wachau Valley, one of the most scenic spots on the Danube. The weather was beautiful so we were able to sit on the top outside deck to watch the scenery roll by. Villages, castles, ruins, vineyards, were the main attractions.
At lunch, the ship's chef and crew put together an outdoor picnic of Austrian specialties, including sausages, warm pate sandwiches, potato salad and strudel rolls.
After lunch we took a short bus ride to the Melk Abby -- a Benedictine monastery built over two hundred years ago formerly as the palace of the ruling Austrian family before the Hapsburg ruling family took over. The abbey was turned over to the Benedictines who made it one of the most progressive sites in Austria. During a forty year period the buildings were rebuilt in a lavish baroque style -- ornate, yet beautiful.
At 4:00 p.m. our ship again set sail, this time for Passau, which we will see tomorrow.
(Internet connection is very poor, so these blog posts may come sporadically.)
Monday, May 30, 2011
Day 2 - Budapest and on to Vienna
Today was a memorial day for Hungary so we were able to see a military wreath-laying at the Heroes Plaza. Then we went higher to the Buda side to view the city from above and marvel at the restored St. Matthias cathedral.
After lunch we set sail for Vienna -- a trip that will take 10 hours. So the afternoon was spent basking in the sun on the open upper deck was the river rolled by, enjoying an apple strudel making demonstration by the head chef and pastry chef, with a sample at the end.
Tonight we will sleep while the ship continues on to Vienna, arriving there in the morning.
(Internet connection has been erratic today, so this blog will be short.) But, more to come...
Saturday, May 28, 2011
The Adventure Begins
Our long-planned Viking River cruise on the Danube began today.
After a 6 1/2 hour flight from Newark, we landed in Frankfurt and made a transfer to the flight to Budapest, where the cruise starts. The travel went smoothly, arriving on time with German precision. The folks from Viking met us at the airport and shuttled us to the waiting ship.
Budapest is a city with a colorful history. Some of it dates back to Roman times, has a strong Christian influence but was captured by Moors in the 17th century and had churches turned into mosques. Later the Moors were turned out, Germany took over the city; the Germans were routed by the Russians and Hungary became part of the Soviet bloc. As such the city is a conglomerate of architectural styles, some stunning and others the worst of utilitarian planning.
Today we spent most of the time around the ship, waiting for our room to be ready, then given the mandatory explanation of shipboard safety (life jackets, etc.) and our first taste of the excellent cuisine we'll enjoy. We enjoyed a stroll around the outside deck where we got a view of the Chain Bridge, the first span to join the two cities of Buda and Pest. The photo is of Jan with the bridge behind.
More to come...
After a 6 1/2 hour flight from Newark, we landed in Frankfurt and made a transfer to the flight to Budapest, where the cruise starts. The travel went smoothly, arriving on time with German precision. The folks from Viking met us at the airport and shuttled us to the waiting ship.
Budapest is a city with a colorful history. Some of it dates back to Roman times, has a strong Christian influence but was captured by Moors in the 17th century and had churches turned into mosques. Later the Moors were turned out, Germany took over the city; the Germans were routed by the Russians and Hungary became part of the Soviet bloc. As such the city is a conglomerate of architectural styles, some stunning and others the worst of utilitarian planning.
More to come...
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