A Trip to Remember

We just returned from an idyllic 12 days in central Europe.  The main feature of the vacation was a Viking River cruise on the Danube.  The map below shows our journey from Budapest to Nuremburg over 8 days.  We then spent the last 3 days in Prague as an extension to the cruise in order to explore the city.  We went with 2 other couples who have been friends for decades.  I had several observations of the vacation, the cruise, and the area which are provided below.

• The folks at Viking totally have their act together.   From the time we got off the plane in Budapest until we walked onto the plane in Prague, things went smoothly.  They are a professional and very friendly bunch.  I'm sure there was a lot of behind the scenes activity, but they made it appear very smooth.  Every question was met with a cheerful smile and they made every effort to fulfill requests and solve problems.  In short...very impressive.
• The river cruise experience was a lot of fun.  We have been on the larger cruise lines and weren't sure what to expect.  It turned out to be a low key, relaxing, fun, comfortable, and educational trip.  The ship's personnel were great.  Very accommodating.   The quarters were not large, but they were clean and comfortable.  The food was great and as on many traditional cruises, there was an emphasis on food.  The variety, quality, and availability was superb.  Another thing that was very good was that the cruise was all inclusive.  Most excursions were included and were professionally done.  At meals beer and wine was included.  There wasn't a casino or large production shows, but that turned out to be okay.  The ship only held about 190 passengers as opposed to several thousand on a major cruise ship so you really got to know your neighbors.  The crowd was older than you would see on a major cruise ship and there were no children at all.  
• One of the features of traveling down the Danube was the necessity to go through several locks.  This turned out to be very interesting and educational.  Sort of an engineering marvel.  If you've never experienced traveling through a lock on a major river, then it's a great experience.
• Traveling with friends turns out to be a lot of fun.  Of course, it has to be the right people and there needs to be a synergy amongst the group.  It turned out that this was the right group.  No one was demanding or dominant.  There were no agendas.  We all got along great from beginning to end and had a lot of laughs.  It helped that the three guys were old Navy buddies and we had all known each other for decades.  It was very comfortable and being with friends made the trip even more memorable.  
• None of us had spent any appreciable time in Central Europe and the trip turned out to be a great educational experience.  As an American, it is always amazing to visit a place that has thousands of years of history versus our relatively short historical perspective.  It continually amazed us to hear our guides talking about the invasions and conquests that lasted hundreds of years.  I came away realizing that this part of the world has hundreds, if not thousands, of years history of invasions, conquest, and oppression.  
• In the 3 countries that had been subjected to Communist rule for the 40 years of the Cold War, there was a definite feeling of freedom.  You could sense among the people that even though they've been out from under the yoke of Communism for 25 years, they still felt the exultation of freedom.  
• One thing central Europe has is Cathedrals and magnificent examples of phenomenal architecture.  They are all breathtakingly beautiful.  But..for someone not attuned to the history, it all seemed to run together.  Don't get me wrong, it was great.  Just somewhat overwhelming.
• There was so much to see and so many wonderful experiences that it is difficult to pick my favorite.  However, Budapest turns out to be a wonderful city.  Very cosmopolitan, beautiful architecture, friendly people...it has it all.  I would definitely like to spend some time there.  I also think it would be cool to return to some of the small towns in the winter.  
• Air travel turned out to be as miserable as I remember it.  Cramped planes, lousy food, harried workers...it really stinks!