Traveling Home

I was thankful we didn't have early morning flights. I finished the last of the packing, had a bite to eat and then we took the hotel shuttle to the airport. Stuart and I are on the same flights from Prague-Frankfurt, then Frankfurt to Denver. After that we fly our separate ways. No flight delays, all went as planned. At one point I had requested a wheelchair to get to the gate in Frankfurt. That did not go well. I was just left waiting in an unknown location. Eventually, I gave up waiting and asked a police woman where I needed to go. She didn't know but found an answer. Unfortunately, it was only about 20 minutes to boarding. I texted Stuart and told him go ahead as I wasn't sure how far away I was and many I would not make the flight. I walked on. A bit later there is was to take my suitcase and tell me we weren't far! I really appreciated that! So on we went and no more problems. Deb picked me up at the airport. It was a long day but it is always good to be home! 

Until Next Time!

Prague, Czech Republic

Met some friends from the Ama cruise today for lunch in the Old Town Square. That was fun because we ate right across from the Astronomical Clock and saw it at the top of two different hours. I think that was one of my most favorite sites in Prague. It is the only working Astronomical clock in the world.

Tonight it was a concert, Vivaldi - Four Seasons in Smetana Hall. Followed by a short walk back toward the hotel and a quick drink in the Beer Bar across the street from our hotel. It was about the only place open! Lovely ending to the trip. 

Prague, Czech Republic

It sprinkled all day. I won't say rain as it only came down a lot a time or two. Today I explored Prague Castle, the Castle Gardens and the Cathedral within the castle with Stuart and his nephew Brian. It is lovely.

Also saw the changing of the guards. From there we went to Old Town Square for pasta/pizza lunch and a look around the square. We had a few issues with Uber, but I am not sure that is wasn't user error. It is a challenge when perhaps you are not sure where you want to be picked up! Anyway, with patience it all worked out. After visiting the Old Town Square we walked back to the hotel. I am certain we went the long way, so I am DONE for the day. Still had some cheese, chips, and salami left for a tiny dinner, which was enough. I also managed a postcard and stamp to send to Sierra with the assistance of Brian. 

Maybe my favorite site was the Astronomical Clock in the old square. It is the 3rd oldest in the world but the only one in the world that still works. I hope to see it on the hour tomorrow.

Astronomical Clock

For a smaller hotel, there is quite an amazing breakfast served until 11a

Prague Castle Cathedral

Prague, Czech Republic

Disembarkation day... All packed, bag out and off to breakfast. Plus we are saying farewell to the lovely staff that has waited on us so diligently.

More about AmaWaterways: Aside from the excursions the ship also has other options. There appears to be Yoga, resistance band stretching, brisk walks, etc. scheduled for those who choose to participate. There is a very small area in the lounge reserved for the library with a few books and games. Tea is served each day, which I mentioned before. Each day there is also an active bike tour going anywhere from 5 to 14 miles! I would say the lectures and local entertainment is the best I have seen on a river cruise. The food is also the best I have had on a river cruise. I think I am pretty sold on AmaWaterways at this point in time.  

Now, off to Prague!!! Raining again! It was a quick taxi ride to the train station. A bit of trouble using the ticket kiosk. There was no personnel around to help. Therefore, just the purchase of a short ride back to Passau where a ticket for Prague was easily purchased from the ticket kiosk there. 

Arrival in Prague around 3:50p and to the hotel by 4:30p. It took time to get through the different train stations as half the lifts didn't work and either did the escalators. LOTS of steps to carry bags...even with help from Stuart I was quite slow! If he didn't help me I might still be there!!! There was also the added challenge of hundreds of bikers taking their bicycles and other baggage onto the trains. I got some snacks at a market by the hotel and that was my dinner. Stuart had dinner with his nephew who met us at the train station. Shower and off to bed for me. Tomorrow is a new day!

 

Passau and Vilshofen, Germany

Rain again. Due to all the fun last night I slept in until almost 11 (but I did have fun!). It could have been 10a but I have forgotten now. At any rate, I missed the last excursion offered. Even if I was up early enough, my back was not happy.

We woke in the lovely little city of Passau for a brief stop, then up the river through two locks and on to Vilshofen.

Bavarian lunch and Bavarian speaker after lunch. We are always served appetizers before we are given the menu to order what we want for lunch. Today the dining room was adorned with the Bavarian flag.

We had an interesting speaker. He spoke about the last 200 years in Bavaria. I really enjoyed the lecture. The lecture was followed by disembarkation information. The ship is very well organized, meeting the needs of those who are preparing to leave. Even though one must be out of their stateroom by 8a, you are welcome to wait onboard into the morning for your further arrangements.

Time for our mini Octoberfest. Beer and pretzels, along with very lively music. Ein Prosit was sang multiple times. It was very well done for a small, private experience. Sat with friends Tina and her niece La Trinta.

All this was followed by dinner, packing, and some cribbage. Also, saying farewell to the lovely staff that has waited on us so diligently.

Aside from the excursions the ship also has other options. There appears to be Yoga, resistance band stretching, brisk walks, etc. scheduled for those who choose to participate. There is a very small area in the lounge reserved for the library with a few books and games. Tea is served each day, which I mentioned before. Each day there is also an active bike tour going anywhere from 5 to 14 miles!

Linz, Austria

 It was a late breakfast for me in the lounge. I love these individual diced fruit cups, so fresh and enjoyable. 

The morning tour: "Linz is a city of industry, culture and nature, and an international, contemporary Creative City – surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The city’s designation as a UNESCO City of Media Arts shows that Linz is one of the world’s most future-orientated locations. It is home to many notable cultural institutions, such as the Lentos Museum of Modern Art, and annual festivals like the Pflasterspektakel, an international street art festival held every year. The city of Linz perfectly combines modern architecture with historical buildings and sights. When strolling through Linz, one can literally sense its history. Your walking tour takes you through the old city center, the old market, and past the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days." Other tours were also available. 

The Captain’s Farewell dinner was tonight, it was a lovely dinner. The food was beyond amazing. Before the dinner there was a happy hour with drinks and appetizers, along with comments from the captain.

After dinner we had a great performance by a local group that came on board. Later the girls took the dance floor... it was a very late night or I should say dancing into the early morning hours!

Weissenkirchen, Austria

No tour for me this morning, out too late last night. Sleeping in felt very good. I am typing this as we progress up the Danube. We dropped bikers and other cruisers off at Ybbs, Austria. We picked them up later at Grein, Austria where most hiked up to the local castle.  I made the decision to stay on board. I've been to Austria before. I know the tours would have been nice but my back and spirit are not up to it right now. I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise up the Danube with 2 locks and the lovely scenery, including many terraced vineyards. It was a very enjoyable day despite the sprinkles. 

Dinner was another fantastic experience with the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dinner being served in the dining room. What is that you might ask? La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Association Mondiale de la Gastronomie.  A global community whose focus is brotherhood, friendship, camaraderie and sharing a passion for the culinary arts, with nearly 25,000 members, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an International Association of Gastronomy now established in over 80 countries bringing together enthusiasts who share the same values of quality, fine dining, the encouragement of the culinary arts and the pleasures of the table. The distinctive character of our association is to bring together amateurs and professionals, from all over the world, whether they are hoteliers, restaurateurs, executive chefs or sommeliers, in the appreciation of fine cuisine.

Our meal was certainly something to be remembered. I will say AmaWaterways is a step above all other river cruises I have experienced. Including after dinner candy as we left the dining room.

Late night snacks were served after the evening concert onboard. Of course, it was off to bed for me!