December 17: Day 3
Last night during dinner we set sail for the long trip to Bratislava, Slovakia. When we woke up this morning we were still sailing and we continued to enjoy sailing the Danube (my favorite part of ANY river cruise) until lunch time. We docked right in the center of the old town and by 2:20 we were on our way to our walking tour with our excellent guide, Katrina. She pointed out all the significant, historical buildings on our nearly 20 minute walk just past the old medieval town square. And shortly thereafter we arrived at the oldest church in Bratislava, the Franciscan Church. Here we were treated to a Christmas concert which was excellent! Came out to continue our tour before arriving at the second of the town's two Christmas Markets where we were turned loose. Khloe and I quickly spotted a mulled wine stand and opted for a Raspberry Wine in a souvenir glass. Walked back to the other Christmas market and strolled up and down the aisles noting that nearly EVERY stand was food or drink (or both). Very, VERY few had Christmas items for sale. Walked back to the ship - thanks to the intrepid guidance of Khloe! And that concluded the days activities. It's a short sail to Vienna where we have two excursions tomorrow!
Christmas decorations on the Aquavit Terrace: Gingerbread House.....
.....and a Christmas tree with a view of the river
The first lock of the cruise - we were raised up 70 feet! Always fascinating.
Always a treat to have sailing time
Christmas tree framed by a medieval church Note the cannon ball by the window! Left from Napoleon's invasion here! Saw the famous "Man At Work" - always an interesting story that he's looking up women's skirts :) And I don't remember previously there being a "Man At Work" sign :O The only original medieval gate, "St Michael's Gate" - we were here on our first Viking River cruise with our great friends Sue & Dan
The Bratislava Castle
The Christmas concert in the oldest church in town - really cool!
Interesting story about Bratislava......originally the Danube River flowed through the part of town that is now a broad promenade. Apparently the iconic ruler of the Hapsburg Empire, Maria Theresa visited here often and felt the town needed a promenade.....so she had them divert the river and build the promenade. So now residents have a "bridge over the original Danube" on the promenade!
Christmas Market #1 Christmas Market #2
The candy booth at the market
One of the M-A-N-Y mulled wine booths
And oh yes, we had some mulled wine (Raspberry - interesting!)
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