Arrived in this pretty little Austrian town this morning. The hillside is dominated by the Abbey, which is still active and also serves as a Secondary School. R.E. probably figures large in the curriculum.

Not a lot else here for “tourists” except for a few souvenir shops, but a really pleasant and peaceful place for a stroll in the morning sunshine.

Arrived early in the capital of Slovakia. A small country and a small but delightful city.

Our tour guide was more like a professional comedian. Almost every piece of information was framed in a poke at the local government, the EU, or the citizens in general. Comparing Communist times with now, she pointed out that many people were unhappy with social inequality, because under Communism everyone had the same - NOTHING. And many more of the same.

We went up to the castle on the hillside. A lovely building, but as she pointed out, just a shell. There were many archways leading to nothing as the renovations were “ongoing” for 25 years. But the views were spectacular.

The old town was quiet and peaceful. Plenty of interesting buildings and shops (both real & tourist traps). As we were only there for the morning, plenty to see and do.

We’re sailing just after lunch, to arrive in Budapest late evening to see this beautiful city lit up at night. Can’t wait!

The city of Budapest is divided by the Danube into two cities: Buda and Pest. Buda is high on a hill and has the most historic buildings. Pest is a more “modern” city, but still contains many incredible buildings, monuments, parks and gardens.

We’ve been here before, and are returning later this year, so we decided to independently explore Pest and spend time in Buda during October.

We docked just the other side of the bridge.

For the second time, the weather was unseasonally hot - around 24C; who’s complaining?

During the morning, we walked south along the side of the Danube toward the Central Market. Parts of the embankment are beautifully cobbled, part Soviet era trip hazards and one stretch of about 50 metres under a bridge a trodden down “careful you don’t fall in the river” track. Adds to the charm!

The Central Market (the largest of many indoor markets around Budapest) combines everyday shopping for meat, fruit, vegetables and “street food” stalls with quite a few stalls to entice (or fleece) the many tourists it attracts. Great place to spend an hour or so.

Then we strolled back along Pest’s main shopping street, not unlike many other shopping streets around Europe (except for the large number selling paprika and lace). A few still had a traditional old fashioned charm to them.

Back to the ship for lunch and a nap before setting off again.

Today off to Salzburg, home of Apfel Strudel 😃 and the Sound of Music 😬.

What a lovely place to see, made all the better by bright Spring sunshine (if a little bit fresh).

The town has an “old town”, a regular commercial area and a castle, set high on the hillside with spectacular views. A super few hours spent browsing through the old town, with more churches per square yard than could be imagined.

The cemetery and catacombs were fascinating; so ornate and ostentacious; a graveyard becomes a tourist experience!

The funicular railway whisks you up to the castle; really peaceful (maybe not so much in high-season); the perfect place to stroll around and enjoy strudel and coffee.

The music of Mozart is a big deal around here. Maybe having his compositions on your legs takes things a bit too far.

Lots to see, lots to do and beautiful weather. A great day out.