August 28, 2010 Bamberg

We had some overcast weather with a few showers. Temperatures in the low 60s. In the morning we had a lecture on the Main-Danube canal. This man made canal connects the Main and Danube Rivers and has several locks that raise or lower you up to 80 feet at one time. WOW!!
The city of Bamburg was not bombed during WW II so has fine examples of medieval and Baroque buildings. We had an afternoon tour and then we all tried the "smokey beer". Tastes like bacon with a slight smokey tang in the beer. Interesting.
Everyone OK and having a wonderful time.

See Photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradish.c/2010828Bamberg#

It has been really hard to get on the internet. What with clouds, storms, moving in and out of some valleys, our connection to the internet is spotty and slow at best. So giving this a try.
Having super fun. Seeing lots of castles, churches, cute little towns. The Beav enjoying it very much.

August 29, 2010 Nurnberg
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradish.c/2010829Nurnberg#

August 30, 2010 Regensburg
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradish.c/2010830Regensburg#

CONNIE THIS IS GENE AND MARY WARD...WOW ARE YOU GUYS HAVING FUN OR NOT. I WISH WE WERE THERE. WE ARE STUCK IN GOLDEN COLORADO WAITING TO GET OUR BEAVER WORKED ON......WELL HAVE EXTRA FUN FOR US AND WE WILL SEE YOU SOMETIME WHEN YOU RETURN....PICTURES ARE GREAT..THANKS SO MUCH FOR THINKING OF ALL OF US.

Next 2 stops were Passau and Melk. Weather continues to be cool and occasional rain.  Danube running very high due to lots of rain water. So far we have been able to stay on the ship and not transfer to buses. But the Beavers are having fun!!!!!!!

August 31,2010
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradish.c/2010831Passau#

Sept 1, 2010
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradish.c/201091Melk#

  Next 2 stops were Vienna and Bratislava. Vienna is a very large city. Lots of traffic and people. We still have overcast and spotty rain. Nothing stopped the Beavers from going on the guided tour and then shopping along the main shopping way. Shops with names like Tiffany, Cartier, Swarvovski, Hilinger, etc. Very upscale.
  Bratislava on the other hand is a much smaller city. The old town is all pedestrian ways. The area is full of trees, charming shops, street sellers, beer/cafes with outdoor areas. We thought it was very restful and fun to visit. Weather still overcast, cool and spotty rain. Sure glad we brought our sweaters, umbrellas and heavy coats.
  Thanks everyone for reading the posts and for comments. We hope you are enjoying our travels. We have one more day in Budapest and then it's good-bye from our trip. The Zackins, Leonards and Bob are off to Prague, the Crowleys are going by train to Munich and then flying to Ireland and the Bradishs are headed back to Amsterdam for some R & R from the R & R. The Beav will be headed to Amsterdam with the Bradishs.

Photos Vienna
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradish.c/201092Vienna#

Photos Bratislava
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradish.c/201093Bratislava#

We cruised into Budapest at night for our last port of call. All the buildings and bridges were lit up. What a spectacle!!!!!!!! That evening we had the Captain's farewell dinner. We all dressed up and celebrated our fun trip.

Sept 4 our last full day on board our Beavers on the Rhine river cruise. Another day of cool weather and spotty rain. But this doesn't daunt the Beavers. We had a tour of Budapest this morning: fabulous buildings and monuments.

Photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradish.c/2010934Budapest#

  Tom and Bob arranged for a small select group (5) to get a tour of the engine room. WOW!!!! They have 3 large diesel gensets (Cummins) which run the electricity on the ship and propulsion system. What fun!!!!
  Then the final dinner. Many toasts and much laughter.
  Finally this morning (Sept 5) our last breakfast together. Again more laughter and fun. We all wished each other "A Beaver-until we see you again!!!"
  And so Beavers on the Rhine is over. However, the wonderful memories will be with us for our lifetimes. To all you Beavers out there, we hope you have enjoyed our travels and "See you down the road!!!!"

Photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradish.c/2010945Budapest#