Who is Emerald Waterways anyway? Emerald Waterways entered the river cruise market in 2014. They were awarded the “Best New River Ships” designation in Cruise Critic’s 2014 Editors’ Pick Awards. (As two would-be mermaids the on-board pool would have gotten them our vote!) Owned by Scenic Tours they are taking competitive aim at Viking River Cruises, the current dominant … [Read more...]
Aria Hotel Budapest – Striking all the right notes!
When we heard that the Library Hotel Collection had just opened a new property, the Aria Hotel in Budapest, we were sisters on a mission! We were going to Budapest anyway in advance of a river cruise the timing was perfect. Budapest does not have a shortage of hotels. However, in the past we found they ranged from very expensive large chains ( posh, but predictable) to often … [Read more...]
Oh, Say Can You See?
If you can see you probably appreciate your sight and perhaps even take it for granted. And, if you can see, and you go to Budapest, you should visit The Invisible Exhibition. What is this woman talking about?! Well, when Blonde and Brunette visit a place we try to check out something we assume is not being covered by other bloggers. (That's partly why we end up in so many … [Read more...]
2014: Where we traveled , what we liked and what we didn’t
Our travel in 2014 2014 was the year that we went from casual travel users to wild-eyed travel addicts. And, following in the footsteps of the late Amy Winehouse we won't go to rehab. We say "no, no, no" (but we do hope for a happier outcome). So, without further reference to dead rock stars here's our 2014 travel year in review: Doha What we liked: The … [Read more...]
Budapest: Statues, Memorials and “Popped-up”
Budapest statues and memorials Heroes' Square Budapest statues and memorial have a long and a very recent history. Budapest was founded in 1873 and it appears that they have spent many of the 141 subsequent years erecting statues, memorials, controversy and, recently, "Popped-Up" art. Rather than write a thoughtful history of all of this artistic activity and … [Read more...]
Baths in Budapest
Prior to setting off on our trip to Budapest Brunette discovered that the city has a long- standing bathhouse culture. Our fate was sealed. Small, water-obsessed brunettes can be formidable obstacles and are best placated. (Now if Brunette’s research had shown that you had to be nude to use the baths there might have been a different outcome. Might have been.) So why does … [Read more...]