In 2001 Blonde went on a bicycle trip from Prague to Vienna with Butterfield and Robinson and, on that trip, "discovered" Český Krumlov. She even sent Brunette an email telling her how charming Český Krumlov was and that Brunette needed to see it too. However, Blonde was typing on a Czech keyboard and Brunette didn't know if she'd received a grocery list or a death threat from … [Read more...]
A brisk, blustery buzz around Bratislavia
History of Bratislava and Slovakia On our Emerald Waterways river cruise it was hard not to feel sorry for Bratislava. As one of the newer capital cities along the Danube in Europe it might easily have an inferiority complex compared to Vienna or Budapest. But it does have a certain gritty determination to it that we discovered on a very quick, due to river traffic delays, … [Read more...]
What it’s like to go on a river cruise with Emerald Waterways
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...]
Durnstein, a treat in the Wachau Valley
Our last Danube river cruise only offered a tantalizing glimpse of Durnstein in the Wachau Valley of Austria. It was just long enough for Blonde's wallet to get a catch of thwarted longing in its throat. But on this cruise the wallet's dreams were fulfilled (and the wallet was emptied). Durnstein appears to have received its first mention in recorded history in 1112 when … [Read more...]
Why we want to go on an eight-day Emerald Waterways river cruise through Europe
Our girlish hearts yearn to go on Emerald Waterways’ Classic Prague and Danube Delights cruise. Why this yearning, this passion, this desire? Well, why not? Have you heard about Emerald Waterways? Have you dreamt of being on a “starship?” Well they have some! Emerald Waterways is a daring new entrant in the river cruise market and they are here to provide, as their Managing … [Read more...]