Alert Alert Alert – I sat down to work on photos for Budapest and discovered that I had, in fact, taken some photos (and a video) for Vienna Day 2 (9/2/24).
So if you haven’t seen them you might want to go back and check them out (especially the video – it’s classic).

Last day on board. Sigh.

Many of our conversations today were of the ‘see you later’ variety.
We really have gotten to know a lot of people and many of the crew on this trip. That’s been one of the great things about it.

We woke up this morning to clear calm waters being mightily disturbed by a much larger than normal wake.

it’s like we’re late getting to our assigned docking location in Budapest.

We had time for breakfast before we got there and at the advice of Marie we were on the sun deck as we rounded the bend and the magnificent parliament building came into view.

We had time for several photos before we got to the really interesting docking maneuver.

This wouldn’t be interesting except that he was backing in, missing the boat we will be behind, bringing us alongside the other Viking ship, all while being carried downstream by the current. This guy has SKILLS!

Once we were tied up we joined our group for a bus/walking tour – bus on the Pest side and Walking on the Buda side.

We didn’t stop but we did take a half-spin around Heroes Square – a monument to those who fought for Hungarian independence. The colonnades contain statues of the seven chieftains of the Magyars and seven national heroes of wars for independence. In the center is a column with the angel Gabriel holding the Hungarian Holy Crown and the apostolic double cross.

Like most of Europe much scaffolding is in evidence.
Comments on the bus these past couple of weeks include ‘I wish I were in the scaffolding supply business.’ and ‘What would it be like to live someplace where they took seriously the need to restore and maintain existing structures rather than just throwing away and rebuilding.’

Following the bus tour of the Pest side of the river we crossed over to the Buda side wher the bus took us up castle hill and disgorged us for a walk around the castle district.

Following the guided portion of the tour we were given an hour to wander.
We found a funnel cake stand that also served ice cream.
We thought that was a nice alternative to wandering.

Along the way we stopped to throw a coin in the case of the Hurdy-gurdy player.

Then it was back on the bus and back to the ship for a quick lunch before
…right…
more time on the bus.

This time it was out to the country to a horse farm for an introduction to the history of Hungarian horse culture.

Arriving, we were served a baked treat and a shot of the local firewater (or wine for the wimps among us). It reminded me of Greek ouzo.
Then we gathered in viewing stands for the show.

Wagon driving is a big sport in Europe. At one point it was in the Olympics.

The Hungarian horsemen are called csikós (pronounce chicosh).

Of course, in addition to the normal cowboy stuff they also needed skills in fighting from horseback.

In addition to the normal skills required for their work the horses were trained for additional requirements.

Finally they demonstrated some advanced trick riding.

After the show we toured a museum of the owners’ accomplishments in wagon driving, spent some time looking around the farm and went for a wagon ride around the property.

Then it was back to the ship where we celebrated our final night on board.
We toasted the officers and crew.
We said good bye to Nimanja.

So that’s the voyage.
Tonight we rest (and pack).
Tomorrow we’re up early and on to the bus for an 8 hour ride to Prague.

Till then…
R