Day 6-Sep 28 (Wednesday)
Today was a day to segue to the river cruise. We boarded the bus at 8am and drove 4 hours through the Czech Republic to Bratislova, Slovenia. We ate a delicious lunch provided by Grand Circle in a restaurant usually used by the politically elite, and then took a walking tour of Bratislova which was behind the Iron Curtain until the fall of the Berlin Wall. On our drive, Mihai told us what life was like living under communist rule as a child. It was a fascinating account of his family’s struggle and of how people in general coped to survive. As we took our walking tour Mihai pointed out several lighthearted sculptures.
(Be sure to click on an individual picture for a larger view and sometimes, commentary.)
Norm with a pig dressed as a knight; Norm with his namesake- Ritter means knight in German; Mary with a French soldier; our guide Mihai with the “charming Nazi”, based on a real life Nazi whose girlfried was “disappeared” by the Nazis. From then on he walked the streets dress in a tail and top hat, a bitter and disillusioned Nazi.
And we learned what life was like when a King or Queen ruled. Queen Maria Teresa began her rule after her father died with no sons to inherit the crown. Sensing the unhappiness of her subjects, she married a royal prince from a neighboring province, making him King. She then had 16 children and married many of them off to neighboring royalty. Eventually, she ruled the largest kingdom ever because her children added land to her realm.
In the mid afternoon, we arrived in Vienna and boarded the River Adagio Cruise Liner. After getting settled for an hour, we met the crew at a meet and greet in the lounge and were given our marching orders for behavior aboard ship. We had a delicious dinner, getting to know more people. Our table mates tonight were from San Diego and Montana.
Tomorrow we tour Vienna and start our river cruise after dinner in the evening.
Ciao for now!
Narrative Textile Illustrations 
Love the photos of Knight Ritter…you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice pics! That Queen Maria Theresa knew how to get it done! Seventeen children! Your day really sounded interesting!
Ingrid Molde Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. Sent from my I Pad
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was wrong… She only had 16 children. But the guides always tell us that she wore the pants in ruling the country. Invariably the men make snide comments about that expression. Supposedly, the King had about 35 children in total, with those he had outside his marriage. But when your palace has over 2000 rooms it doesn’t really matter. Each family member over 6 years has an apartment of five rooms minimum.
LikeLike
Love the pictures of Norm with his friends! What a great trip you are having!
Did I tell you that I’ve talked to your mother a couple times lately at Luther Haven? She sure looks good and seems to be really enjoying life there. On another note, I got a call today from Chuck. His mother passed away yesterday after a short time following a fall. She had surgery to remove blood on her brain but never regained consciousness. Memorial on Oct. 7th. Burial at Fort Snelling cemetery with Ernie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Al… Mom mentioned that she enjoyed a conversation with you and Ingrid too. She loves all the interaction in the hallways and lunchrooms with residents and visitors. She had forgotten how many people she knew in Monte. She loves retreating to her cozy room when she is tired and she loves being treated so royally. I am so glad she is there with almost constant supervision and care.
LikeLike