Cohan Clan: Budapest

Since this was our 2nd trip to Budapest, we did not take many pictures. My favorite day, once again, was at the baths. This time we went to the Secheny Baths. While the baths we went to last time had an impressive interior, this place is know for its outdoor pools. One pool had bubbles, which came on intermittently as well as a spiral, vorex-like area. You just sit in the water and you are carried by the current in a circle. The force was so strong, it actually sucked you in to the point where it was difficult to exit. It was a blast! One of the other pools had beautiful fountains that sprayed out very hard water and a place where people play chess in the water.



We got to visit with our friends, Paula and Wayne, again. They took us to Vidam (fun) Park. We had lots of vidam! We also went to an art exhibit and got to eat at the Hummus Bar, which they introduced us to last time. This place has the best hummus I've ever tasted.









Stephanie is fascinated by shoes in general. However, these shoes have a somber history. For more info. about Shoes on the Danube Promenade go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoes_on_the_Danube_Promenade





shopping at the market







hmmm...I wonder where all those bubbles came from?

the view from our room on the ship

Cohan Clan: Bratislava

We spent an afternoon in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Although small, it is really charming. We enjoyed wandering the streets of the "Old Town" and taking in the architecture. There are bronze statues throughout the town. These statues each tell a story. I'm afraid I don't remember any of them. Nevertheless, we had fun photographing them. We also took some pictures of some curious things we saw.









The Castle









???



Outside of an art gallery

Returning to the ship

Cohan Clan: Vienna

No doubt Vienna is a magnificent city filled with beautiful architecture and fascinating history and culture. Nevertheless, I found it a bit difficult to appreciate in one day. It reminded me of Paris. I think I need more time there to truly feel the vibe of the city. I'm sure it would grow on me as did Paris.

Some big castle (forgot the name)
Outside of the Vienna Opera House
St. Stephen's Church and Square

soaking up some sun at a viennese coffe house
Enjoying a viennese melange

Barry, Rick, and Stephanie enjoy a night at the opera: This was really a treat! Thanks to our Rick Steve's Guide, we learned that we could buy standing room only tickets for 2 euro. We had to stand in line a couple of hours before. We were lucky to get in because they have a maximum number of standing room seats available each night. The performance the night we went was not an opera, but we got to see Andrea Bocelli, a famous Italian singer. Even if you don't like opera, this is a cheap way to see the inside of the Vienna Opera House and to have a true viennese experience. And best of all, you can duck out whenever you've had enough.

I'm sure it's of no surprise to those of you who know us well that we found the toilettes in Vienna equally as interesting as the opera. Below is a picture of the toilette at the Opera Metro Station. I believe you have to pay 80 cents for this one instead of the normal .30 or .50. The other two pictures are of an Art Nouveau toilette that, believe it or not, was mentioned as a "must see" in our Rick Steve's Guide.

Cohan Clan: Wachau Valley and Melk, Austria

We spent a day cruising the beautiful Wachau Valley of Austria and visiting Melk. It was a little cool and breezy, but we bundled up and took in the scenery from the ship's sundeck.