Danube and Black Sea Cruising

Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Hello again,

It has been a quiet summer so we have decided to spice it up a bit by taking a river cruise on the Danube . This will be our first river cruise and we are excited to see how it compares to ocean cruising, which we love. Since non-stop flights are almost nonexistent these days, we prepare ourselves for a long travel day. Gone are the days of a half empty 747 and being able to make a bed across 4 seats. We fly from SNA to St. Paul to Amsterdam to Bucharest......18 hours later, we arrive (with our luggage :-) Roxanne has found a nice little "boutique", family run, hotel close to the airport. We are smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood and get our first taste of the Romanian lifestyle. It's a lovely summer evening and we opt to eat dinner outside on the hotels large patio. There is no menu, whatever they cook that day is what you get. Can't complain, its all included in one reasonable price. We are immediately given what looks like a large soufflé filled with wild mushrooms in cream and topped with cheese and a light tomato sauce. Our server's English is limited, but we were sure this was the main course, and even though it was delicious, we could barely finish it. Just as we were wondering if we had room for desert, out came our server with a huge plate of chicken covered with ham cheese and tomato with a large side of potatoes. We just looked at each other and said, there goes the diet. The dish was excellent and we somehow found room for that and dessert. If there's a will, there's a way. After dinner, the owner came over to make sure everything was OK, gave us a couple of local liqueurs and said, "We eat large portions in Romania." That's an understatement.
It's off to bed. Tomorrow we transfer to the Marriott where we meet our fellow cruisers for a welcome dinner. So long for now.
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Comments

Nikki
2014-08-23

I cannot keep up with you guys. Since Mark retired, you have been on the go almost constantly. We have a number of friends who love river cruising so I know you are in for a treat. Enjoy and keep eating.

Jim and Linda
2014-08-23

We did that cruise last year. LOVED it! Romania is a special country. Somewhere between old and new, optimism and despair. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

"Louie"
2014-08-23

WOW...sounds wonderful. Can't wait to hear more as you experience this treat. After our summer of back-to-back company, wish we were with you. Love to you both. I'm looking forward to your next installment :)

Paul & Phyllis
2014-08-23

The world is in turmoil and your two are over eating! Keep the posts coming as we live vicariously through both of you.

Randy and Suzanne
2014-08-23

We'll enjoy traveling along with you! Can't wait to hear all of your adventures!

Juliana
2014-08-23

What cruise line are you on and what is the name of the hotel you stayed at close to the airport? We need details! LOL

Have fun and keep eating. xo

Ali
2014-08-23

Have a great time! We loved the river cruise that we did on the Guadalquivir and Guadiana Rivers earlier this summer...with Croisi Europe.

Sandra & Eric
2014-08-24

Sounds awesome already. Pleased the luggage arrived with you this time. Look forward to reading more. Enjoy!

camirandkdc
2014-08-24

Oh my goodness - your off again . Can't wait to follow you guys and hear all about your river cruise . That's on our list too . Enjoy

2025-02-07

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