The Good in People

This morning we head home after a great week on the Danube.  Last night we had a 5 course celebratory dinner which sealed the deal that I will not be eating for the next month!  It was great food and great company.  We sat with this adorable couple from England.  They've been married over 50 years and are exactly how my imaginary English couple should be, quite lovely!  We were discussing our trips back home and how I was a bit nervous for mine after the trip here.  When I shared my story about how horrible it had been, but luckily the kindness of one woman saved my whole trip, we began to discuss how there really are great people out there.  So many times we focus on all the bad things that are occurring instead of focusing on the good.  This week I was able to see the good.

I have meet many great people on this trip.  I am not sure of their full stories back home, but they were kind, humorous, and welcoming.  Many times I would be sitting in the lounge alone, reading a book, while my grandmother napped, and every single time, someone would sit with me to talk or invite me to join them in whatever game they were playing.  I learned tri-ominoes and cribbage while on the trip!  Saying good-bye to all these folk was a bit sad last night.  I never realized that part of this trip would be seeing all the good in all these people.

Yesterday I was also able to see my beautiful college room mate and her family in Nuremberg.  Though we didn't get as long as I would have liked, it still was wonderful to see each other (after we finally found the same church to meet in front of!)  Seeing her with her husband and kids reminded me of how lucky I am to have friends such as these.  They are good people filled with love and kindness and I am so blessed to have them in my life!

So today, as I sit facing the daunting task of travelling home, I try and remind myself of seeing the good in those whom I travel with and by, instead of focusing on the negative.  We shall see.  Homeward bound!

The River

As a 6th grade teacher the past 3-ish years I have been able to teach all about rivers. At first it seemed rather boring, but after a week long training on the Colorado River my mind was changed.  However my experience with rivers for the most part are those in the Western US: Colorado, Arkansas, Rio Grande, etc. Big and long rivers, full of rushing rapids and waterfalls. My favorite river is of course the Colorado, whose daming and diversions make it the most Endangered River in North America. But none of these rivers compare to the Danube. 

First off the Danube is huge. I mean for real huge. My boat right now is 14 m wide and we could fit at least 5 other boats side by side as we travel upstream. Who knew there could be so much water. 

Due to the size and amount of water, there are no rapids, just smooth, glasslike water. For all I know, I could be sailing up a lake instead of a river. 

Today we will leave the Danube and travel on the Danube-Rhine canal. While on this we will travel over and under aqueducts that transport water to other places. In some situations the boat will only have cm to spare as we pass through. We also will travel up and over the European continental divide. As how the water flows 'up' I'm intrigued to see. Either way this science teacher is in heaven. 

What's the feeling?

This morning I woke up with a strange feeling inside. One that I haven't felt all week...hunger! The food on this ship has been amazing and plentiful.  

At every turn the chef, Solomon, a Indonesian from Oregon, is showing off his many talents and seems to take it as a personal offense if you say no. I have eaten a lot, therefore it was nice to feel hungry this morning. Today I'm going to try and keep it light. 

Our destination for today is Melk, Austria. Currently we are crusing through the scenic Wachau Valley, 3 hours of the best views on the trip. However we are surrounded by fog. Hopefully it lifts soon!!

Last night was a special opera for the Viling Cruise guests. A shortened version of the Marriage of Figaro.

As my first opera, I don't have much to compare it too. But I did enjoy it and I know GB enjoyed taking me there. 

FBI Agents, Genealogists, and Grandmothers

One of my favorite things about this trip so far are the people I meet. Every meal we have a chance to sit with a new set of people. I was worried it would be more like high school where the location you sit on day one equals where you sit the whole cruise. Not so! Everyone does a great job of mixing around. People are very nice and friendly. Sadly, I've now met so many people I can't remember all the names but people remember mine. There is John and Cindy, retired Principal and Assistant Superintendent from San Fransisco; Betty and Annie, best friends since 2nd grade, now in their 80s; and Anita and her Husband, both professors in El Paso, but the husband was an FBI agent for 28 years. All so interesting. I've met teachers, military, NSA Agents, and nurses. All with interesting stories, all much older than me. I'm not the youngest but I'm close. There are maybe 7 people, if that 40 or younger. But I don't mind. 

I'm not only getting to know new people, but I'm also getting to know my grandmother better. Of course I've know her almost my whole life. We've traveled together on more than one occasion, but it's been years. I've learned while I was worried about her getting here alone, she was doing the same, but we both made it, we are both strong. I've learned she is making changes in her life since my grandfather passed. It is fun to watch her blossom into the next chapter. I've also learned, she is getting old. Things take longer, she needs to be reminded of things, etc. I'm guessing this may be her last big trip. She would never say it, but o can tell she's exhausted. While I've been worried about my other grandparents aging, I've been forgetting this grandmother I aging too. I know years from now I will value this time together with her. So today, in Vienna I'll focus more on her. 

Upstream

This agrernoon, after a day of touring Buda and Pest we finally got to have our boat move upstream. Currently I'm sitting on the front deck looking out on blue sky, calm water, and leafless trees. Of course in true cruise style there are wool blankets available to wrap up in to keep warm. Right now all I need is a cup of tea to be just perfect. 

I was worried about the rush of pace while on the trip, and that it would overwhelm me. But I have had plenty of moments to sit, relax, and reflect. What I reflected on is I need more time to reflect. :) Hopefully that will come. But for now I watch the river as we go upstream. Vienna tomorrow, but for now, quiet. 

Arrived!

I made it! I really did. When I walked into the lobby of the Budapest airport and saw the red Viking Cruise people waiting, I almost cried from relief. What a crazy ride. And although it was honestly a horrible trip over, the actual flights were not too bad. On the plane from London to Budapest I met a very nice couple from SC who own a place in Denver. They offered plenty of advice on River cruising, and their excitement was contagious. 

Seeing GB finally, was amazing. Big hugs at the dinner table and another great conversation with a couple from Colorado Springs. After 24+ hours of airports and people lacking familiarity, eating with family and fellow Coloradans was exactly what this girl needed.  Dinner was delecious (soup and steak) and then up to the top deck to look at the view. It really was stunning (and cold!). 

For our evening entertainment we had a local choir singing Hungarian tunes mixed with Christmas carols. Hearing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" in a Hungarian accent is really quite funny! Finally it was time for glorious bed. And... 4 hours later I'm wide awake. Stupid jet lag. 

Miles to Go Before I Sleep

Today has been the longest day ever and I'm not kidding. What started as a great morning led to flights canceled, drives to Denver, and call after call to unhelpful travel agents and customer service preppie. I've been traveling for almost 24 hours and I'm still not there, I'm in London. I managed to limit myself to only two major breakdowns so I'm feeling successful. 

Mostly I worry about my Grandma Betsy (GB). She had to do this whole thing by herself. I never thought I'd say it, but I can't wait to give her a huge hug and relax on our ship. But for now I sit gathered around a charging booth waiting for my flight.

Even though there have been a lot of angry, frustrated, and sad tears shed, I have met some very interesting people. A CU college student celebrating her 21st birthday but sadly missed her earlier flight and cried most of the way to Dulles. A TSA agent who laughed at my attempts to understand what time 13:15 was. But most specifically was the tender hearted ticket agent at United who took pitt on the weary, red-eyed traveler and broke a few rules so she could meet up with her grandmother. 

I'm reminded of this Robert Frost Poem: 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.