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SATURDAY | October 6, 2007
Cruising up the Danube en route to Passau, Germany aboard the m/v Mozart

Hi!

Christine Niskanen sits with Barbara Goecks

Since we last wrote, we've had quite a week. First thing on Monday morning, we stopped at the charming little Austrian wine village of Duernstein. We walked uphill through the vineyards into the village's narrow main street. Though we had a delightful, entertaining guide, we could see the ladies in our group were ready to bolt for the tempting stores.

Near the conclusion of our stay, we enjoyed a leisurely 6-course dinner that represented the chef's best. Out of the six courses, the favorite for most of us was the delicate "French salmon" ravioli. The essence of rich salmon flavor formed the core of squares of pasta so delicate it seemed as if they could float in the air. We'll not soon forget this sublime dining experience.

Autumn colors in Austria's Wachau Valley	Schnapps made from local fruits	John Stirek and friend

Later on Monday we sailed into Vienna for a 24-hour visit. The highlight of the evening was an invitation for a private dinner party with Count and Countess Caliche, a Viennese noble family. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to visit their home and share good conversation.

Jackie Lockwood and Gwen Stirek chat with Countess Marielore Caliche (center)	An exceptional young violinist presents Mozart in after dinner with the Caliche family

After a day in Vienna on Tuesday, we sailed the next afternoon into the heart of Budapest. Many of us were surprised to learn that the city was formerly composed of two separate cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube. For our evening in Budapest, our small circle of travelers was invited by the Fodor family to join them at their Villa on the outskirts of Budapest for a concert and dinner. Led by one of the sons, a former concert master of the Budapest Philharmonic, the entire family - father, mother, a brother and a family friend - entertained us with a superb 40-minute concert followed by a buffet dinner prepared by the family. Though the private concert more than justified our time, once again the opportunity to spend an evening in a local home and share good conversation over local cuisine was a unique opportunity.

Yesterday we spent the morning in Bratislava, the surprisingly pleasant capital of the Slovak Republic, then relaxed as we cruised back up the Danube towards Passau. Before dinner on board the Mozart, two musicians from Bratislava entertained the entire ship with a virtuoso performance: a pianist accompanied a musician who played the violin, the pan flute and two unusual Slovakian flutes, one with no finger holes and the other about 6 feet long. It was no surprise that he received a rousing standing ovation from the entire ship.

As the cruise portion of our journey draws to a conclusion, we enjoyed our final port of call, Melk, known throughout this region for its magnificent Benedictine Monastery. Some toured the monastery while others spent the morning enjoying the delights of the little village.

Tomorrow we conclude our voyage and board our coach bound for Prague. Meanwhile, we're all feeling well and having a great time. Wish you were here!

Paul and Christine Niskanen