Buzz
After countless echoes of the melody 'a stream so green, a flow so vast, a river profound in meaning, a sorrow through lifetimes...', I was fortunate to embark on a wandering journey along this renowned river.
European travel marveling at the Danube – a river meandering like a waltz
The Danube, the second longest river in Europe, originates from the Black Forest (Germany), flowing through a series of beautiful capitals and famous cities across 10 Central and Eastern European countries, ultimately emptying into the Black Sea.
A river resembling an elegant waltz, sometimes gently drifting through picturesque villages, and at other times, rushing fervently amidst steep mountainous terrains. The Danube, azure and beautiful (An der schonen blauen Donau – the Blue Danube), a timeless composition by the musical genius Johann Strauss II, composed over 150 years ago, inspired by the emotions of his two major love affairs, captivating generations and serving as a universal melody connecting numerous love stories worldwide.
Recently, on our European journey, we were fortunate to embark on a boat trip along the Danube. The expedition commenced from the city of Vienna (Austria) and concluded at Turnu Magurele (Romania), covering a total distance of nearly 1,400 km, passing through 7 countries, with points of interest at 5 capitals and 4 riverside cities.
A 12-day journey led us to a land where one of the oldest civilizations in Europe thrived from 6,000 to 4,000 years BC. The remnants, castles, and ancient fortresses stand resilient through time, bearing witness to the historical evolution, existence, and demise of numerous empires in the past. Each modern city today has undergone a glorious yet poignant history, marked by the sacrifices of thousands, millions who built and defended, leaving the imprints of war lingering throughout this region.
We witnessed and felt the tragedy of World War II when visiting the memorial site 'Shoes on the Danube Bank' in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, or the commemorative plaques in Vidin (Bulgaria) for over 6 million Jews killed across Europe. Ancient city walls, streets scarred with bullet holes, and constructions left incomplete for decades reveal the intensity of internal conflicts in Serbia (Croatia). The pain from those wars remains deeply engraved in memories, leaving a lingering impact on generations in this place.
The journey also became an exquisite cultural and culinary experience, from Vienna with its delightful pastries and perfect chocolates served in cafes dating back centuries, to Budapest with the world's best Picks salami, famous goose liver pâté, and unmatched wines found nowhere else but in the Hungarian border. In Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia... we indulged in special BBQ dinners with fresh beer, costing less than 12 euros (approximately 287,000 VND per person). In summer, the abundance of delicious, affordable fresh fruits from local farms floods the markets.
We spent a full day visiting a vineyard in Krusedol (Serbia) – home to ancient monasteries and a producer of exceptionally good wines. Not just a few, but thousands of wine cellars, built centuries ago with intricate craftsmanship, maintaining ideal humidity and temperature for fermentation and wine preservation. Though modern cellars are now equipped with computerized production monitoring systems, they cannot replicate the exquisite flavor of wines from ancient times.
River cruising provided us with a thoroughly relaxing journey. The Navigator, a 4-star floating hotel, offered spacious, clean cabins, serviced twice a day, and a flawless water system with high-quality European-standard drinking water flowing directly from the tap.
Since the ship sailed at night, each morning we woke up in a new city with the port right in the center. Stepping ashore, we immersed ourselves in the lively scenes of streets and captivating landmarks. The ship's restaurant served three main meals and three snacks daily with dishes varying according to the localities where the ship docked. Free 24/7 hot coffee and tea were always available. The most memorable impression for us was the ship's enthusiastic and lovely staff, always ready with a bright smile.
Despite diverse personalities, each companion in our group has found their unique way to experience life and the people in these regions. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, simply ascend to the boat deck, enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee, inhale the pollution-free air, and marvel at the crisp sunrise or vibrant sunset each day. It's effortlessly easy to immerse in the local feel, exploring cobblestone paths, vibrant markets, and taking a break in a charming corner to indulge in delicious ice cream in Bratislava (capital of Slovakia), or unwind with the renowned hot spring spa service in Budapest (capital of Hungary). Rich nightly music and diverse entertainment programs on the ship or in the cities ensure no one has a chance to feel bored.
And on a fresh morning, gliding through the peaceful countryside of Bulgaria with wildflowers on both riverbanks, the joyous melody of the Blue Danube, as lyricized by the late composer Pham Duy, echoes in my mind:
'A stream so green, a flow so vast,
A river profound in meaning, a sorrow through lifetimes.
A sky's flowing rhythm, a river of love and affection,
A lingering river, a river of memories,
Return to the enchanting realm of dreams
By Huong Le / Saigon Business
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourMarch 17, 2017
