In Budapest, Hungary, the SzechenyiChain Bridge, built in 1849, was the first permanent bridge over the Danube River.
In the 1800s Count Szechenyi went to London where he was living the life of a playboy. When his father died, he went home for the funeral, but because the Danube was frozen, he could not get across the river and was unable to attend his father’s funeral.
This experience so upset him that it changed his life. He remained home in Budapest and became one of the leading figures in the city during the last half of the 19th century. The pontoon bridge prior to the chain bridge had to be removed when ships passed, and it also was at the mercy of storms. A Scotsman, Adam Clark, was commissioned to come to Budapest to oversee the massive construction project of building a permanent bridge across the river. Clark liked the city so much, he remained there for the rest of his life.
During WW II, 80% of the city was bombed. Still the Nazis blew up all the bridges before retreating from the city. The Chain Bridge was the first bridge rebuilt after the war. It reopened in November 1949, exactly one hundred years after the first opening. Two years after the war ended, all the bridges in the city across the Danube had been rebuilt.
Once the capitol of Russian America, Sitka is a charming small town at the northern end of most Inland Passage cruise destinations. It has a fascinating history and plenty to see and do, other than shopping, to fill your day. All major sites in this walkable city can be covered . Like all small cities along the Inland Passageway, Sitka exhibits magnificent scenery.
Two things I wanted my grandchildren to see were St. Michael’s, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the New Archangel Dancers, and I wanted to hike a bit in the National Forest.
Although I visited several Russian Orthodox churches in Russia I still learned a couple of things from the knowledgeable docent. He explained the three-bar Russian cross.
I had never seen or known about a riza, an exact replica of an icon done in 3-D shiny metal. Only body parts are left uncovered. The removable riza gives a glittery view of the icon while protecting it.
During the 1966 fire, people fled to the church to carry out the 16th century icons, a 400-pound chandelier and the heavy oak entrance doors.
The U.S. Metropolitan, similar to a Catholic Cardinal, was due to arrive at . We made it back to the church to witness his unpretentious arrival.
The New Archangel Dancers perform authentic Russian dances at Centennial Hall. None of the female dancers is a professional nor of Russian heritage. They dance for exercise, fun and to keep Sitka’s Russian heritage alive though dance. As I admired their agility, I wished I could squat and kick at the same time!
It’s a short walk to Castle Hill and the 92 steps up to the site where Russia passed Alaska to the United States. There is nothing left of Baranof’s castle and the fort is little more than a wall, a cannon and an American flag. Across the street, on the old Russian parade grounds, is Pioneer House, a home for the indigent to live. Once free, there now is a sliding payment scale. The home is similar to our old Soldier and Sailor Homes.
Walking the mile-long totem loop-trail in the Tongass National Forest was a delight. We studied the 28 totems and paused at the site of the 1804 Russian-Tlingit battle.
Strolling back along
Lincoln Street—the main street—we photographed St. Peter’s by the Sea, the Russian Bishop’s house, the oldest house in Sitka, and some park statuary before stopping at a hatchery.
The SheldonJacksonMuseum was a real jewel of a find. The first concrete building in Sitka, 1895, houses Indian artifacts and history of six native Alaskan tribes. Mary Bear was on site making Christmas decorations from seal skin and elk. She showed and explained an otter head belt that is traditionally given to a girl at menses.
Each city along the Inland Passage has something different to offer, but Sitka is probably my favorite city.
Although I have never experienced any American moonshine, I have experienced home brew concoctions in several places as I’ve traveled around the world.
In Budapest we were welcomed with an aperitif glass filled with a liquid called puszta. It was explained, “Puszta is used to welcome a friend and is made with white Tokay wine, apricot brandy and bitters. It is usually homemade.” What a nice welcome and although not much of a drinker I did enjoy the drink.
In Bulgaria the brandy-like drink is called rakiu and definitely should be sipped. In Romania the home brew is a plum brandy. For some reason home brews always seem pretty potent to me.
In Davos, Switzerland I had a cherry-brandy that was really really strong. Its strength certainly could be compared to the strong grape-brandy I was handed in Croatia.
In Finland, we were offered Lakka, a cloudberry liqueur schnapps. I thought it was very good. A cloudberry looks something like a raspberry, but is salmon-orange in color and its bumps are larger.
Kir, originated in French cafes mid 19th century, is a popular drink in many places. It was further popularized by Felix Kir after World War II when he, as mayor of Dijon, served the drink to promote his region's fine wines, and the name Kir has been associated with the drink ever since. There are many variations, but generally kir is made with a 1:9 ratio of white wine, often Chablis, and cassis. I’m not sure how the restaurant owner in Nice, France made his kir but I found it pretty potent.
When asked if I drink these various drinks, I respond, “After one sip I generally can find someone close by or at my table who is happy to finish it for me so I don’t appear rude by not drinking it. There was one exception though, and that was the home-brew vodka made by the 80-year-old grandmother in Uglich, Russia. She had a magic touch and her vodka was very good.”
I’ll no doubt run into other drinks as I continue to travel and I’ll be game to at least give them a sip.
I've been indulging my passion for traveling since retirement in 1992. I've traveled independently as well as with over 30 companies, a couple several times. I've hiked, biked, done service projects,intergenerational trips, sailed small boats, rafts as well as large cruise ships, done the bus, vans,puddle jumpers, helicopters and of course big planes. Now in my late 70s and with increasing travel hassles I'm cutting annual trips down from 4 to 2 a year.
After writing three travel books plus two for children I've decided that is enough. My middle-age children started in on me to blog instead. I do still have so many stories in my head that I decided to enter the 21st century ,so here are more of my stories.
Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.
