Bratislava

Tuesday 12 July
Woke up at 5.30 - sailing through the countryside - tree lined riverbanks. At 9 am we entered the Gabcikova Lock - the first lock of 68 that we encounter during the trip and also the largest lock through which we travel. Four river cruisers can use the lock at one time. We then had a safety drill where we reported to designated locations on the top deck and put on life jackets. Before lunch there was a presentation on what to expect in Bratislava today and Vienna tomorrow.

After lunch we went on a walking tour of Bratislava, particularly the old city. Our guide was brilliant and used her dry sense of humour in her informative tour.

Robin and I then went for a walk by the river to a large modern shopping complex with many clothing and other stores including Marks & Spencer.

After dinner Bratislava entertainment was provided by Aphrodites - a group of five young women who played music from the twentieth century on flute, violin, cello, viola and piano. Music was varied and included a selection of songs from My Fair Lady and Abba as well as music from Phantom of the Opera, some swing and Latin American tunes plus New York, New York ('no-one has yet written a song Bratislava, Bratislava'). A pleasant ending to a good day.

The Danube forms the boundary between Hungary and Slovakia.

As in Hungary cars often park on the footpath. OH&S does not appear to be the issue it is in Australia with uneven footpaths and concrete and metal obstacles making transversing pedestrian areas a challenge.