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So what did I learn from this trip? I’ve always been anti ‘tour’. But there was a lot to like about this one. There were some definite minuses that have kept me from tours in the past – you only get to see what they decide you will see, you have to wait for everyone else and can’t go at your own pace, it’s expensive. And for this one they had an unfortunate knack of serving meals during the best light of the day for photographs. But there is lots to like. You unpack once and you’re done. The Viking people were excellent and took good care of us. The people we met on the boat were generally speaking very nice and pleasant to talk to and for the most part, I liked sharing meals and what not with them. And we could avoid them if we didn’t feel like it. It was nice not having to plan what to do, or what/where to eat or where to sleep. I would do another one (although only to a different place).
I learned that my grasp of European history is pretty weak and I plan to work on that. I didn’t realize how large a role religion played in that history either. It’s not just Ireland where Protestants and Catholics have issues.
I learned that I have a prejudice against Germans and Austrians or they really are not a very friendly people. I’m still not sure. Probably a little of both.
On a trip like this, you really can’t process what you’re seeing until later. It comes at you too fast. I still can’t distinguish between the 3 or 4 medieval towns we went to. They’re all a blur. But this log will help as will working through the photographs. But in some sense, it’s like having the experience after it happens. I had a similar experience with the Australia trip and to some extent Africa. There’s something to be said for seeing fewer places for longer and really getting into it at the time.
That being said, I like that we went to so many places and the whole concept of traveling across the continent by boat was great. The trip has a great “I like being able to say we did that” factor.
All in all, a great way to celebrate our 30 years together. And it was inspiring to see so many people who had spent 40+ years together and were still going strong. Not to mention inspiring to see people significantly older than we are taking a trip like this. It’s motivation to stay healthy.
Time to start thinking about where to go next…
A Word or Two about the Staff
The hotel manager is Wilhelm, a big gregarious Austrian. He is always laughing and is the epitome of the jolly Bavarian uncle or grandfather. He reminds me of Sergeant Shultz. It’s possible he’s just as competent. It’s not clear.
The program director is Gary. He’s the one in charge of the tours and onboard activities and I wouldn’t take his job on a bet. Trying to please 200 people rich enough to take this cruise and therefore used to getting their way but he handles it with aplomb.
Marcala is the concierge. We haven’t interacted with her much. She is small but feisty.
Jan is the executive chef. He is ‘almost 30’ which is awfully young for such a position. But he’s great. He greets us at the restaurant door each night and gives his suggestions – including telling us what to avoid, which is interesting. He’s honest as he says. He’s the one who created the ‘Taste of Austria’ concept on the Jarl last year and it was such a success they do it on all the boats now. He’s an up and comer
The Maitre D’ is Richard. In looks he could easily be the evil Nazi of a Raiders of the Lost Ark movie, if he wasn’t always smiling, but he is. He always wishes us bon appetit as we enter the restaurant.
And then there’s Dimche, the mad man waiter. He’s from Macedonia. He’s always flirting with the women, or leading the charge with the birthday and anniversary cake or dancing or in general being very animated. The one day he was a little subdued we thought his dog had died or something. It was very noticeable (our guess was too much schnapps the night before).
The rest of the waiters are very friendly and nice (except for one guy who isn’t quite up to snuff– it’s a testament to everyone else how much that makes him stand out)
The cleaning staff, who always seems to be on duty any time of day or night, always greets us with smiles and hellos or good evenings or have a great day or welcome back. There is one woman who I have not failed to see working in the hallway every time (and I mean every time) I’ve passed. She was there on the last day when we left. She batted 1.000.
So kudos to whoever does the personnel management and training at Viking. Very very impressive.
People We Met:
Tom and Debby from Kalamazoo – he is president of a belt (for cars) mfg. co. She is arty and fun
Sue and John from near Reading – He was a machinist and she worked for credit card co. He was quiet, she was very outgoing.
Greg and Joan – from Maine. He a former CFO/IT guy.
John and Chris from Toronto (formerly English)
Kevin and Paula from Colorado – He was a former Navy pilot
Dean and Norma from Colorado Springs – kind and gentle people, he likes to video and was a former pediatric dentist
Charlie and Sandy from Vernonia – rural folk. Keep horses
Holly and Trueman – She decided I was a good photographer without ever seeing a picture. So I liked her.
Art and his wife – he was into photography
The family of four – Brian, Mary, Makenna and Holly. Army family that had lived in Wurzburg
Malcolm and Joanne – the Kiwis who are All Blacks fans
Bill and Penny – farmers from Alberta
Shirley and Gayle – Australians
Gay and Tom – she was into sewing and quilting. He was a big Penn State fan and Polish
Tony and Pat – he met with Rudolf Hess, she was a computer operator, together but not married for 30+ years
Brune Hilde and her husband – the evil Dutch woman from Canada
The evil dentist woman whose name escapes me (or possibly I never learned)
Harve and his wife – from Vancouver BC. We met them on the last day.
Dee Wallace and boyfriend – Actress who was mother in ET and Werewolf’s mother on Grimm. He’s the guy who carried his tripod everywhere
Arek Hersh – holocaust survivor, who we didn’t meet but should have
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