Serendipity on

“The only thing left to do on the Danube River is to simply admire the reflections in the calming ripples

\\\\t was the Summer of 2008. I began my odyssey in Prague, the charming capital of the Czech Republic. Dubbed the City of a Hundred Spires,

Prague lives up to its name with not just a hundred spires, but also a thoughts in this inviting capital that exudes an unmistakable old world charm. The Charles Bridge is the iconic bridge that lSquare to the lording Hradcany Castle & St Vitus Cathedral. In the distance, one can get a panoramic psipping in to a pint of Pilsner beer, the national beverage of the Czech Republic. The city now enjoys much more adoration thThe Charles Bridge is the centre of attraction for all travelers. Street artposing as models to have their caricature drawn and buskers performing lovely melodies on the concertina. much more.

The Old Town Square is a gathering place for street artists, tourists and the occasional gypsy. Tourists flocked to take pictures of the unique

Astronomical Clock and purchase traditional Czech porcelains and top quality Bohemia crystals. Czechs are generally a bunch owith no hint of bureaucracy nor Western European air. In fact, the Czechs have come a long way to be currently known as the moutside of Paris. While Paris has gone the way of modernism and globalization, Prague retains the rustic old woften associated with Paris. Getting on a Vltava River cruise is the best way to see the life and jive of the city, passing bbridges in the evening and a general celebratory atmosphere at each corner. You wiair of anticipation in Prague. Never a day less and never a night less romantic, Prague is where dreams do come alive.

Serendipity on g{x e|äxÜ WtÇâuxg{x e|äxÜ WtÇâuxg{x e|äxÜ WtÇâuxg{x e|äxÜ WtÇâux

The only thing left to do on the Danube River is to simply admire the reflections in the calming ripples

of 2008. I began my odyssey in Prague, the charming capital of the Czech Republic. Dubbed the City of a Hundred Spires,

Prague lives up to its name with not just a hundred spires, but also a hundred bridges. You would be forgiven for reliving Medieval fanthoughts in this inviting capital that exudes an unmistakable old world charm. The Charles Bridge is the iconic bridge that lSquare to the lording Hradcany Castle & St Vitus Cathedral. In the distance, one can get a panoramic perspective from the Petrin Hills while sipping in to a pint of Pilsner beer, the national beverage of the Czech Republic. The city now enjoys much more adoration thThe Charles Bridge is the centre of attraction for all travelers. Street artists giving their humble and earnest impressions of their city, lovers posing as models to have their caricature drawn and buskers performing lovely melodies on the concertina. I had fallen in love with

hering place for street artists, tourists and the occasional gypsy. Tourists flocked to take pictures of the unique

Astronomical Clock and purchase traditional Czech porcelains and top quality Bohemia crystals. Czechs are generally a bunch owith no hint of bureaucracy nor Western European air. In fact, the Czechs have come a long way to be currently known as the moutside of Paris. While Paris has gone the way of modernism and globalization, Prague retains the rustic old world feel and the romanticism often associated with Paris. Getting on a Vltava River cruise is the best way to see the life and jive of the city, passing by many illuminated bridges in the evening and a general celebratory atmosphere at each corner. You will come to appreciate the slower pace of life and soak in the

Never a day less and never a night less romantic, Prague is where dreams do come alive.

The only thing left to do on the Danube River is to simply admire the reflections in the calming ripples.” – David Song

of 2008. I began my odyssey in Prague, the charming capital of the Czech Republic. Dubbed the City of a Hundred Spires,

hundred bridges. You would be forgiven for reliving Medieval fantasies and thoughts in this inviting capital that exudes an unmistakable old world charm. The Charles Bridge is the iconic bridge that links the Old Town

erspective from the Petrin Hills while sipping in to a pint of Pilsner beer, the national beverage of the Czech Republic. The city now enjoys much more adoration than ever before.

ists giving their humble and earnest impressions of their city, lovers I had fallen in love with the city and

hering place for street artists, tourists and the occasional gypsy. Tourists flocked to take pictures of the unique

Astronomical Clock and purchase traditional Czech porcelains and top quality Bohemia crystals. Czechs are generally a bunch of friendly people with no hint of bureaucracy nor Western European air. In fact, the Czechs have come a long way to be currently known as the most Parisian city

orld feel and the romanticism y many illuminated

ll come to appreciate the slower pace of life and soak in the

TTTThen it’s on to Nuremburg, driving through quaint and lovely countrysid

contemporary elegance and medieval gothic architecture. Walking the gently cobbled streets of this 11walk back in time. The charm is irresistible. Street stalls selling famous Nuremburg sausages in the old town quarter along the Altstadt and the view of the Nuremburg Castle is enough to melt hearts. River for the next seven nights. The vessel’s name, suggested to me that….I should anticipate sophistication and classical lounge music to fill the air. The three living decks, named after great classical composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss & Joseph Haydn primpetus to the Symphony that travelers can expect a amazing river cruise experience. True enough, it did not disappoint. An invreception followed by the captain’s introduction and welcome provided us a gentle warmth. I’m buzzing with excitemen

RRRRising early in the morning from the comfort of my stateroom, I drew the curtains

sun rise and waking up in a new city. We arrived at the Weltenburg Abbey, a Benedictine monasteoldest monastery in Bavaria founded by Irish monks in the 6also tried the famous cheese. Great start to the day “Herr”!! Soon, it’s one of Germany’s best preserved medieval citiesmany fortifications cuts an impressive sight that invites travelers into its world. The buildings are small and quaint, dominated by the Regensburg Cathedral. Shopping can be done at the Kohlenmarkt which houses plenty of boutique shops parading Bavarian fashionAvid photographers can snap great panorama pictures from the cobbled Steinerne Bruecke (Stone Bridge).

What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”

hen it’s on to Nuremburg, driving through quaint and lovely countrysides along the southern part of Bohemia. Nuremburg is a fusion of

contemporary elegance and medieval gothic architecture. Walking the gently cobbled streets of this 11th century ancient city is like taking a et stalls selling famous Nuremburg sausages in the old town quarter along the Altstadt and the

view of the Nuremburg Castle is enough to melt hearts. Soon, I was checking into the MS Amadeus Symphony, my home along the Danube s. The vessel’s name, suggested to me that….I should anticipate sophistication and classical lounge music to fill the

air. The three living decks, named after great classical composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss & Joseph Haydn prpetus to the Symphony that travelers can expect a amazing river cruise experience. True enough, it did not disappoint. An inv

reception followed by the captain’s introduction and welcome provided us a gentle warmth. I’m buzzing with excitemen

ising early in the morning from the comfort of my stateroom, I drew the curtains from the cabin’s panoramic window

n a new city. We arrived at the Weltenburg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in Kelheim along the Danube. It is the oldest monastery in Bavaria founded by Irish monks in the 6th Century. We sampled the abbey’s signature beer with our guide’s insistence and also tried the famous cheese. Great start to the day “Herr”!! Soon, it’s back to the ship and sailing off to another Bavarian city of Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Regensburg retains a high level of preservation of its Celtic roots as well as Roman rule. Its

sight that invites travelers into its world. The buildings are small and quaint, dominated by the Regensburg Cathedral. Shopping can be done at the Kohlenmarkt which houses plenty of boutique shops parading Bavarian fashion

snap great panorama pictures from the cobbled Steinerne Bruecke (Stone Bridge).

What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”

es along the southern part of Bohemia. Nuremburg is a fusion of

century ancient city is like taking a et stalls selling famous Nuremburg sausages in the old town quarter along the Altstadt and the

Soon, I was checking into the MS Amadeus Symphony, my home along the Danube s. The vessel’s name, suggested to me that….I should anticipate sophistication and classical lounge music to fill the

air. The three living decks, named after great classical composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss & Joseph Haydn provided the petus to the Symphony that travelers can expect a amazing river cruise experience. True enough, it did not disappoint. An inviting cocktail

reception followed by the captain’s introduction and welcome provided us a gentle warmth. I’m buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

from the cabin’s panoramic window to reveal the glorious

ry in Kelheim along the Danube. It is the Century. We sampled the abbey’s signature beer with our guide’s insistence and

back to the ship and sailing off to another Bavarian city of Regensburg, . Regensburg retains a high level of preservation of its Celtic roots as well as Roman rule. Its

sight that invites travelers into its world. The buildings are small and quaint, dominated by the Regensburg Cathedral. Shopping can be done at the Kohlenmarkt which houses plenty of boutique shops parading Bavarian fashion and art.

What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”What Truly Fascinates Is The Energy Derived From An Open Mind”

IIIIn the evening, we were entertained over a traditional Bavarian folk dance, tonight….dedicated as a “Highlight

celebration with beer, sausages and Schweinebraten, an authentic Bavarian roast pork. Not to mention, the great hospitality ostaffs.

AAAAfter a satisfying evening last night, we arrived in Passau

rivers, the Danube, Inn & IIz. The city boasts a unique baroque influence in its architecture. the world’s largest organ and its characteristic, green onionserene spectacle and a picturesque perspective that simply draws you like bees to honey. We continued our tour travelling pas“Eagle’s Nest” in Salzburg. Salzburg is perhaps best known for its alpine landscape as well as its favorite son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in this fascinating and classical city. The city of Salzburg is listed an an UNESCO World Heritage Site for its renoarchitecture. Our tour took us to the Mirabell Palace, one of the iconic settings for the film, “Sound of Music”. The Palace sculpted garden which featured sculptures of Greek mythological figures such as Hercules and Eneas. We that Getreidegasse 9, nowadays a busy shopping tourist haven. The whole street is lined full of Mozartface from chocolates to restaurants to even street fashion. Tourists can’t help bimposter.

AAAAfter a great insight of Salzburg, we arrived into Linz, the third largest city in Austria and a city well documented for Nazi

spending his childhood and growing up in the city of Linz. The city is dominated by the imposing Postlingbergare plenty of shops, evening clubs lining up present day Linz in fusion with its historical past. After some walking and oriegot on back to the MS Symphony. I decided to rest and relax on the sun shower. Enjoyment should be subtle. Watching the world goes past while lying back on the sun deck provided the relief and I adeeply humbled. It’s pure “Poetry in Motion”.

n the evening, we were entertained over a traditional Bavarian folk dance, tonight….dedicated as a “Highlight Evening”. It was a great

celebration with beer, sausages and Schweinebraten, an authentic Bavarian roast pork. Not to mention, the great hospitality o

fter a satisfying evening last night, we arrived in Passau, “The Three River’s City” a city of historical importance and the confluence of three

The city boasts a unique baroque influence in its architecture. We stood in awe of the St Stephen’s Cathedral with ristic, green onion-domed towers. Romantic lanes, enchanting riverfront promenades provided a

serene spectacle and a picturesque perspective that simply draws you like bees to honey. We continued our tour travelling pasalzburg. Salzburg is perhaps best known for its alpine landscape as well as its favorite son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who

was born in this fascinating and classical city. The city of Salzburg is listed an an UNESCO World Heritage Site for its renoarchitecture. Our tour took us to the Mirabell Palace, one of the iconic settings for the film, “Sound of Music”. The Palace

sculptures of Greek mythological figures such as Hercules and Eneas. We then moved on to Mozart’s birthplace at Getreidegasse 9, nowadays a busy shopping tourist haven. The whole street is lined full of Mozart-inspired shops baring the phenomenon’s face from chocolates to restaurants to even street fashion. Tourists can’t help but to pay 2 Euros to have a picture taken with a Mozart

fter a great insight of Salzburg, we arrived into Linz, the third largest city in Austria and a city well documented for Nazi

spending his childhood and growing up in the city of Linz. The city is dominated by the imposing Postlingberg Church overlooking the city. There are plenty of shops, evening clubs lining up present day Linz in fusion with its historical past. After some walking and oriegot on back to the MS Symphony. I decided to rest and relax on the sun deck enjoying a glass of white wine to take in the sunset after a great shower. Enjoyment should be subtle. Watching the world goes past while lying back on the sun deck provided the relief and I a

Evening”. It was a great

celebration with beer, sausages and Schweinebraten, an authentic Bavarian roast pork. Not to mention, the great hospitality of the cruise’s

and the confluence of three

We stood in awe of the St Stephen’s Cathedral with domed towers. Romantic lanes, enchanting riverfront promenades provided a

serene spectacle and a picturesque perspective that simply draws you like bees to honey. We continued our tour travelling past Passau into the alzburg. Salzburg is perhaps best known for its alpine landscape as well as its favorite son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who

was born in this fascinating and classical city. The city of Salzburg is listed an an UNESCO World Heritage Site for its renowned baroque architecture. Our tour took us to the Mirabell Palace, one of the iconic settings for the film, “Sound of Music”. The Palace boasts a spectacular

en moved on to Mozart’s birthplace inspired shops baring the phenomenon’s

ut to pay 2 Euros to have a picture taken with a Mozart

fter a great insight of Salzburg, we arrived into Linz, the third largest city in Austria and a city well documented for Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler

Church overlooking the city. There are plenty of shops, evening clubs lining up present day Linz in fusion with its historical past. After some walking and orientation of the city, we

ine to take in the sunset after a great shower. Enjoyment should be subtle. Watching the world goes past while lying back on the sun deck provided the relief and I am grateful and

BBBBefore I realized, we had arrived at the Wachau Valley docking in Melk. We took an excursion to Durnstein, one of the best kno

villages in the Wachau. The coach took us to the panoramic position overlooking the plentiful and rich vineyards. We vacationers, mostly locals or other European nationals cycle through the beautiful landscape on their mountain bikes. To travel this waywith it a certain sense of envy. I wished I could spend more time in this bewitching landscape oto the 900-year old Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. The almost century old abbey is adorned with impressive frescoes and the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts.

SSSSoon, it was time to head on to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Dusk soon descended and I decided to roam the capital at my ow

Vienna is well served with a good tram network and local city buses. The city is generally easy to explore on fooSt Stephenplatz as a compass of sorts. The cathedral dwarfs most buildings in Vienna and is the centre of attraction with itsalfresco cafes, restaurants and pubs. Dinner in downtown is nothing without a piViennese. Like a true traveler, I enjoyed the atmosphere and left bewildered at the positive energy running through the city.

TTTThe next day began with a visit to the Schoenbrunn Palace, Vienna’s mo

TTTThe Schonbrunn is essentially the Summer residence while the Hofburg Palace is the Winter residence of the Habsburgs. The twon

buildings has a distinctive design and unique architecture not seen in other palaces in Europe. It wants to tell you a story story swept me off my feet. We explored the interiors of the Schonbrunn to learn about its past,Theresa, the only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions. This era in Vienna’s past gets into your veins and you can’t help but hum Mozart or Strauss’s compositions within your mind.

efore I realized, we had arrived at the Wachau Valley docking in Melk. We took an excursion to Durnstein, one of the best kno

villages in the Wachau. The coach took us to the panoramic position overlooking the plentiful and rich vineyards. We saw many summer , mostly locals or other European nationals cycle through the beautiful landscape on their mountain bikes. To travel this way

with it a certain sense of envy. I wished I could spend more time in this bewitching landscape of vines and sunflowers. We then made our way year old Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. The almost century old abbey is adorned with impressive

frescoes and the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts.

oon, it was time to head on to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Dusk soon descended and I decided to roam the capital at my ow

Vienna is well served with a good tram network and local city buses. The city is generally easy to explore on foot and one can always looSt Stephenplatz as a compass of sorts. The cathedral dwarfs most buildings in Vienna and is the centre of attraction with itsalfresco cafes, restaurants and pubs. Dinner in downtown is nothing without a pint of Ottakringer Helles, a popular and favorite of the Viennese. Like a true traveler, I enjoyed the atmosphere and left bewildered at the positive energy running through the city.

he next day began with a visit to the Schoenbrunn Palace, Vienna’s most beautiful building and Summer palace of the Habsburg monarchs.

the Summer residence while the Hofburg Palace is the Winter residence of the Habsburgs. The twon

buildings has a distinctive design and unique architecture not seen in other palaces in Europe. It wants to tell you a story story swept me off my feet. We explored the interiors of the Schonbrunn to learn about its past, the Habsburgs empire and the legacy of Maria

uler of the Habsburg dominions. This era in Vienna’s past gets into your veins and you can’t help but hum Mozart or

efore I realized, we had arrived at the Wachau Valley docking in Melk. We took an excursion to Durnstein, one of the best known wine

saw many summer , mostly locals or other European nationals cycle through the beautiful landscape on their mountain bikes. To travel this way brings

f vines and sunflowers. We then made our way year old Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. The almost century old abbey is adorned with impressive

oon, it was time to head on to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Dusk soon descended and I decided to roam the capital at my own convenience.

t and one can always look to the St Stephenplatz as a compass of sorts. The cathedral dwarfs most buildings in Vienna and is the centre of attraction with its shopping alleys,

nt of Ottakringer Helles, a popular and favorite of the Viennese. Like a true traveler, I enjoyed the atmosphere and left bewildered at the positive energy running through the city.

beautiful building and Summer palace of the Habsburg monarchs.

the Summer residence while the Hofburg Palace is the Winter residence of the Habsburgs. The twon contrasting

buildings has a distinctive design and unique architecture not seen in other palaces in Europe. It wants to tell you a story and this overwhelming the Habsburgs empire and the legacy of Maria

uler of the Habsburg dominions. This era in Vienna’s past gets into your veins and you can’t help but hum Mozart or

WWWWe moved on to the touristy St Stephenplatz area. The locals go about their business in the highly commercial & retail area while tourists are

often seen gathering in large numbers watching street acts, mime acts performing right in front of the St Stephen’s Cathedralfusion of historical elegance and modern contemporary ideologies.

WWWWe decided to catch a evening classical concert at the Vienna State Opera House with artistes performing their rendition of fa

Mozart & Strauss. With such inspiring music, you could be forgiven to perform a waltz spontaneously. anticipated piece in the opera, “Don Giovanni” The composition score never fails to strike a chord with the audience of past,perhaps the future.

TTTThe MS Symphony then got us on downstream

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The morning began with a tour of the Bratislava Castle where we caught city surrounded by baroque inspired buildings. A walking tour of the city then took precedence as we trudged into the Old Tow“Serendipity” took place. Inspired by highly sophisticated Bratislava provided travelers an insight into its high art scene. As if the subtle enjoyment, selfBratislava’s creative energy provided the final dosage that bri

risty St Stephenplatz area. The locals go about their business in the highly commercial & retail area while tourists are

often seen gathering in large numbers watching street acts, mime acts performing right in front of the St Stephen’s Cathedralfusion of historical elegance and modern contemporary ideologies.

e decided to catch a evening classical concert at the Vienna State Opera House with artistes performing their rendition of fa

ing music, you could be forgiven to perform a waltz spontaneously. The artistes performed Mozart’s highly anticipated piece in the opera, “Don Giovanni” The composition score never fails to strike a chord with the audience of past,

after midnight to nearby Slovakia where the ship moors in the morning.

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The morning began with a tour of the Bratislava Castle where we caught a breathtaking view of the medieval city surrounded by baroque inspired buildings. A walking tour of the city then took precedence as we trudged into the Old Tow“Serendipity” took place. Inspired by highly sophisticated sculptures, statues, abstract art monuments and old cobbled stone walkways, Bratislava provided travelers an insight into its high art scene. As if the subtle enjoyment, self-actualization was yet to be experienced, Bratislava’s creative energy provided the final dosage that bridge all that we’ve seen. We realized….that’s “Serendipity”

risty St Stephenplatz area. The locals go about their business in the highly commercial & retail area while tourists are

often seen gathering in large numbers watching street acts, mime acts performing right in front of the St Stephen’s Cathedral. Vienna is truly a

e decided to catch a evening classical concert at the Vienna State Opera House with artistes performing their rendition of famous pieces by

The artistes performed Mozart’s highly anticipated piece in the opera, “Don Giovanni” The composition score never fails to strike a chord with the audience of past, of present and

to nearby Slovakia where the ship moors in the morning. We had arrived into

a breathtaking view of the medieval city surrounded by baroque inspired buildings. A walking tour of the city then took precedence as we trudged into the Old Town Hall where

stract art monuments and old cobbled stone walkways, actualization was yet to be experienced,

dge all that we’ve seen. We realized….that’s “Serendipity”

CCCContentment soon became the only agenda. Arrive with no expectation, leaving with no possessions. If the trip can summarize in

It has to be “Serendipity”. The evening seemed strange for we have grown attached to our fellow tour mates onboard the MS SymphoTonight was to be the Gala Evening dinner. Everybody was dressed to the nines, sipped to our lovely wines and champagnes and celebration for the glorious past week we had spent.

FFFFinal day of our odyssey, we arrived into Buda-Pest. Yes, it used to be two separate cities. Budapest of today is now a combined city and

administrative capital of the Republic of Hungary. Thfascinating perspective of the Danube with the Parliament House taking centre stage. Perched on the hills lies the Citadella,Gellert Hill. Tourists were treated to a panoramic view of the Danube River. Aside from the Danube, the Citadella also showcased some remnants of relics left behind by the brutal WWII. Damaged by Nazi bombings and attacks, the fortress has been converted intoeducate the public and tourists some very valuable lessons from the past.

ontentment soon became the only agenda. Arrive with no expectation, leaving with no possessions. If the trip can summarize in

has to be “Serendipity”. The evening seemed strange for we have grown attached to our fellow tour mates onboard the MS SymphoTonight was to be the Gala Evening dinner. Everybody was dressed to the nines, sipped to our lovely wines and champagnes and celebration for the glorious past week we had spent.

Pest. Yes, it used to be two separate cities. Budapest of today is now a combined city and

the Republic of Hungary. The Danube river is sandwiched between Buda & Pest and provided a magnificent and fascinating perspective of the Danube with the Parliament House taking centre stage. Perched on the hills lies the Citadella,

ted to a panoramic view of the Danube River. Aside from the Danube, the Citadella also showcased some remnants of relics left behind by the brutal WWII. Damaged by Nazi bombings and attacks, the fortress has been converted into

ic and tourists some very valuable lessons from the past.

ontentment soon became the only agenda. Arrive with no expectation, leaving with no possessions. If the trip can summarize into one word,

has to be “Serendipity”. The evening seemed strange for we have grown attached to our fellow tour mates onboard the MS Symphony. Tonight was to be the Gala Evening dinner. Everybody was dressed to the nines, sipped to our lovely wines and champagnes and to have a

Pest. Yes, it used to be two separate cities. Budapest of today is now a combined city and

e Danube river is sandwiched between Buda & Pest and provided a magnificent and fascinating perspective of the Danube with the Parliament House taking centre stage. Perched on the hills lies the Citadella, a fortress on the

ted to a panoramic view of the Danube River. Aside from the Danube, the Citadella also showcased some remnants of relics left behind by the brutal WWII. Damaged by Nazi bombings and attacks, the fortress has been converted into a museum to

OOOOur next stop is the Matthias Church, half a century old but not a day less glorious. The church portrays a fusion of Romanesque and Gothic

architecture style and bore testament to past coronations of significance and royal weddings. We then found the Fisherman’s Bastion in our line of sight a stone throw’s away. The iconic towers held huge significance as it represented the seven Magyar tribe that settled in the Carpathian Basin in the 8th Century. The bastion was aptly named in honor of the fishermen responsible for defending the city walls in the Middle-Ages. Budapest felt every bit a Renaissance city except that it has no Florentine roots. Finally, we landed in the centre most of Budapest at much celebrated Heroes’ Square. The millennial monument was built in 1896 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin. The limelight of the monument had to be the Archangel Gabriel on the top of a column that symbolized the Roman Catholic religion. History lessons aside, we had fun and were treated to a sumptuous pancake at the famous Gundel’s Restaurant. Like a little boy, I asked for another serving after being delighted with the sweet treat, Gundel Palacsinta served with walnuts and chocolate sauce.

TTTThere would be time for shopping as we took a stroll at our leisure to soak in Budapest’s sights. Time perhaps for some shopping…and we did

just that, souvenir hunting. We came across traditional Hungarian embroidery and some dolls dressed in folklore costumes. After some “rationale” bargaining, we got them at reasonable prices to bring back some memories from the city. Hungary is also as famous for its porcelains as its contemporaries, the Czechs. Besides souvenirs, we took some time to visit the Central Market Hall, a unique indoor market offering huge variety of vegetables, fruit, cheese and meat.

TTTThe evening was left for reflections, penning my travel diary of the past week, what I had seen, witnessed and experienced. I must have been

blessed to savor the taste of life on the riverbanks of the Danube. To travel like that along the river is to travel in style. To have experienced and felt the synergy of the cities, my mission is completed. I take home with me not just memories but a new intake of life and

…..“SerendipitySerendipitySerendipitySerendipity”.