Keeleys, Wright, & Forster Viking River Cruise: Danube, Main, and Rhine : Bratislava, Slovakia

The Idi cruised through the night on the Danube River toward Bratislava, Slovakia.We awoke to the sight of pristine river banks and tiny hamlet villages. After another wonderful breakfast, we cruised to our first of 67 locks our ship will travel through. While we waited our turn at the lock, we gathered at our muster station for our safety drill.

Slovakia was forced to become Czechoslovakia in 1919. In 1939 the Nazis took over and created a protectorate called the Slovakian Republic, dividing the Czechs and the Slovaks. After defeat of the Nazis the Soviets took over and Slovakia became communist Czechoslavakia in 1945. It was not until 1993 when the Soviet Union dissolved and the region was freed from the chains of communism that Czechoslavakia was divided into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, restoring Slovakian nationalism once again. As we pulled in to port in Bratislava, you could see the large white rectangular castle on the hill with a tower at each end. This castle was first built in the 9th century and rebuilt again in the 18th and 19th century after parts were destroyed by fire. We went through Michael's Gate into the pedestrian area of the old medieval city and walked around, amazed by the interesting architecture.

Impressions of Bratislova, Slovakia by Dave Wright: Our guide had lived through the Soviet occupation of her country and it influenced nearly all of her commentary. The iron fist of Russia took their treasure (both real and by high taxes) and left most of their city gray and in poor repair. Sensing her deep-seated anger and seeing the poor condition of their major buildings (in comparison to Budapest or Vienna) caused me to further appreciate that our country has avoided invasion or conquest by other countries and therefore our country is relatively untouched by true war. While it has been fascinating to hear the details of the centuries-long rise and fall of the fortunes of these European countries, it makes me wish that typical Americans had a greater sense of appreciation for our freedom and our abundance. This has come about through the hard work and courage of many. America must continue to protect our freedom and not become apathetic about the sacrifices and great effort it takes to keep our country safe from those who would bring us to our knees through any means possible. Meanwhile, it has been wonderful to see the many stunning cathedrals, statues and government buildings created in centuries past by people of great talent and leaders of great vision!