THE BEAUTIFUL BLUE DANUBE RIVER

The Viking Tir is now on the Danube River, the final leg that started with the Rhine River, then the Main River, and onto the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal (106-mile long connection completed in 1992) with 16 locks).  

• The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe, 1051 miles in length, after the Volga River in Russia, from the Black Forest into the Black Sea.

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  Flows through 10 countries, including Ukraine (border with Romania).
• The river water is opaque and greenish-brown.  

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  In other words, the Danube is NOT blue.  
• You might see photos of what looks like a blue Danube, but that is more a reflection of the blue sky.

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  The most polluted is the Ganges River in India, with the Mississippi at #5.
• Rivers all pick up soils from land, and man-made waste, so the water color reflects the mineral content.
• But the Danube is beautiful, matched with gorgeous surroundings.
• There are four Danubes flowing through Vienna, called Old Danube, New Danube, Danube and Danube Canal.
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  Austrian composer Johann Strauss II composed The Blue Danube in 1867.
• One compilation shows that the 11 of the top 13 Viennese waltzes were written by JSII.  His Father, Josef Strauss, composed the other two.

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  From Quora:  Determining the "best" recording of Johann Strauss II's "The Blue Danube" can be subjective and depends on personal taste. However, several recordings are frequently praised for their interpretation, quality, and historical significance:
• Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic - Karajan's recordings are renowned for their lush orchestral sound and precision. His interpretation of "The Blue Danube" is often considered one of the definitive versions. 

• Carlos Kleiber and the Vienna Philharmonic - Kleiber's energetic and dynamic conducting style brings a unique flair to the waltz, making it a favorite among many classical music enthusiast.

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  André Rieu - Known for his engaging performances, Rieu’s recordings often feature a more popular, accessible style that appeals to a broad audience.
• Georg Solti and the Vienna Philharmonic - Solti’s recordings are known for their clarity and vibrant orchestral textures, providing a compelling interpretation of Strauss’s work.

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  Zubin Mehta and the Vienna Philharmonic - Mehta’s interpretations are also celebrated for their elegance and sensitivity, making his recording noteworthy.
• Surprising that the highest rated was by the Berlin Philharmonic.

Associations with the Blue Danube River:

• Of course, that waltz.
• Wiener Schnitzel.
• A Viennese cutlet made from a thin (3/16 inch), breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet in lard or clarified butter.
• Serving it with sauce is considered a sacrilege in Austria.Usualy with capers and anchovies, plus a salad.  Pork is a variation, and cheaper.
• First appeared in 1857.
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  Sachertorte.
• A chocolate cake (torte) invented by Franz Sacher (of his hotel) in 1832 for Prince Metternich in Vienna.
• Has a thin layer of apricot jam between to halves.
• Served with unsweetened whipped cream.

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  Vienna Boy's Choir.
• 100 boys ages nine to fourteen forming a choir of sopranos and altos.
• They are selected mainly from Austria, but also from many other countries.
• There are four touring choirs, performing 300 concerts/year.
• Dates back to the late Middle Ages.
• But officially founded in 1924.
• Wears blue and white sailorsuit with a dagger design.
• Here are their most popular songs.

I will well remember this cruise on the Danube because our ship got stuck during the afternoon in a sandbar before we got to Melck.  Here is photo of attempts to disengage the ship during dinner.

We learned that we would be in place overnight until another ship came to help dislodge ours.  Luckily, around lunchtime, we escaped.

However, as of mid-afternoon, we remain in the same general area to insure that the ship is river-worth while underwater checks are being made.  Stay tuned for our future, which tomorrow should find us in Vienna.

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