We have been at-sea heading for Southampton, UK,since leaving Miami on Sunday.  Before bringing you up to day on our cruise, one item regarding Donald Trump.  His re-election as president   will definitely change our relationship with the world.    His stance has always been America first. With Europe. The Ukraine War will be probably be settled, with Russia gaining some territory.  Interesting that Vladimir Putin has not yet congratulated Trump. His view about NATO is clear.  He wants every member to pay their share. His "pal," Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, will hold a summit of 50 European leaders today in Budapest, which will be our final European Christmas River Cruise stop. He identifies well with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and has had good relations with Saudi Arabia.  Iran has tried to assassinate Trump, so there is a problem there. China will also see some added tariffs, and there is that Taiwan matter.  ...

 Germany and Denmark are two of 27 member countries in the European Union. The EU was formed in 1993. The population of the EU is 448 million, 5.8% of the world population, and higher than the 335 million for the USA. Has one-sixth of the world GDP. With GDP of $19.3 trillion, the EU is #2 to the U.S. with $28 trillion, and ahead of China with $18.6 trillion.   Where will the EU be in 2028? They share boundaries, have a common economy and a unified political leadership.  I remember a long time ago picking up a car in Sweden and driving to Italy.  Crossing into a new country was painful.  Not anymore. Noteworthy for not being a member are Norway (something to do with fishing resources) and Switzerland ( it's complicated, but has to do with historical independence ). Also not a member are Turkey, Liechtenstein and Iceland. Of course, the United Kingdom experienced Brexit in 2020. Potential new members are:  Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia an...