Today was a day of transitions. We said goodbye to the mountains of Transylvania and made our way toward the Danube, where the next chapter of this adventure would begin.
Our first stop of the day was Peleș Castle, and I have to say, it may be one of my favorite castles I’ve ever toured.
Built as the summer residence of King Carol I in the late 1800s, Peleș was far ahead of its time. The castle had electric lighting powered by its own hydroelectric plant, central heating, and even an early ventilation system. Many of the ceilings could be opened to let the cool mountain air circulate through the rooms. As I walked from room to room, I couldn’t help but admire the incredible craftsmanship. The carved woodwork was stunning, and the crystal chandeliers seemed to sparkle in every direction. It’s hard to believe that a home this technologically advanced existed well over a century ago.
After leaving the castle, we made our way back to Bucharest for lunch before continuing to the ship. Elizabeth and I stopped at Pofta Inimii, where we enjoyed chicken fingers and fries. It was light, tasty, and exactly what we needed after a busy morning. Even better, we found a shady table with cooling misters, making it a comfortable place to relax while we waited for our bus.
The drive to the ship was a long one, but eventually we arrived. Because of the unusually low water levels on the Danube, our itinerary has been adjusted slightly. Instead of boarding in the usual port of Oltenița, we joined the ship farther upriver in Turnu Măgurele. River cruising is one of those vacations where nature sometimes has the final say, and while embarkation was a little more hectic than usual, Avalon handled everything remarkably well.
One thing still amazes me. Somehow, our luggage made it to our stateroom before we did! I have no idea how they pulled that off, but it was a wonderful surprise after such a long travel day. We didn’t board until around 6:30 this evening, so it definitely wasn’t a typical embarkation day. Looking out across the river, it’s easy to see that the Danube is running low. I’m hoping that’s the only adjustment we’ll have to make and that the rest of the cruise will continue as planned.
Dinner was the perfect way to begin our time on board. I started with a watermelon, mint, and feta salad that was absolutely outstanding. It was light, refreshing, and full of flavor. Instead of the soup, I chose a Caesar salad, followed by beautifully grilled fish with vegetables that was cooked perfectly. To finish the meal, our table all chose the trio of sorbets. It was a cool, refreshing ending to a wonderful welcome aboard dinner.
Now I’m tucked into bed, listening to the quiet sounds of the ship as we prepare for our first full day on the Danube. Breakfast is at 7:00 tomorrow morning, and then we’re off to explore Serbia, another country I’ll be visiting for the very first time.
I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Cleared For Take-Off! 