#European River Cruise

[fandomsandfeminism]

Yall wanna hear a kinda funny, kinda sad story about my grandmother and hetero-normativity?

Ok, so... when my grandmother was in her 50s (I was an infant), she met a woman at the Unitarian Church. And, as can happen when you meet your soul mate, this event made it impossible for her to deny parts of herself that she had fiercely hidden her whole life.

All the drama- their affair being found out, the divorce with my grandfather, the court battle over who got the house, happened while I was a baby. Even in my earliest memories, it's just Mama Jo and Oma, and my grandfather lived elsewhere (first his own apartment, then a nursing home, then with us.)

But here's the thing- no one ever explained any of this to me. No one ever sat down and was like "hey, Rosie, so do you know what a lesbian is?" It was the 90s. It was Texas. I think my mom was still kinda processing all this, and just assumed that like... I was gonna figure it out. Don't mention it, let it just be normal. Like I think my mom thought that if she explained the situation, she would be making it weird? I dunno.

But like. In the 90s, in all the movies I had seen and books I had read, do you know how many same sex couples I had seen? Like. 0. Do you know how many "platonic best friend/roommates" I had seen? A lot. I had no context, is what I'm saying.

I literally thought this was a Golden Girls, roommates, besties situation until I was like...I dunno, 11? 12?

It was actually their parrot, an African Grey named Spike, imitating my grandmothers voice saying "Johanna, honey, it's getting late", that triggered the MIND BLOWN moment as I realized that *there's only one master bedroom and it only has 1 waterbed* when all the pieces finally clicked.

Anyway. I think it's a real important thing for kids to know queer people exist, for a lot of reasons, but also because kids can be clueless and it's embarrassing to have your grandmother be outted by a parrot because everyone just thought you'd figure it out on your own.

Anyway, here is my grandma and her wife, my Oma, after they moved to Albuquerque to be artsy gay cowboys and live their best life. They helped run a "Lesbian Dude Ranch" out there (basically just with funding and financial support. As Oma has explained "traditionally, most lesbians don't have a lot of money" so they wrote the checks and let the younger ladies actually run the ranch.)

[shutterandsentence]

“I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shovelling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.”

― Shannon Hale 

Photo: Rhineland, Germany

[savvytravelers]

European Wine Culture

Experience the rich European wine culture with Savvy Travelers, exploring the traditions and regions that produce the world’s best wines!

[goforlesstours]

Are you ready to embark on a journey through one of the world's most renowned wine regions? Avalon Waterways is thrilled to announce their latest addition to their river cruise itineraries for 2025: Bordeaux, France. Prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty, rich history, and exquisite flavors of this iconic destination.

[mayflowercruisesandtours]

Mayflower Cruises and Tours

Address: 650 Warrenville Rd Ste. 500 Lisle, IL 60532

Phone: 800-323-7604

Website: https://www.mayflowercruisesandtours.com/

Mayflower Cruises & Tours, LLC, is a division of the Scenic Group, located in Lisle, IL. Celebrating 40 years of business in 2019, Mayflower’s mission is to create Life Enriching Experiences and give travelers the trip of a lifetime at each destination. Since 1979, the team at Mayflower has been providing individual and group guided cruise and tour arrangements within the United States and around the World.

[runawaywidow]

The Best 15 Day Viking River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam

An honest review of The 15 Day Grand European Viking River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam

[emotionally-cuckolded]

Needless to say, the teasing and ridicule your are subjected to by your co-workers is relentless. Even after all this time -- after you and others have sat through the experience of hearing the sounds of their couplings almost two hundred times -- the shame you feel on those days is intense. Early on you tried begging with her to stop, or at least to meet him somewhere else, but she had just laughed at your discomfort and refused. At work, people now often refer to you simply as “cuckold”, and one day -- about four months after their routine had started -- someone left a desk placard on your desk that said “Office Cuckold”. And during the “secret santa” event this past year, you were given a t-shirt that said that and people were beside themselves laughing as they took pictures of you wearing it.

The one significant change in their routine is that about two months ago he had started dating her on weekends -- usually taking her to dinners as his date when meeting his friends for social evenings. She then spends the night at his place. He has also now asked her to spend his summer vacation with him on a European river cruise. You’ve begun to worry that their relationship is becoming much more than just sex -- that you’re starting to lose her to him.

[tollingreminiscentbells]

This is not my usual tumblr nonsense, but I was talking to someone on the ferry back to Aomori about places in Japan that I particularly love. So in case any of you are planning a trip, in no particular order, these are my current top 5 places in Japan.

Ise, Mie Prefecture (location of the Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shinto site. Visit the outer and inner shrines, check out the Meoto Iwa/married rocks, eat udon and mochi, and buy some pearls.)

Iya Valley, Tokushima Prefecture (one of the most remote places in Japan. Take a river cruise through the Oboke Gorge, visit a historic village, walk across one of the vine bridges, and eat soba. Caveat: best experienced with a car.)

Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture (walk up the 1,000 steps to Yama-Dera, relax at Ginzan Onsen or Zao Onsen, go to the Three Mountains of Dewa, eat beef and cherries, if they're in season. If it's winter and this is your thing: ski.)

Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture (visit Matsumoto Castle, which is original not a reconstruction, go to the art museum and the ukiyo-e museum, check out the historic shopping streets, cafe hop, eat oyaki and soba.)

Hakodate, Hokkaido Prefecture (see the view from Mt. Hakodate, check out Motomachi, the old European quarter, walk around Goryokaku Park, eat seafood at the morning market, and don't skip the milk flavor ice cream. Hokkaido is famous for dairy.)

You may have noticed that there are food recommendations attached to all of them. Everywhere in Japan has at least one local speciality that you are contractually obligated to eat. I don't make the rules.

[moonlightsturns]

Bonjour, Paris! Starclines & Sturniolos Take France!

Months after their Boston adventures, the Starclines finally extended the ultimate invitation: a week-long trip to France for a European edition of their sibling showdown. The Sturniolos couldn’t say no, though Chris insisted he only agreed because of the promise of croissants.

“We’re going international, baby!” Caïa cheered as she FaceTimed the Sturniolos.

“You’re gonna regret this,” Chris replied with a mischievous grin.

Arrival in Paris

The Sturniolos landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport, greeted by the Starclines waving miniature French flags.

“Bienvenue à Paris!” Naïa said, smirking at their jet-lagged expressions.

Chris immediately grabbed one of the flags. “This is mine now.”

“Do you guys even know any French?” Maïa asked, skeptical.

Nick grinned. “Oui. Baguette.”

“Great,” Naïa said, rolling her eyes. “This is going to be a long week.”

Challenge 1: The Eiffel Tower Dare

Their first stop was, of course, the Eiffel Tower. The challenge? Conquer their fear of heights by climbing to the top, and vlogging the entire way.

Chris and Caïa led the charge, racing up the stairs.

“Slow down!” Matt yelled, clutching the railing.

“I think I’m dying,” Nick said dramatically, halfway up.

By the time they reached the top, the Sturniolos were breathless, while the Starclines looked like they could do it again.

“First challenge goes to us,” Naïa declared.

“Let’s see who can survive the next one,” Nick shot back.

Challenge 2: French Cuisine Roulette

Back on solid ground, the triplets headed to a small café, where the Starclines set up a unique challenge: French Cuisine Roulette. Each dish was covered, and the Sturniolos had to guess what they were eating.

Matt hesitated as he bit into escargot. “Is this... snail?”

“Oui,” Maïa replied, grinning.

Chris nearly spit out his bite of foie gras. “What is this?!”

“It’s liver,” Caïa said casually, laughing.

Nick surprised everyone by loving ratatouille. “This one’s actually good!”

The Starclines won the challenge again, easily identifying every dish.

Challenge 3: French Escape Room

Determined to redeem themselves, the Sturniolos took the escape room challenge seriously. This time, the theme was “The French Revolution.”

“Do I have to storm the Bastille?” Chris asked, picking up a prop sword.

“We need to solve this puzzle first,” Maïa said, focused as ever.

While the Starclines worked methodically, the Sturniolos leaned into chaos, Nick accidentally triggered a trap door, and Matt found a hidden clue by sheer luck.

Against all odds, the Sturniolos escaped first, celebrating wildly.

“This is our redemption arc!” Chris yelled, high-fiving his brothers.

Challenge 4: A Day in the Countryside

The Starclines invited the Sturniolos to their grandparents’ countryside home in Provence, where they spent the day doing classic French activities: making fresh bread, stomping grapes, and even riding bikes through lavender fields.

The challenge? Capture the best vlog aesthetic.

Naïa directed her sisters in a beautifully edited montage, complete with soft music and scenic drone shots.

Meanwhile, the Sturniolos filmed themselves struggling to ride bikes.

“Chris, you just crashed into a bush,” Nick said, laughing.

“Yeah, but I got it on camera,” Chris replied proudly.

When fans voted on the best vlog, the Sturniolos narrowly won for their hilarious authenticity.

A Night to Remember

On their final night in France, the Starclines and Sturniolos dressed up for a fancy dinner on a Seine River cruise.

“This trip has been insane,” Matt said, raising a glass.

“You guys aren’t as bad as we thought,” Maïa teased.

Naïa smirked. “But let’s not forget who won the most challenges.”

Chris leaned back in his chair, grinning. “This isn’t over. Just wait until you come to LA again.”

Caïa rolled her eyes. “You’re all talk, Chris.”

The two sets of triplets spent the rest of the night laughing and reminiscing, their rivalry now more of a sibling bond than anything else.

The Fans React

The France collab videos broke records for both channels, with fans calling it the “YouTube event of the year.”

“Can we get a Netflix series for these triplets?” one comment read.

“This crossover is the gift that keeps on giving!”

What’s Next?

As the Sturniolos boarded their flight back to Boston, Nick turned to his brothers. “We need to step it up for the next collab.”

“I’m thinking… road trip,” Matt suggested.

Chris grinned. “Imagine the chaos.”

Meanwhile, the Starclines were already brainstorming their next move.

“Road trip sounds fun,” Naïa said. “But wait until they see what we have planned.”

To be continued…

dividers: @cafekitsune

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Encountering Italy and Germany on a Road Trip Through Southern Brazil

The author encountered accordion music and other unexpected delights on a meandering five-day tour through villages with names like Garibaldi and Teutônia.

I had intricately planned my road trip exploring the Italian and German heritage of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southernmost state, to maximize immigrant cuisine, unsung wineries and villages with charming timber-frame buildings. I’d visit Antônio Prado, the self-proclaimed “most Italian city in Brazil,” drive along rural roads lined with hydrangeas, and explore Gramado, a town whose center this time of year resembles an Epcot version of an Alpine ski town, decked out with Santa statues and massive candy canes.

But while Gramado’s Christmas parade had its charms and Antônio Prado’s nearly 50 landmark buildings were mesmerizing, unexpected encounters would repeatedly steal the show during my five-day adventure.

Take the impromptu concert that started when I pulled my car over one day near a meandering river. A roadside event was clearly winding down — a woman wiped down a long table, a few stragglers drank beer by a makeshift bar, and a handful of kids splashed in the water. A friendly man told me I had just missed a party celebrating the opening of a bridge to replace the one that had been damaged by tragic floods in May.

As I explained in Portuguese that I wanted to learn “about the immigrant traditions of the region,” a man grabbed an accordion and gathered members of his musical group — Grupo Náni, slogan: “Keeping Italian Cultures Alive” — to belt out “La Bella Polenta,” an immigrant ode to a cornmeal dish with origins in the Italian province of Veneto. The town mayor, one of the dillydallying drinkers, joined in too, and all were singing in Talian, a language that evolved from Venetian and other Italian dialects that their ancestors brought to this region of Brazil more than 100 years ago.

I live in Brazil, and have done the big tourist hits — Carnival in Rio, a cruise on the Amazon, the jaguars of the Pantanal. But pockets of immigrant cultures have always sparked my interest, and I had never experienced the vibrant European traditions that began with 19th-century migration and are still found in the Serra Gaúcha and the neighboring Taquari River Valley.

Continue reading.

[seabreeze2022]

Danube River Cruise 2024, Part 1. Day 1 Zurich

Flew out of MIA Wednesday Oct. 30, 2024 for Philadelphia. After a 9 hour wait we boarded the 7+ hour flight to Zurich Switzerland.

We lucked out and got the last 2 First Class seats. Arriving in Zurich at 0840 on the 31st. Just walk across the street at the airport and take a 5 minute train to the main train station in Zurich. The main stations are called HBF’s. For 30 euro we took a taxi from one side of the train station to Fred’s Guest House, on the other side of the train station. Which if we had walked out the other side of the train station is a 3 minute walk. But it was a safer bet to use the taxi.

Super nice staff at the hotel. Typical European hotel, very small elevator. Fitting in two Americans and their bags is almost an impossible feat.

After dropping the luggage in the room, we went walk about. The old part of the city is between Lake Zurich and our hotel near the train station.

This will be are stomping grounds for 30 hours. Just a little over a mile top to bottom. We end up walking about 7 miles the first day with a nap in between.

Old Zurich is known for its water fountains. Yes, the water is safe to drink. If you look to the left side at the base even dogs get to drink the water. Each fountain is different; some ordinary, some very ornate. Unless there is a particular theme for what is near by, the old standby is the lions head. This has an Anchor on the front. We are pretty close to a river and small marina. Note the two metal bars across the fountain under the water spout. Every old fountain has them. Can you guess why?

The Swiss drive on the right hand side of the road which makes it easy for us. But the Electric trams are everywhere. Bikes have their own lanes. We were able to figure out, when there is no stoplight, but there is a crosswalk. Trams, cars and bikes all give way to the pedestrian. You just needed to know whether there was a stoplight or not.

Look at this government building from 1917. Slate roof with a twist. Two cornucopia and a clock on the front. You have never seen so many clocks and advertisements for watches until you visit Zurich. Have you ever noticed every watch advertisement has the hands roughly at 10:10?

Wrought iron balconies are common. Majority of older houses are 4-5 floors. Common for a business to be ground floor and then apartments above. I doubt many have elevators. No fat Swiss.

End of a bridge across one of the rivers running through town. Very ornate lamps with a metal Lion sculpture on top.

Many of the really old houses paint their shudders in a one off design and color. I assume it was to facilitate people finding the address. You can see these from several blocks away. Pay attention to the photos below.

River cruise boats on Lake Zurich. Originally these were paddle wheelers. Not sure if the wheels work now or not.

Swans and seagulls being fed from the Quaibrucke (bridge). Fall colors still.

Looking across Limmat river.

Several of these were around town. I will give you a hint why in the next photo.

Bikes parked at the train station. Several hundred if not a thousand bikes around the station. One of many bike parking areas here. The previous photo was of a bike cycle pump.

No straight roads. Green shudders on the house.

Fish fountain with the Limmet river on the other side of the wall. Since there are no iron bars across the water you can tell it is a modern Fountain.

This is a door to the only church we went in. The inside of the church was fairly plain. The stain glasses were nice but not as picturesque as many of the churches we have been in.

Typical cobblestone side street, pedestrian only.

Old fountain (see the bars), water spewing from the lions mouth. I am sure there is story behind the old guy on the top reaching into the mouth of the lion.

Have you figured out the metal bars supported the pots people would put under the spout, then slid it back to the edge. Before carrying it home.

Look at the ornate building on the left.

This is viewing the Hotel Storchen (Hotel Stork) from across the Limmet River. They have a small platform you can bring a boat up too. On the roof to the right side is a sculpture of a mother stork and her baby in a stick nest. The church steeple in the center is for St. Peters church behind it.

Check out the nest on the top of the building.

The boss and the guy with the level were on vacation when the roof was built. Hope the home owner got a discount.

Roasted chestnuts, 4 euros. Heading back to Fred’s Guest house for a nap!

Fred immortalized on the side of his guest house. I think he got the idea from Conrad Hilton. Note the slightly open window on the building to the right. Nancy opened our window. The top fell into the room 6 inches. We thought she broke it.

[charlesandmartine]

Friday 1st November 2024

This is a strange and mystical place. It all started as we watched Poirot around 9.30 last evening. It was an episode that we have seen on numerous occasions no doubt, but still the culprit appeared as illusive as ever, and only the little grey cells could ever hope to resolve the riddle. However, the noise from outside became more and more invasive. With the confidence and naivety a novice outbacker might be expected to possess in these circumstances, we trusted this minor interruption to the airwaves would very soon cease. Not so. On turning in, the cacophony could only be described as getting more intense. It starts with an, as it were, oink, followed be an, as it were, honk, at the bass end of the octave. Then in tenor comes, ti ti ti ti. Now put that into some kind of order it becomes, oink, honk, oink, honk, oink, honk with ti, ti, ti, ti all the while. Now speed that up, turn up the volume, and repeat it for 2 hours. My head was placed between two pillows resembling a foam burger bun, and still the rhythm perpetuated. Just as it might suddenly cease, so there would then be an, oink and the whole thing began again. To venture through the external sliding door to ascertain more information regarding the source of this nocturnal orchestra would be folly in itself. The heat and barage of indeterminate flying objects would be prohibitive so the barricade pricinciple had to prevail.

Eventually the music stool lid went up and the music was put away for the night and all quiesced for the remaining hours of darkness, but the fear of a resurgence was never too far away.

One theory, away from the perils and dangers of the night, is the source of the noise might be a form of geese or maybe, according to speculation by the lady in the tourist information place, they might be fruit bats!

This morning we did what all newbies do when they hit town; go to Woolworths to buy a rubbery chicken and Tim Tams, and pop into the Tourist Information Office. It wasn't long before we were parked up at the TI and we met up again with the little family from Melbourne that we had got to know a little simply because we are always at the same places at the same time. We only just met up because they were leaving for Darwin to get their van fixed. We agreed to look out for them when they get back. The TI booked us on a cruise up the Katherine Gorge on Sunday, which should be good and pointed us in the direction of all the places we should visit. First up was the Railway Museum. That was shut.

Katherine had been an Aboriginal meeting place for thousands of years, but it wasn't until 1862 when the first European, John Stuart, arrived. This is the 'Stuart' who gave the name to the Stuart Highway, sometimes simply referred to as 'The Track'. John McDouall Stuart led the first successful expedition from St Augusta in the south all the way through the interior to Darwin in the north, finding a route for the transcontinental telegraph line. By 1872 the line was up and running, and an office was opened in Katherine. The railway had been running from Port Augusta near Adelaide to Alice, since 1878 but did not open for passengers from Alice to Darwin until 2001. Katherine today is a very mixed society with nearly half of the 18,000 people being Aboriginal, more than non-indigenous when undeclared are taken into account.

We set off for Katherine this arvo to follow an Art Trail around the town centre. It started at the old railway bridge crossing the Katherine River, last to see a train crossing it in 1976. The works of art are murals depicting local aboriginal people who have in their own way served the community of Katherine and are inspirational, especially to this latest generation; some of whom we see around the town who desperately need a purpose and direction in life.

Returning to our little house looking out across the fields, we supped SB and watched the sun gradually set behind the trees.

ps. Terrible TV here. At about 8pm last night they were advertising coffins!

[lonestarbattleship]

USS ARKANSAS (BB-33) on the Nieuwe Maas River within the background of the Fijenoord Shipyard. ARKANSAS was visiting European ports during her summer Midshipmen cruise in 1924.

Posted by Gottfried Alexander van der Horst to "The Big Gun: Battleships, Battlecruisers, & Monitors" Facebook group page: link

[savvytravelers]

Luxury Wine Cruises

Unforgettable Wine River Cruises: Experience The Perfect Blend Of Wine Culture And Luxury

We celebrate wine and treat our guests to a wonderful selection of regional wines across all of our river cruise itineraries – however, many guests wish to take their passion for wine a bit further. Is there a winery whose bottles dominate your dinner parties? If so, you may be able to travel along with their wine club on one of our exclusive Celebration of Wine River Cruises with Savvy Travelers.

Sip, Savor, and Enjoy

Savvy Travelers offers over 70 annual Wine Cruises through Europe’s iconic winemaking regions. Each cruise is hosted by a wine professional who brings “New World” bottles for you to enjoy. Experience curated tastings, visit historic cellars, and compare wines from different regions.

Choose Your Ideal Wine Experience

Our Celebration of Wine River Cruises are guided by enthusiastic wine professionals. They lead tastings, accompany you on shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and curate special food and wine pairing dinners. Discover the perfect blend of travel, wine, and cuisine.

North American Wine Host Sailings

Sample European wines in their native regions and compare them with selections from a North American winery. Enjoy tastings of New World and Old World wines while exploring the history and culture of the area.

European Wine Immersion Sailings

Immerse yourself in the local wine culture with an expert in European wines. Learn about the region’s history and varietals, and get insider tips on local delicacies and must-visit spots.

Epicurean Experiences

Premier Vineyards and Cellar Tours

Visit unique vineyards and wineries like France’s Château de Montaigne and Austria’s Burg Clam. Taste the history and heritage of these storied vines.

Authentic Encounters

Connect with artisans and vintners. Learn to pair chocolate with wine, discover the process of making olive oil, and enjoy Austria’s Wachau Valley apricots.

Food and Wine Pairing – A Unique Art

Experience dinners with wines perfectly chosen to complement your meal. Enjoy pairings like rosemary-crusted lamb with Châteauneuf-du-Pape and oysters with a Loire white.

Regional Wines

Our Celebration of Wine River Cruises feature an extensive selection of regional wines. From Bordeaux's robust reds to the crisp whites of the Rhine, each glass tells a story of its terroir, complementing the culinary traditions of each region.

Bordeaux, France: BlendsBordeaux is famous for its blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Enjoy complex and balanced wines with notes of dark fruit and spice.

The Seine River, France: Champagne and CalvadosEnjoy the sparkling luxury of Champagne and the rich flavor of Calvados, an apple brandy from Normandy.

The Rhone River - Provence, France: Rosés, Hermitage, and the "Pope's Wine"Savor refreshing Rosés and robust Hermitage reds, including the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The Douro River, Portugal: Port Wine and Vinho VerdeExperience rich, fortified Port Wine and the light, slightly effervescent Vinho Verde.

The Upper Danube River - Wachau Valley, Austria: Grüner Veltliner and RieslingEnjoy crisp, aromatic wines like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from the Wachau Valley.

The Lower Danube River - Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria: Szekszárd, Tokaji, Plum Brandy, and SeherezadaTaste Hungary’s Szekszárd reds, sweet Tokaji wines, traditional Plum Brandy, and Seherezada from Serbia.

The Rhine River, Germany: Rieslings, Crémant d'Alsace, and Kölsch BeerEnjoy versatile Rieslings, sparkling Crémant d'Alsace, and refreshing Kölsch beer.

The Moselle River, Germany: RieslingsSample some of the world’s finest Rieslings with bright acidity and fruity notes.

The Main River, Germany: Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, and RauchbierDiscover Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, and the unique smoked beer, Rauchbier, from Bamberg.

Book Your Celebration of Wine River Cruise Today

Join Savvy Travelers on a Celebration of Wine River Cruise and explore Europe’s finest wine regions. Reserve your spot today and get ready to sip, savor, and enjoy an unparalleled wine adventure!

[europeantravel]

Paris Travel Package

European Travels lets you explore the different shades of Paris giving you unique experiences of culture and tradition with their Paris travel packages. Our fully customizable all-inclusive Paris trip packages will help you explore the best of the destination, leaving you with memories of a lifetime. 

Paris package starts from $ 1142

Package inclusions

5 nights stay in Paris

Daily Breakfast

24 Hours Hop on hop off bus tour with Seine river cruise

Lunch at Eiffel Tower 1st Level Madame Barsserie with Lift ticket to 1st level /No transfers

Return Airport Transfers on pvt basis