Today was a sailing day. We went through the Iron Gates, which is the largest lock on the Danube. We were scheduled to hit them at 7:30 am and it drew quite a crowd. The Captain told us we have just a few locks on the Danube, but we have 68 to go through after the Iron Gates and the crowd to watch the lock transition would diminish as we all get to the point of "oh, another lock". But for today, it was the highlighted activity.
I have sailed the Rhine but not the Danube and the difference in Eastern Europe is quite stark. Everywhere our guides have pointed out what was built and destroyed by the Ottoman Empire, the Roman Empire and finally the communists. Gaining their freedom from communism and gaining democracy has been highlighted by each guide, all of whom lived through communism and the fight to gain their freedom. They speak of freedom and democracy with such reverence. I sometimes wonder if all Americans shouldn't take a tour of Eastern Europe to be reminded of how lucky we are. There are so many buildings waiting to be repaired damaged either by war or by the communists. It really is quite stunning and you can really see how much was lost by there people. I heard one person in our group talk about how depressing it all was, especially when you compare it to cities like Budapest, Vienna and Paris. It visually is kind of sad, but the joy of the people for being free is amazing. We saw a lot of young people and they look no different from our young people - including smart phones glued to their hands and noses!
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