Even though he never got anywhere the river, one of late father's favorite things in life was Strauss's Blue Danube
Probably intrigued by his interest, as a young man, I used a Eurail pass to take an (included in the price) cruise down the Danube. Boring as many river cruises tend to be, I could not back then see the romance in the river or what Strauss celebrated.
On the trip this week as I saw the Danube from three capital cities - Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. I now understand much better the huge impact this river has had on western civilization - on its course through 10 countries.
And its contribution to the fantastic regional beers. I had a chance to try Borsodi, Gosser, Ursus, Pilsener Urquell and the Budweiser Budvar.
My dad also loved beer. He would have had a double-dutch treat if he had joined me on this trip this week.
