#danube bend

[postcard-from-the-past]

View of the Danube Bend in Hungary

Hungarian vintage postcard, mailed to Budapest

[clawmarks]

A view of the bend in the Danube looking down high cliffs - Hugo Henneberg - c.1910 - via The British Museum

[apoemaday]

A Brave and Startling Truth

by Maya Angelou

We, this people, on a small and lonely planet Traveling through casual space Past aloof stars, across the way of indifferent suns To a destination where all signs tell us It is possible and imperative that we learn A brave and startling truth And when we come to it To the day of peacemaking When we release our fingers From fists of hostility And allow the pure air to cool our palms When we come to it When the curtain falls on the minstrel show of hate And faces sooted with scorn are scrubbed clean When battlefields and coliseum No longer rake our unique and particular sons and daughters Up with the bruised and bloody grass To lie in identical plots in foreign soil When the rapacious storming of the churches The screaming racket in the temples have ceased When the pennants are waving gaily When the banners of the world tremble Stoutly in the good, clean breeze When we come to it When we let the rifles fall from our shoulders And children dress their dolls in flags of truce When land mines of death have been removed And the aged can walk into evenings of peace When religious ritual is not perfumed By the incense of burning flesh And childhood dreams are not kicked awake By nightmares of abuse When we come to it Then we will confess that not the Pyramids With their stones set in mysterious perfection Nor the Gardens of Babylon Hanging as eternal beauty In our collective memory Not the Grand Canyon Kindled into delicious color By Western sunsets Nor the Danube, flowing its blue soul into Europe Not the sacred peak of Mount Fuji Stretching to the Rising Sun Neither Father Amazon nor Mother Mississippi who, without favor, Nurture all creatures in the depths and on the shores These are not the only wonders of the world When we come to it We, this people, on this minuscule and kithless globe Who reach daily for the bomb, the blade and the dagger Yet who petition in the dark for tokens of peace We, this people on this mote of matter In whose mouths abide cankerous words Which challenge our very existence Yet out of those same mouths Come songs of such exquisite sweetness That the heart falters in its labor And the body is quieted into awe We, this people, on this small and drifting planet Whose hands can strike with such abandon That in a twinkling, life is sapped from the living Yet those same hands can touch with such healing, irresistible tenderness That the haughty neck is happy to bow And the proud back is glad to bend Out of such chaos, of such contradiction We learn that we are neither devils nor divines When we come to it We, this people, on this wayward, floating body Created on this earth, of this earth Have the power to fashion for this earth A climate where every man and every woman Can live freely without sanctimonious piety Without crippling fear When we come to it We must confess that we are the possible We are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world That is when, and only when We come to it.

[seemoreandmore]

Danube Bend, Hungary, 1956.

[iamjapanese]

Hugo Henneberg（Austrian, 1863-1918）

A view of the bend in the Danube looking down high cliffs   1910  Colour woodcut    via

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Art: Nocturne in Blue: On Thin Ice by Leonard Koscianski, oil on canvas, 2020.

* * * *

A Brave and Startling Truth by Maya Angelou

We, this people, on a small and lonely planet Traveling through casual space Past aloof stars, across the way of indifferent suns To a destination where all signs tell us It is possible and imperative that we learn A brave and startling truth

And when we come to it To the day of peacemaking When we release our fingers From fists of hostility And allow the pure air to cool our palms

When we come to it When the curtain falls on the minstrel show of hate And faces sooted with scorn are scrubbed clean When battlefields and coliseum No longer rake our unique and particular sons and daughters Up with the bruised and bloody grass To lie in identical plots in foreign soil

When the rapacious storming of the churches The screaming racket in the temples have ceased When the pennants are waving gaily When the banners of the world tremble Stoutly in the good, clean breeze

When we come to it When we let the rifles fall from our shoulders And children dress their dolls in flags of truce When land mines of death have been removed And the aged can walk into evenings of peace When religious ritual is not perfumed By the incense of burning flesh And childhood dreams are not kicked awake By nightmares of abuse

When we come to it Then we will confess that not the Pyramids With their stones set in mysterious perfection Nor the Gardens of Babylon Hanging as eternal beauty In our collective memory Not the Grand Canyon Kindled into delicious color By Western sunsets

Nor the Danube, flowing its blue soul into Europe Not the sacred peak of Mount Fuji Stretching to the Rising Sun Neither Father Amazon nor Mother Mississippi who, without favor, Nurture all creatures in the depths and on the shores These are not the only wonders of the world

When we come to it We, this people, on this minuscule and kithless globe Who reach daily for the bomb, the blade and the dagger Yet who petition in the dark for tokens of peace We, this people on this mote of matter In whose mouths abide cankerous words Which challenge our very existence Yet out of those same mouths Come songs of such exquisite sweetness That the heart falters in its labor And the body is quieted into awe

We, this people, on this small and drifting planet Whose hands can strike with such abandon That in a twinkling, life is sapped from the living Yet those same hands can touch with such healing, irresistible tenderness That the haughty neck is happy to bow And the proud back is glad to bend Out of such chaos, of such contradiction We learn that we are neither devils nor divines

When we come to it We, this people, on this wayward, floating body Created on this earth, of this earth Have the power to fashion for this earth A climate where every man and every woman Can live freely without sanctimonious piety Without crippling fear

When we come to it We must confess that we are the possible We are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world That is when, and only when We come to it.

[mavcsoport]

Fav train?

Kedvenc vonat?

🇭🇺Nem illene favoritizálnunk járataink és járműveink között, de...

Z70-es, valamint Z72-es zónázó vonataink az ország legszebb tájain viszik önöket keresztül a Dunakanyarban korszerű FLIRT és KISS motorvonatainkkal, mely bejárásához ajánljuk Dunakanyar napijegyünket! További részletek itt!

🇬🇧It wouldn't be fair to pick favourites from our lines and vehicles, but...

Z70 and Z72 zoning trains take you through Hungary's most beautiful landscapes in the Danube Bend with our most modern FLIRT and KISS trains, for which we recommend our Dunakanyar day pass! Click here for details!

[budapestbug]

Szentendre, the gem of Danube Bend

[pavor-noctvrnvs]

ʙᴇʟᴀ ʜᴀᴍᴠᴀꜱ: [ᴏɴ ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏɴ]

Excerpt from the novel Karneval¹ by Béla Hamvas (Carnival, 1985)

¹ Karnevál (Carnival) is a novel written by the Hungarian philosopher, essayist and historian of religions Béla Hamvas. Written between 1948 and 1951 (Darabos 2002, III: 23), when its author was thrown out of his library job – courtesy of Georg Lukács – and lived literally like a hermit in the scenic town Szentendre in the Danube Bend, it remained in manuscript until 1985, when – still under Communist rule – it was published, with minimal censorial cuts. Though 1184 pages long in two volumes, the novel was sold out within days, becoming a treasure and hailed as the key novel of its time and place. Yet, until today, awareness about it outside Hungary is practically nil, and even inside it is more known about than read, let alone discussed.

From Permanent Liminality and Modernity - Analysing the Sacrificial Carnival through Novels by Arpad Szakolczai, 2016, London, Routledge

[alightinthelantern]

I watched 2001: A Space Odyssey today. It was an okay film, but not as good as people say. Visually dazzling but with a weak plot, it seemed more concerned with style than substance. The film is comprised entirely of very long scenes but a very small number of them, which I found odd and off-putting in its relentlessness. There should have been a mix of longer and shorter scenes for variety. The Blue Danube Waltz is a banal, cliché song and I was disappointed in its inclusion in the film’s soundtrack, but the rest of the music was better, including the strange voices that warble, murmur, and shriek whenever the monolith is onscreen. The film becomes incomprehensible in the last half-hour, once the guy reaches Jupiter and spacetime starts bending, so incomprehensible that I didn’t understand what was happening despite already knowing the plot beforehand. Overall I think the film is overrated.

[szabo-balazsbetti]

Hungary, Danube Bend

[veghelyicsaba]

Navigating Budapest: The Best Time to Explore the City with Private Car Service

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is a mesmerizing blend of stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're drawn to its iconic landmarks, soothing thermal baths, or buzzing nightlife, exploring Budapest is an experience like no other. While the city is enchanting year-round, choosing the best time to visit can greatly enhance your experience, especially when paired with the convenience of private car service. Let's delve into the seasons and reasons that make Budapest shine, and why having your private car service can elevate your adventure.

Spring: Blooming Beauty

Spring brings Budapest to life with blooming flowers, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. From late March to May, the city's parks, such as Margaret Island and City Park, burst into color, offering perfect settings for leisurely strolls or picnics. The iconic landmarks like Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion are more accessible without the large tourist crowds.

With a private car service, you can navigate the city with ease, exploring not just the main attractions but also hidden gems like the charming neighborhoods of Óbuda and the lesser-known Tabán district. Enjoy the freedom of creating your itinerary, hopping from one highlight to another, all while avoiding the hassle of public transport or the limitations of group tours.

Summer: Festive Atmosphere

Summer in Budapest is bustling with festivals, outdoor concerts, and lively street events. From June to August, the city's vibrant energy is palpable as locals and tourists alike bask in the warmth of the sun. The famous Sziget Festival in August draws music lovers from around the world, while the Danube Promenade becomes a hub for outdoor dining and riverside entertainment.

Having a private car service during the summer months ensures that you can beat the heat and the crowds. Arrive at your destinations comfortably and efficiently, whether it's exploring the historic Castle District or venturing out to the picturesque towns of Szentendre and Visegrád for a day trip.

Autumn: Cultural Delights

As the summer heat fades away, Budapest takes on a golden hue in autumn. From September to November, the city's cultural scene comes alive with art exhibitions, theater performances, and culinary festivals celebrating the harvest season. The weather remains pleasant, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like Gellért Hill and the sprawling City Park.

With a private car service, you can indulge in the city's cultural delights at your own pace. Visit the renowned museums such as the Hungarian National Gallery and the Museum of Fine Arts without worrying about transportation logistics. Take leisurely drives along the scenic Danube Bend or embark on a wine-tasting tour in the nearby Tokaj or Eger wine regions.

Winter: Magical Charm

Winter casts a magical spell over Budapest, especially with its enchanting Christmas markets and thermal baths offering warmth and relaxation. From December to February, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations adorning its streets and squares. Ice skating in City Park and savoring traditional Hungarian dishes at the Christmas markets are must-do activities.

Exploring Budapest in winter with a private car service adds an extra layer of comfort and convenience. Cruise along the illuminated Andrassy Avenue or enjoy panoramic views of the city from the comfort of your heated car. After a day of sightseeing, unwind in one of Budapest's famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért, without worrying about transport back to your accommodation.

Budapest captivates visitors with its timeless beauty and diverse attractions throughout the year. Whether you prefer the blooming landscapes of spring, the festive atmosphere of summer, the cultural delights of autumn, or the magical charm of winter, exploring the city with a private car service ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience. So, pick your preferred season, book your ride, and embark on a journey to discover the treasures of Budapest, one landmark at a time.Car Service Budapest - We offer door-to-door private transfers with sightseeing & tourist stop options between Budapest and Vienna, and across the Central-European area at best prices.

[silic0n0asis]

You firmly built alps! That

And you mildly glancing mountains, Where over the bushy slope The Black Forest rushes And the fir tree's curl Pours down pleasing odours And the Neckar

and the Danube! In summer the garden wafts About a loving fever, And the village's lindens, and where The black poplar blossoms And the white mulberry On a holy pasture,

And

You good cities! Not misshapen, mingled with The enemy, powerless

Which All at once it goes away And does not see death. But when

And Stuttgart, where A momentary one I might be allowed To lie buried, at the place Where the road Bends, and around the Weinstaig,

And the city's hubbub meet Itself once more down below on the level sward Quietly sounding among the apple trees

Of Tübingen where And in day's full glare Lightning flashes fall And the Spitzberg, resounding, yields Roman lore And pleasing odour

And Thill's valley, which

Friedrich Hölderlin, fragment, translated by Michael Hamburger

[savvytravelers]

Adventure Travel

Rivers of Wonder: A Journey into the World of River Cruises

Welcome aboard, fellow adventurers, to a world where waterways weave tales of wonder and adventure travel. Join us as we embark on a journey into the heart of river cruising, where every bend of the river unveils new landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Whether you're dreaming of serene waterside vistas or thrilling shore excursions, our Cruise Vacations promise to immerse you in a world of exploration and luxury.

Discovering the Magic of River Cruises

At Savvy Travelers, we believe that the true essence of travel lies in the journey itself. That's why we've partnered with AmaWaterways, a leader in river cruising, to bring you an unparalleled river cruising experience. Together, we invite you to step aboard our luxurious ships and set sail on a voyage of discovery.

Unveiling Hidden Gems

As the gentle currents carry us along, we'll uncover hidden gems nestled along the riverbanks. From charming medieval towns to vibrant cultural hubs, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of our world. Whether you're strolling through cobblestone streets or sampling local delicacies, every moment promises to be a treasure trove of memories.

Immersing in Culture and Cuisine

One of the joys of river cruising is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of each region we visit. Indulge your senses as you savor authentic flavors, attend captivating performances, and engage with local artisans. Whether it's a wine tasting in Bordeaux or a folklore show in Vienna, our carefully curated shore excursions ensure an enriching experience for all.

Sailing with Savvy Travelers

At Savvy Travelers, we understand that the journey is just as important as the destination. That's why we've partnered with AmaWaterways, renowned for their exceptional service and attention to detail. With our combined expertise, we're committed to providing you with a seamless and unforgettable travel experience from start to finish.

Embark on Your River Adventure Today

So why wait? Embark on your own river adventure with Savvy Travelers today. Whether you're seeking romance along the Danube or tranquility on the Mekong, we have the perfect itinerary to suit your wanderlust. Join us as we set sail on rivers of wonder, where every moment is a new discovery waiting to be made. Up to 5% depending on sailing and cabin category!

[doornkamp-blog]

COMPOSITION AND PATTERNS - CRANES AND A POWER STATION

Cruising down the Rive Danube is not an endless view of natural scenery. There are many industrial sites, all requiring the water and/or the transport that the river provides. So, how to get a good picture out of industrial eye-sores? The answer in this case was to wait for a balanced composition. It came as we passed this power station neatly placed between the downward-bending cranes. The…

[celestial1]

Before Sunrise

I am poet fifteen

my scattered pages stuck in the flotsam of a dream.

That night we wandered the streets of Vienna and nothing but

poetry dripped from our mouths, even as I tripped on the curb

and fell into your arms.

The houses sway and bend their faces together to

whisper secrets that drip down the walls like unfinished

paint.

In the dark, the angular windows and corners soften like

smoke trails from your cigar - 'I hate when you smoke'.

Careening around corners blackened by lamposts

we are just two souls and nothing matters.

We talk and we talk and drop breadcrumbs as we walk

into the Danube.

'What does water symbolise?' poets muse

for centuries: why does it matter? It's licking my ankles

and you're laughing like

the black hamstring of the sky wants to feel your breath on her

underside. A concave of the world is Vienna where

mockery crystalises and through the window the shadow

of a form

longs to excel at something.

I wonder why nobody ever said they were 'good' at love, that

always elusive negative space, trimmed by the light of cobblestones

which bounce the moonlight back at us.

Perhaps, that's not the point and love is an ever-striving, ever-

tightening piece of string, holding together

the pages of music so that bent corners are all we ever see

when the wind blows.