Tour Leader’s Blog

Walking in Salzburg this morning, Christine Shantz was excited to see the fountain, the row of trees and other street scenes and buildings that were included in the Sound of Music film. You could almost hear the music of the children singing (The hills are alive with the sound of music).

Our group really enjoyed our stops in Austria, especially Vienna and Salzburg. With the city tours, having the opportunity to attend a classical concert in Vienna and having young Austrians come on our ship to sing and play for us, Mozart became alive in these settings.

Today on the coach tour from Linz to Salzburg, the sun was shinning and the colors were spectacular - especially the yellows and reds. Lorne Smith’s enthusiasm was contagious. When he would say, “Harry, look over there at that field of sugar beets,” everyone would look. Many photos were taken of fantastic scenery. The Austrian landscape with upper Austrian and Tirolian buildings makes great pictures.

Tomorrow we will arrive in our last country of Germany. In Passau we are looking forward to a noon-hour organ concert in the cathedral. Because this is Bavarian country, we were told we will enjoy a Bavarian lunch. Will it include sauerkraut?

~ Wilmer Martin

A beautiful day of sunshine gave us a warm and friendly welcome for our visit to the capital city of Slovakia.

As we cruised all morning, we were impressed by the fertile land on both sides of the Danube. Harry Lewis was constantly on the upper deck watching the action of the farmers and our captain. Traveling through the Gabcikovo Lock was impressive.

Our city guide in Bratislava was very knowledgeable, spoke good English and had a unique sense of humor. In our reflection as a group, we thought perhaps her humor came from growing up under Communism.

After our city tour to the Bratislava Castle and walk through the Old City, our group gathered for sharing and reflection. We were impressed with the friendliness of the people, the cleanliness of the city, the beauty of the buildings and the obvious growth of this small country.

We also sensed a restlessness from our guide. She is thankful for the change that has happened over the last 15 years since they no longer live under Communism, but the change is not fast enough.

Like Vienna (only 35 miles away) music plays an important role in the life of the people. After our evening meal, we enjoyed a delightful live performance by the Pressburger Duo using their voices, at least eight instruments and their humor. What a wonderful introduction for our visit to Vienna tomorrow!

~ Wilmer Martin

Our Enchanting Danube River Cruise began in the beautiful city of Budapest, Hungary. The new ship, the River Beatrice, will be our home for the next eight days. Yesterday when we arrived, it was parked on the Danube close to the beautiful Chain Bridge under the well-lit historic Buda Castle on the hill. Many pictures were taken from the top deck.

George Burmeister, TourMagination’s most frequent traveler, arrived without his luggage. They assured him it will arrive today.

We are all excited to travel this most scenic section of the Danube through the four countries of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany on our journey, ending in Passau.

Ingrid, our cruise coordinator, told us we are blessed to have beautiful weather this week. We are grateful!!

~ Wilmer Martin

Last evening TourMagination friends and alumni gathered at the beautiful Conrad Grebel University College Atrium to celebrate TourMagination’s 40th Anniversary and the launch of my book, Building Bridges.

It was a wonderful evening hosted by Henry Paetkau, President of Conrad Grebel. Henry welcomed everyone and then invited persons to join Leonora and him on their June tour to Israel/Palestine and the Oberammerau passion play. A table displayed items from Israel/Palestine and had brochures for this tour. As well, there was some mid-eastern food on the buffet table.

I spoke briefly about TourMagination’s 40th anniversary and my book, Building Bridges, a collection of meditations I gave while leading tour groups and then I shared a story from the book.

Marilyn Harder won the the door prize - a $400 deposit on a tour of her choice in 2010 - when her name was drawn.

What a wonderful way to launch my book, Building Bridges, and our 40th anniversary year surrounded by friends and Alumni!

This afternoon I am off with a tour group to Budapest and our Enchanting Danube River Cruise. Read our blogs from the Danube and follow our tour. Also watch our coming events announcements of other book signings being held over the next year.

~ Wilmer Martin

Please join us this Friday, October 23, for the launch of my book of meditations, Building Bridges, and to celebrate TourMagination’s 40th anniversary. The reception will be held in the Atrium at Conrad Grebel University College between 7 and 9 p.m. The evening will be hosted by Henry Paetkau, president of Conrad Grebel, who will be leading a tour to Israel/Palestine and Oberammergau with TourMagination in 2010. I hope to see you there.

- Wilmer Martin