We had 2 optional excursions, both of which involved a bus ride. Pauline and I opted to do the trip to Pecs (pronounced Petch)which has a church, organ recital, world heritage archaeological site and pretty town. Mike opted to chill out on the boat. 

The boat is very low in the water and we needed ropes to assist us up the gangway. It was extremely tricky getting back down.

At the top we had to walk across railway tracks to the buses. This industrial port is not picturesque. 

I slept most of the way to Pecs and arrived to find a very pretty town.

We walked first to the Basilica of St John and St Paul.

It’s typically beautiful inside with lovely hand painted walls that look like wallpaper.

We got an organ recital. Good acoustics but not the best organist I’ve ever heard, but certainly not average either. 

We then went on to the Roman archaeological site where there are some tombs that are well preserved, including some with painted frescoes. The group was too big to all visit those unfortunately and the other parts just look like rocks. 

Then we walked to the main square and shops.  Pauline and I found an excellent shop for some retail therapy at good prices. I got some cream shorts and 2 cornflower blue tops. Pauline got similar cream shorts. 

When we returned to the ship there was an unscheduled meeting which we knew meant trouble. Sure enough, the river level is too low so we are not sailing to Budapest. Rather we will all be bused there in the morning. Those that have early connections get bused this afternoon and will overnight at the Marriott (which is where Mike and I are staying tomorrow night.)   It’s disappointing but not surprising and we are all glad to have got this far. 

I’m really concerned for my friend Barbara as she and her daughter are supposed to be on an Avalon cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam starting on Friday. At least Budapest is upstream but if there’s no rain in the next few days (and it’s not looking good) they may be travelling by bus!