A Steam Voyage down the Danube, Volume 1

Soon after daybreak (October 9) our men were at their oars, which they plied with a degree of vigour and determination very different indeed from the annoying and invincible indolence of my Wallachian acquaintances. The morning was sunny and cheerful; but the banks of the Danube no longer presented any scenery worth observation. The Balkans had altogether vanished from our view, and there was not a hill, or even an eminence of any kind to be seen.

My breakfast consisted of a piece of excellent brown bread, and some dried curds, which I afterwards often found in Turkey and Greece, as a substitute for cheese. The captain, perceiving that I had brought no provisions with me, seemed pleased to perform for me all the duties of a host; placing near me a wooden bowl, filled with curds, a brown loaf, and a wooden canteen replenished with wine. I preferred, however, the pure element below, whenever I had occasion for it. To be sure, this frugal fare was a change from the well-served board of the steamer; but I consoled myself by thinking, that good living was not always conducive to health, and that a fast now and then is among the best prescriptions which a doctor can furnish.