Translation of parting in German

It was better to avoid this city at the moment, although it is supposed to be one of the more beautiful ones in the entire region. It is considered historic, beautiful and a culturally important city.
They were floating in self made tubs and rowed with sticks. When they reached our boat they tried to sell us beverage. We vigorously denied them access to our boat. It just did not help.
We arrived at the airport two hours prior to our flight with no seat guaranteed. As these are local flights, the counters open just 1 hour before take-off. The alternative root would be by bus.