Overnight we cruised from Vienna to Durnstein. We spent a few hours in Durnstein (pop 800) famous for the fact that King Richard the lion heart was held captive in the castle for 12 months. It also marks the start of the Wachu Valley, the wine producing area of Austria. The weather is beautiful, sunny skies and mid 20s. As we cruise to Melk we are up on deck drinking Apricot daiquiris and the local wine. Shortly after lunch we arrive at Melk, the major attraction being a Benedictine Monastery. The monastery is unbelievable. It still has 30 monks in residence and has a school for 900 students. The church is baroque and way over the top but incredible. We attend an organ recital in the church and the organ is powerful. As we head back to the ship the weather has turned and we are expecting rain and a maximum of 9 degrees tomorrow. Hopefully it will pass and we can still have good weather. It starts to rain during dinner and it does not look good for tomorrow. After dinner we head off to the lounge for a coffee. There is a liar’s game and we get roped in. Out of 4 attempts we get one right – but we stick with Mr “D” the hotel manager because he has such good stories. Even though we know his last one is a lie we stick with him. He was so pleased he tells the bar to give us a free drink. He then comes over and we talk for another 45 mins. Another great night.
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Waking at Durnstein to a beautiful crisp Spring morning. Blue skies and so very quiet.
Walking into the tiny village, we pass through vineyards and farm plots.
Little cobblestone lanes and very old buildings, but a beautiful church with a blue tower.
Sailed through the Wanchau valley, daquaris in hand. Beautiful blue skies, you could see the jet streams of the many aeroplanes etching across the sky.
At Melk we walked to the abbey, John got to hold the tour paddle this time.
The abbey is a huge complex, the boys engage in a conversation about the building of the structure. Each having thoughts on how they managed to guage levels.
Inside the abbey, the library was immense and had special nooks to read with natural light.
The organ in the chapel was huge and you could feel the vibration through your feet.
Walked back through the local village to the Pearl, ready for another relaxing evening.
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