I was not prepared for how big is the city, although as the capital of Austria, I should have known. It is a bustling metropolis as well the home of great music and art.
In the evening we attended a live concert of selections from Mozart and Strauss, including, of course, the Blue Danube Waltz. The ensemble was top-notch, as the organization has just been named the official chamber orchestra of Austria.
The weather has been beautiful and we hope it continues. So, more to come!
Day Four - Melk
Our ship sailed just after midnight, again heading upstream from Vienna toward the village of Melk.
On the way, we passed through the Wachau Valley, one of the most scenic spots on the Danube. The weather was beautiful so we were able to sit on the top outside deck to watch the scenery roll by. Villages, castles, ruins, vineyards, were the main attractions.
At lunch, the ship's chef and crew put together an outdoor picnic of Austrian specialties, including sausages, warm pate sandwiches, potato salad and strudel rolls.
After lunch we took a short bus ride to the Melk Abby -- a Benedictine monastery built over two hundred years ago formerly as the palace of the ruling Austrian family before the Hapsburg ruling family took over. The abbey was turned over to the Benedictines who made it one of the most progressive sites in Austria. During a forty year period the buildings were rebuilt in a lavish baroque style -- ornate, yet beautiful.
At 4:00 p.m. our ship again set sail, this time for Passau, which we will see tomorrow.
(Internet connection is very poor, so these blog posts may come sporadically.)
