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Published: October 10th 2023
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Overnight we have changed countries. I have been up since 5:30 a.m. sitting in the lounge drinking coffee. The ceiling to floor windows reveal nothing in the dark unless we pass a populated area and there are lights on the shore. Occasionally the ship slows down as she passes under a bridge or next to another ship.
Sometimes the edge of the ship is very close to the bridge supports but we have an excellent captain who knows what he’s doing. I looked up once and was looking into a lighted room on another ship but no sign of anyone up.
Now it is 7:15 a.m. and starting to lighten up. I can now see houses on the shore. Soon we will be going up on the top deck to see the promised scenery of Wachou Valley in Austria. A full description to follow. I have to go get Anne up!
It was raining this morning but it very conveniently stopped when we were ready to go up on the sun deck. It is overcast and windy on deck but certainly worth it to get the best view of the river ahead. The Wachau Valley is famous for
rolling hills, vineyards and fortresses guarding the river. We glide past terraced hillside vineyards, small medieval towns each with its own unique church and occasional castle ruin. Low wispy clouds adorn the hillsides and float over the forests.
Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the castle above Durnstein. by Duke Leopold for insulting the Austrian flag.
Benedictine Gottweig Abbey is our destination for today with its distinct rainbow interior and exterior. Gottweig was built in the 11th century, burned several times but persistently rebuilt. There are 26 hectares of vineyards tended by 40 monks who have 700 years of experience in making wines including grape and apricot wines.
What a wonderful visit to the monastery! Beautiful church and grounds. With the abbey being on the tallest hill they have a spectacular view of the entire Wachau Valley. In the lower church is the tomb of the founder Bishop Altmann with the holy reliquary holding his skull. There is much gold leaf throughout the church. The Imperial stairway is crowned with one of the largest and most spectacollar frescoes in the world. The highlight was a class on making an apricot dumpling at the end of which we
all were served a delicious apricot dumpling sitting in apricot preserves. Yum, yum, yum!
On our journey towards Vienna we have passed through two locks going steadily downwards towards Budapest. The locks are humongous and if you could see our ship you’d understand why. It is longer than a U.S. football field.
Apple strudel making was on the menu after our return from Göttweig Abbey. The chef demonstrated how to assemble an apple strudel. I don’t think I’ll be making this any time soon! However we were served high tea with a three layer serving tray filled with tiny sandwiches and sweets. On top of that, along came a scone to be spread with whipped cream and apricot jam. Then a nice slice of apple strudel swimming in a sweet cream. Say goodby to any thought of a big dinner tonight.
Afternoon entertainment was a professional ballroom dancing couple who were here to teach those willing how to waltz. First they performed and then brave couples came forward to learn the steps to the Viennese waltz. It was lots of fun to watch, especially the men learning how to glide instead of doing the high step.
Topping the evening was a bus ride to the city centre for a Mozart and Strauss Concert in a historic venue. The period comes to life as costumed singers and dancers took the stage. The female singer reminded of Sarah Brightman with her magnificent voice. And it wasn’t a boring classical orchestra performance as humour was added.
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Valerie
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Pictures
Not being sunny made the photos so clear and great colour . Glad you are having such a wonderful time