Melk Abbey and
Danube River Cruise
Day 6
"The past is malleable and flexible, changing as our recollection interprets and re-explains what has happened."
~ Peter L. Berger
We were only permitted to take pictures of the exterior, which was certainly impressive enough. But it was the library that really had my jaw dropping. If you imagine Belle when the Beast gives her the library, that's pretty much what I felt like.
While the abbey was founded in 1089, the current building dates to the 1700s. In addition to the religious order, the abbey is also home to the oldest continuously-operating school in Austria.
The Abbey reigns high over the town of Melk and the Danube River beyond. The gardens are as much worth exploring as the abbey itself.
These beautiful people in the Melk Abbey courtyard are my parents.
(Photo credit: Jackie Pearlman)
The ship had a lovely food service. Mom had coffee and an ice cream.
I had, predictably, a beer.
After our visit to Melk Abbey, we boarded a river boat for a cruise up the Danube. It's not really blue, so Strauss lied. (Although in his defense, it might have been blue 150 years ago.) River color aside, it was certainly a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
They wouldn't let me drive.
The river is dotted with scenic towns and plenty of vineyards. It was so tempting get off at every stop and explore every charming town... or at least, it would have been, if Vienna weren't the next destination!
