Today we had a leisurely day floating on the river, stopping at the charming town of Weibenkirchen in the Wachau Valley. This medieval town is a very prosperous due to the grapes grown for its special wine, with storybook houses and a fortified church complex. It boasts the oldest elementary school still in its original building.
As you walk around, it feels like you are at Disney World showcasing a charming Alpine village, not a real place. The houses are all painted perfectly, most with bowers of flowers in front of the windows. The streets curve just right and are immaculate.
As we slowly meander on the Danube, you see vineyards up the hills, but mainly one castle or cloister after another.
Now, we are on our way to Melk in the Wachau Valley in Austria, noted for its large Abbey, which is also a Benedictine school. Our guide was a young women who was a recent graduate. Additionally, the Abbey offers worship services, cultural events, exhibitions and a library. Since 1089, the monks have been living and working in the Abbey uninterrupted. Originally a castle, it was gifted to the Benedictines in the 11th century. It is also home to some of the most important medieval manuscripts.
It was a relaxing day today with only two stops. We are heading to Linz and Cesky Krumlov overnight, with at least one lock to get from the lower Danube to the upper Danube. The first one will be in the evening and we are looking forward to experiencing how this long ship fares in the lock.