Melking it

The sun peeked through the curtains this morning, urging us out of bed for a day of exploration along the Danube River. 

Our boat glided gently through the picturesque Wachau Valley, the mist clinging to the vineyards that terraced the rolling hills. After a hearty breakfast, we joined our fellow travellers for a fascinating excursion to Melk Abbey. (Jane was unwell and wasn't able to join us, today).

Founded in 1089 by Benedictine monks, Melk Abbey is a crowning jewel of Baroque architecture, having been extensively rebuilt in the early 1700s.

Our group was divided in two, each led on a captivating tour through the abbey's opulent Imperial Wing, now a museum showcasing its rich history. 

The Imperial Wing was where royalty would stay, when in Melk. It boasts a corridor over 600 feet long with guest room all along it. When the Empress Marie Therese would visit, her entourage would comprise over 200 people - hence the extensive accommodation.

The highlight for many was undoubtedly the library. Here, over 100,000 books and manuscripts whispered tales of the past, some dating back to the 13th century. This is the second library for the abbey as the first burnt down in 1297. (There was a second fire more recently, in 1974. This fire caused significant damage to the interior and artworks of the library, necessitating a lengthy restoration project, which is still underway).

Our guide, Sylvia, expertly navigated us through the halls, her knowledge and engaging delivery bringing the abbey's history to life. Though the abbey peaked at about 100 monks, and at the time of the reformation dropped to 2, it is now home to 22 monks and a public school for some 850 students.

(Note that photography was not permitted inside the building, so this picture of the library was taken from a postcard0.

Following the tour, we found ourselves in the awe-inspiring abbey church. This architectural masterpiece embodied the grandeur of the Ecclesiastical Baroque style, leaving us speechless (and, unfortunately, witnessing a few flashes despite the "No Photography" signs. Again, my picture is taken from a postcard). 

A refreshing Weissbier on the terrace with its breathtaking views provided a welcome respite. We then enjoyed a brisk stroll through the beautiful gardens before reluctantly rejoining the bus.

Melk Abbey was stunning. I would recommend it to anyone touring in this part of Austria.

Back on board, a light lunch fueled us for the return journey through the Wachau Valley. As we retraced our route, the sun beat down on the deck, occasionally punctuated by refreshing gusts of wind. Despite the contrasting elements, the afternoon unfolded beautifully.

The charming villages dotting the Danube's banks were a photographer's dream, and I couldn't resist capturing countless photos of the passing countryside. Jane came up on deck for the last 30 minutes, feeling a bit better, at last.

We docked at Krems at about 17:00. There is an excursion this evening but we have chosen not to participate. We met up with Jane and Trevor and were joined by Carol and Ian for dinner before retiring to the lounge for an hour or so to talk while listening to a traditional Oompah Band.