Cruise Day Five

Rain this morning, so just as well we had a ten minute bus ride to Melk Abbey and we were inside most of the morning. What a fantastic place! We had a guided tour. We have this flash arrangement where we all listen in to the guides on our phones and our own earpods. I was most amused at the people who held their phones up to their ears the whole time while standing right next to the guide.

Anyway, it was an opulent working monastery and school. They must make quite a lot of money for the flow of tourist boats from the river below was constant. It filled in a wet morning. The weather has been pretty useless, and I feel sorry for the Aussies (and other foreigners) who thought it was 'summer' in Europe in August and didn't pack jumpers and raincoats.

However, in the afternoon, it brightened up, and even got sunny and warm as we arrived in Dürnstein. (Richard the Lionheart was held captive in that castle at the top of the hill, apparently). And, for the first time, we were allowed on the top deck. It's been fenced off because we've been going under so many low bridges so far on this trip, the top 'sun deck' has been out of bounds. Just as well it hasn't been sunny!

We arrived at Dürnstein and it was a free afternoon to take a walk into the village. (8,442 steps). The e-bike trip was again cancelled - it was a bit windy, though I noticed that the other boat's e-bikes were out. The wee village was cute, full of shops selling apricot schnapps etc. though nothing tempted us.

Dinner with our usual crowd. The Aussies are just SO friendly and include everyone in their orbit. We met them all by chance on the first night, and they've just been so welcoming - they always make sure we're sitting with them. A couple of messy photos taken by the waiter included in the extra... but we're sensible, we don't go upstairs after dinner for more silliness - we must be getting old...

Vienna tommorrow!! A very full on day, including a special evening... watch this space.