Day 11 – Krems; Wandering the old Cobblestone Streets

15 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Austria, Krems, River Cruising, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized

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Cobble Stone Streets, Flowering Horse Chestnuts, Krems, Melk Abbey, St Vitus Church, UNESCO, Wachau Valley, Wisteria

Magnificent Melk Abbey, Austria.

After a wonderful morning spent exploring the magnificent Melk Abbey D.B. and I had walked down from the hill overlooking the little township and then back towards the river through the little shopping precinct. We had stopped to browse and buy a couple of souvenirs along the way.

Melk Abbey sits on a rocky outcrop in Austria.

Soon back on board our longship, the Viking Tor, we set sail towards Vienna in the early afternoon. We were now passing through the emerald green landscape of the UNESCO protected Wachau Valley.

Emerald Green Wachau Valley, Austria.

The valley itself is famous for its rolling hills, old monasteries, castle ruins and fertile grape growing soils. We spent much of the early afternoon just relaxing on the lovely glassed-in aquavit terrace of our riverboat, enjoying the scenery of this wonderful picturesque countryside as we sampled a glass or two of the local produce.

Viking Tor tied up at Krems, Austria.

By about mid-afternoon we’d tied up in a little riverside township called Krems (population about 23,000).

Krems, Austria.

Dearly beloved D.B. and I decided we’d like to do a little bit of exploring on our own this time rather than joining the optional winery tour group.

Spotting a smart little red and green sightseeing train, we thought we might be able to get some bearings on this little place by boarding it for a short tour around the small township. Unfortunately it was already 4.00 p.m. and the train was in fact returning from its final run for the day. D.B. decided to have a bit of a chat to the rather friendly local train driver while I encouraged them both to pose for the camera. D.B. being in a teaching frame of mind, decided to give the friendly local train driver some good old Aussie lessons on how to signal a thumbs up! It made for a fun photo anyway.

Red and Green Sightseeing Train, Krems, Austria.

D.B. and I then continued on our way, exploring the beautiful old cobblestone streets in pretty little Krems on foot.

As we wandered around we saw;

The cobblestoned streets of the old town area.

Some long avenues of flowering horse chestnut trees.

A most beautiful rambling wisteria.

The Pfarrkirche or Parish Church of St Vitus.

The Dreifaltigkeitssaule or Holy Trinity Column dating from 1738.

A delightful old vine-covered building.

Nicely renovated little frontages to very old homes with showy little flower boxes to attract attention.

And lastly some beautiful purple bearded iris.

After about an hour or two spent just wandering we ambled back to the comfort of our ever comfortable floating hotel for yet another sumptuous dinner. Life on board was so relaxed and carefree. Not even a bed to make come morning. D.B. and I just wish we had someone to spoil us like this all the time!

Dining Room onboard Viking Tor.

Here are some video links to see more of the beautiful Golden Wachau Valley and Krems:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1qJDBTxFj8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4sD6IjgH4k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_1yGmvcDZk

Day 11 – Melk; And a Most Magnificent Benedictine Abbey. (kidazzleink.com)
Melk Abbey Infinite (likeitiz.wordpress.com)
https://www.pinterest.com/aleksandralukac/a-u-s-t-r-i-a/

Day 9 – Regensburg, Germany – Famous for its 900 year old Sausage Kitchen.

30 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Germany, Regensburg, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

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Bavaria, Black Forest, Danube, Germany, Regensburg, Stone Bridge, UNESCO, World Heritage Site

Regensburg is sometimes also known as Ratisbon or even Ratisbonna – both were evidently among the early Celtic names given to this little township in around the 1^st Century A.D.

Sailing towards Regensburg, Germany

It was a big day for us. It it was probably going to be our very last day in Germany for many, many years. Later tonight we would sail across the German border into Austria.

But as you all probably know by now, I do so truly love the land of the Peridot green valleys and the Tiffany blue lakes (Austria that is).

Despite this, I wanted to make the most of our last day and truly relish in this opportunity to explore yet another beautiful German city we’d never seen before.

Armed with my trusty D7000 and our knowledgeable, but young info-walk guide, I was determined to get the very best photos I could in this pretty city.

Outside Portia Praetoria, Regensburg, Germany.

According to one famous British architect, Lord Norman Foster, Regensburg, Germany, (Population about 140,000) is actually one of the most beautiful, and historic cities in the world. Sitting right on the banks of the Danube and Regens Rivers; just a little west of the Black Forest in Germany, it is historically abundant. The city showcases many old buildings and “centuries old’ architectural styles. Some buildings even date back to the Stone Age (around 90 A.D.)

Wandering around Regensburg’s cobbled streets, in Germany.

Unlike Nuremberg (which we visited yesterday), Regensburg was left relatively untouched by the World War 2 bombing raids. But it is of course another UNESCO World Heritage Listed City due to its many irreplaceable treasures. As such it provides significant windows into Germany’s architectural and historical richness…….a city that has survived many of Germany’s early conflicts.

St Peter’s Dom, Regensburg, Germany.

Inside the Dom, Regensburg

All of the early architecture is still there, Romanesque, Roccoco, Gothic. There’s even a very early Roman wall and a reproduction temple built to honour of the Parthenon in Greece. The latter, called Walhalla is evidently some 15 kilometres to the east of Regensburg; it sits in a little place called Donaustuaf. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see it. I think I would have loved to visit but maybe there is good reason why we didn’t.

I’ve been told, Regensburg lays claim to the oldest sausage kitchen in the world (some 900 years old in fact). Dating back to about the 12th Century A.D., people still throng to its rustic ambiance. They sit on basic wooden bench seats watching the Danube pass them by as they chat about the treasures cacooned within the area. And they enjoy sampling the deliciously spicy German fried sausages with caraway seed rolls, homemade sauerkraut and mustard. Yummm

Old Sausge Kitchen, Regensburg, Germany.

But Viking were indeed keeping us very well fed during this wonderful river cruise. I have to say there were always delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners; smallish servings on the whole, but so many courses meant we were unable to squeeze in even a another morsel…not even a mouthful of sauerkraut, let alone a whole sausage meal, complimented by a caraway roll and other condiments to boot. Sadly our very sated tums meant we had to leave the sampling of such tasty age-old morsels to all of the other hungry visitors to Regensburg that day!

As we wandered along the banks of the Danube, we came to Regensburg’s old, arching stone bridge. It was evidently the very first stone Bridge to cross the banks of the Danube in Germany…..so old indeed, that it has seen the knights of the 2^nd and 3^rd Crusades trotting across its structure on their trusty steeds way back in about the 12^th Century A.D.

And I must say that the view from the bridge was really beautiful…..there were historical regional city views with Cathedral spires in one direction, busy river boat and water views in another and there were even some small wilderness areas on the other side.

Regensburg, Germany, taken from the old stone bridge across the Danube.

The Danube River, Regensburg, Germany.

Greenery seen from the bridge in Regensburg, Germany.

We visited so many places that afternoon on our short 1- 2 hour info-walk.

I more than most it would seem!!!

Between all of the historic buildings, knowing it was our last day in Germany, and with my very deep-seated desire to take the best photos I possibly could…….. it turned out to be a rather more eventful afternoon than we’d intended!!

Ah but that’s another German “tale” altogether! Germany’s simply full of all sorts of German tales I believe. Must be something to do with a tradition of the fairy tales and the Grimm Brothers perhaps!

Another view from the old stone brige, Regensburg, Germany.

Traditional clothing for sale, Regensburg, Germany.

Mozart with a tourist, Rergensburg, Germany.

David and Goliath Mural, Regensburg, Germany.

“Dr Bear” outside of a medical centre, Regensburg, Germany.

Cute little garden gnomes, Regensburg, Germany

Can you believe it though? The continuing story has something to do with some Magic Gnomes having to return a rather lost Viking tourist to a very worried husband and her tour group! But more of that intriguing little tale next time! Please don’t worry ….. all good fairy tales tend to have happy endings these days!

Day 5 – Miltenberg on the Main River in Lower Franconia, Barvaria

04 Friday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Germany, Miltenberg, River Cruising, Travelling in Europe, Uncategorized

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

Castles, Germany, Grimm Brothers, Lower Franconia, Middle Rhine, Miltenberg, Rhine, UNESCO, Viking, World Heritage Site

D.B. and I in Miltenberg, Germany

After leaving the splendour of yesterday’s Castles in the Middle Rhine Area of Germany, we’d sailed on into the night.

By early morning we’d found ourselves passing through the small villages and vineyards of Bavaria in Lower Franconia.

We were now in the second river of our Grand European Journey…. the Main River.

A great light-hearted little read about Germany

With some free time to ourselves, before we reached our next scheduled UNESCO World Heritage destination of Miltenberg, we’d decided to take advantage of a relaxing opportunity to just kick back and enjoy some time to ourselves.

We wanted to mellow into this most magnificent holiday; after all we were totally enjoying our new home-away-from-home on Longship Tor. We were also enjoying being pampered and spoilt; it was truly so lovely not having to do anything for yourself…..well not very much for ourselves anyway!

This must be the most luxurious way to Journey through Europe!

To wile away a few hours this morning I’d chosen to spend time reading. I’d recently picked up a very light-hearted, yet humorous little book on modern-day Germany entitled “Those Crazy Germans” by Steven Somers.

It filled in a couple of hours nicely (actually triggered several lively conversations and a few hearty chuckles along the way)….Really it did help me to start to differentiate the “bergs” from the “burgs”; it developed my understanding of tipping and even clarified the appropriate etiquette for eating out at a local German tavern.

It also did a great job of acquainting me with some of the other less-well-known cultural aspects of every day life in today’s Germany.

As the morning passed, it was also delightful just watching the river and all of the little Bavarian villages pass by; lovely to see the green of the countryside in all of its new Spring leaf and most enjoyable to take photographs of yet another new day.

A swan on the Main River in Germany

I loved watching the graceful, white swans as they swam just out from our stateroom windows.

I recall there seemed to be so many beautiful white swans; they were on all of the rivers throughout Europe and most wonderful to look at. I could have sat and watched them for hours if I’d had time.

But the morning soon disappeared and we were again off and away to sightsee and explore.

We spent the afternoon in an absolutely delightful township called Miltenberg (population about 10,000).

It was just magical.

Coming from Australia we’d never seen a township with so much history or so many traditional medieval buildings before. Initially I thought them to be some sort of Tudor architectural style but I was quickly corrected.

After all Tudor is English….most definitely not German.

Out and about in Miltenberg Germany

Metal sculptures outside a shop in Miltenberg, Germany

Fachwerk Architectural Style, Miltenberg, Germany

Scarf shopping Miltenberg, Germany

More of the "Fachwerk" Architectural style in Miltenberg, Germany.

Main street in Miltenberg, Germany.

They are, in fact, great examples of what is known as the “Fachwerk” architectural style.

Though do be most careful how you say that. It’s a little tricky for the English speaker and should always be pronounced with the very guttural European tone. (Please remember…. it’s not to be confused with any sort of poor English enunciation!)

Actually many people, including the helpful Viking team, just seem to call it the half-timbered façade style.

Whatever you prefer to call it, I found Miltenberg a most magical little village. It was filled with the kind of charm, architecture and history that we just don’t have in our land down under…… in Australia.

Once again I found myself thinking that perhaps Walt Disney or one of those Grimm’s brothers might just materialize as we were rounding a medieval corner or passing one of those very traditional timber doorways in this amazing little place.

Beautiful old doorway with flood levels on wall beside, in Miltenberg,Germany

One very old cottage in particular reminded me so much of that Fairy Tale about Hansel and Gretel. Take a look…isn’t it just so charming. I do so love, love, love it!

Charming old cottage in Miltenberg, Germany

After our educational Viking info-walk, looking at the culture and history of Miltenberg and the Lower Franconian region in general, we’d had some free time to explore on our own.

Dearly Beloved (D.B.) had been hoping for some yummy traditional Apple Strudel. How could we possibly eat any more I questioned?

D.B. outside the cafe that sold the longed for Apple Struedel

Somehow I recall I managed to talk him into a pleasant little uphill stroll to explore the scenic views from up on high at the Miltenberg Castle.

Like all castles it was perched on one of the highest points overlooking the little township. The views were breathtaking and so well worth the slightly strenuous walk uphill to see them.

Through the tunnel and up the hill to the castle, Miltenberg, Germany

The path to the castle in Miltenberg, Germany

Flowers in our travels around Miltenberg, Germany.

The view from the Miltenberg Castle, Germany

D.B. and I with the view of Miltenberg, Germany in the background

HAVE A LOOK AT THESE OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS OF CASTLES ALONG THE MIDDLE RHINE ON THE LOVELY ADINPARADISE BLOG – IT TOO HAS A GALLERY OF BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS SHOWING MANY OF THE CASTLES FOUND IN THIS AREA:

Just click on this link http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/2013/08/23/thanks-for-the-memory-castles-on-the-rhine/ and it will take you there.

OR MAYBE CHECK OUT THESE OTHER INTERESTING BLOGS ABOUT THE MIDDLE RHINE AND MILTENBERG:

12th September – Middle Rhine to Miltenberg (laurencewesley55.wordpress.com)
Miltenberg, Germany (neitherbeernorthere.wordpress.com)
Castles and Vineyards Along the Rhine (innovationthroughexploration.wordpress.com)

And thanks for dropping by my Blog.

Day One: Viking Grand European Tour: A Diamond Day

18 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Budapest, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

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A Diamond Day, Amsterdam, Budapest, Grand European Tour, UNESCO, Viking Rive Cruise

Greenery on Viking Tor

The sparkling brilliance of this long-awaited day had been radiating through our veins long before the sun’s first golden rays had even filtered through the early morning cloud.

To say we were excited by the wonderful experiences that lay ahead would certainly be an understatement.

Today we’d be leaving Amsterdam; heading off on our 15 night “dream of a lifetime” European River Cruise.

We were going to be travelling on one of Viking’s newest Longships, the “VIKING TOR”.

This comfortable ship was about to become our new “home-away-from-home.” It would transport us in complete luxury through 5 different European countries (Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary), 3 major rivers (the Rhine, the Main and the Danube) and through many, many significant historical sites.

By nightfall…we would “OFF AND AWAY.”

Before leaving our hotel in Amsterdam, we sourced some last minute information regarding Tor’s whereabouts from the ever helpful Viking crew (I’d have to say that Viking were always very helpful).

We excitedly packed the last of our (way too many) belongings, ate a yummy continental breakfast in the Holiday Inn Express Hotel lobby (these breakfasts had been light but oh so tasty and oh so conveniently included in our accommodation price over the past few days).

Once everything was finalized, we piled into a taxi with all of our paraphernalia and sped off towards the IJ, which, of course is the name of that very large body of water right in the centre of Amsterdam City, around which all of the smaller canals in Amsterdam are interwoven.

Viking Longships in the IJ.

Truly, I mean it when I say some days are diamonds! And for the two of us this was truly one of them….right up there with the very best of the best….probably surpassed only by those other really major events in one’s life such as births, weddings, graduations etc.

Our mood was certainly upbeat. Our minds were abuzz with wildly racing and blissful thoughts as we anticipated the beautiful days about to unfold…a whole delightful 15 of them in all.

As we drove along in our Taxi, we found ourselves pondering what might lay ahead. I recall our prattle may have gone something like this:

“Hey, I wonder if our room will be ready when we get there?”

“I don’t know…sure hope so. It certainly would be just great to get everything sorted so we can then sit back and really enjoy the rest of the day.”

“It’ll sure be good to find a home for all of this luggage and STUFF we’ve been lugging around.”

“Do you think the Longships can be as comfortable and agreeable as they appear to be in those ‘oh so glossy travel brochures’… You know, like the ones we were given by those Viking Reps back home?”

“You know, I think they will be..…they sure appear to be comfy and they look really good in the Viking videos I must say.”

“I wonder what our longship crew will be like?”

Somehow I just think this’ll be really memorable experience? At the very least I’m sure looking forward to seeing all this culture and history throughout Europe… You know, we’ve come so far to do this and we just don’t have anything like it back home in Australia do we?”

“No we don’t. We’ll have to make the most of it while we’re here.”

“I’m actually getting hungry again. I wonder what delicious morsels they might offer us for lunch today.”

“Well so long as it’s all tasty I don’t think I really care. It’s just going to be sooo good to have someone else getting it all prepared…..instead of me having to do it all!”

“Yes I’m really looking forward to just sitting back……it’ll be great to be spoilt for a change!”

Viking Tor Reception

All in all, I seem to recall that our check-in procedures that day turned out to be TOTALLY EFFORTLESS on our part.

There was a lovely pesto chicken and salad lunch at the ready, with all of the freshest of greens plus breads and rolls laid out in convivial buffet style to greet us up on the Aquavit Terrace. With views overlooking the Amsterdam IJ, we topped off our lovely lunch with a couple of complimentary glasses of chilled chardonnay.

Oh my what a day. And here’s to the Viking crew was all I could say!

Viking Tor downstairs lounge area

Viking Tor Lobby Area

The ambiant décor was so pleasing and our Longship was certainly comfortable. It was actually rather refined and stylish and all soooo new…You could literally still smell the paint drying on the walls and the newness of the carpets under foot. We were both on cloud nine and we knew we were going to have the most amazing time. Our room wasn’t quite ready but our luggage was already checked and long forgotten! Time now just to sit back and enjoy.

Viking Tor main lounge

Amsterdam – Last of the tulips

A Day in Salzburg – “Salt Castle”

16 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Austria, Salzburg, Uncategorized

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Austria, Mozart, Mozartkugel, Salzach, Salzburg, Sound of Music, UNESCO, World Heritage Site

Mozart Chocolate Shop in Salzburg

Salzburg (which can be translated as “Salt Castle”) is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city to visit in Austria. We found it was brim full of things to see and do; so many in fact, that we couldn’t possibly have done them all in just the one day we had set aside for our visit. There were beautiful gardens in spring bloom, castles, palaces, cathedrals and bus tours.

Spring colour

Being Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg continues to hold a very special notoriety in operatic history. Perched majestically on the Salzach River it was evidently originally named after the salt barges that used to carry salt along the river and its tributaries back in the 8th century.

Home beside the Salzach River

It is also well known as the city where the Sound of Music was filmed back in the 1960’s. There are even sightseeing tours that pay tribute to the film makers and explore the beautiful landscapes where the movie was originally filmed.

On the lake

While there, my better half and I took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Old Town Area along with Mozart’s childhood home. We also enjoyed a city bus tour and visited some of the gardens.

Interesting Bloom – not sure of its name

I must say we were very, very tempted by the incredible looking Mozart chocolate shop but (on this particular day at least) we managed to exercise some significant willpower and refrain from giving in to the chocolate temptation!