I Won!

 

On a cold and snowy day we

visited the beautiful city of

Salzburg, Austria.

 

 

We were taking a river cruise on

 the Viking Sky, traveling along the

Danube and visiting the Christmas

Markets from Budapest to Passau.

 

 

We strolled through the lovely city,

stopping for hot cocoa and pastries

to warm up.

 

 

Of course, we spent a lot of

time at the Christmas Markets.

 

 

And that is where I took this photo of

 the beautiful glass ornaments. 

 

This photo just won the Viking River

Cruises Holiday Card Photo Contest.

What fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salzburg, Austria

Market Day in Salzburg

Thursday is Market Day in Salzburg,

the residents are out and about,

buying their fruits and veggies and flowers.

After touring the city we pop into the church,

to admire the beauty

and to warm up a bit.

Since it is Market Day in Salzburg, we head over to the Christmas Market.

While shopping we have some hot chocolate with schlagg that is as thick as pudding.

We must remember to buy some Mozart Balls, a delicious confection

of marzipan and dark chocolate.

This looks like a lovely place to pop into for some

 schnitzel mit noodles.

Durnstein and Melk, Austria

Country Village Life Along the Danube

Dateline: Durnstein, Austria

Today this tiny village set among the rocky coast of the Danube experienced an American invasion.  It was only for an hour, as the invaders needed to return to their ship for lunch.

It was an icy climb up to the village.

This is a lovely, sleepy village this time of year.  I imagine in summer it is packed.

After cruising through the beautiful Wachau Valley we arrived in Melk, home to the famous Melk Abbey.

Monks have lived at this Abbey for over 900 years, following the rules of St. Benedict.

I think I could live in this library forever. 

In days past, it could only be used in daylight, no candles allowed, to safeguard from fire.

The highly ornate Baroque church at Melk.

We decided to brave the misty cold and walk home through the town.

After a quick peek in the shops, we headed back through the forest trail. 

I had to get home to watch...

...my new friend Olivia give the cookie making demonstration.