It only took us five hours to work out return logistics. We will be staying in Budapest an extra day with the expectation that either Delta or our travel insurance will reimburse us for all expenses incurred. That’s a battle for another day.
We started our morning with a walking tour of Linz. Our tour guide so reminded me of Mr Bean! Saw the spot Hitler announced annexation of Austria. Toured the old & new squares. Walked around the government buildings. Wandered around the neo-gothic St Mary’s cathedral, the largest church in Austria. Stopped in a bakery for a linzentorte, a local delicacy.
In the afternoon Debye & I split up—she took the high ground, hiking to the top of a very steep hill to the Pilgrimage Church. I joined another tour to Mauthausen Concentration Camp. Whew. Sometimes history is hard but all the more reason we need to learn and remember. Over 100,000 people died here, mostly prisoners of war and political dissidents. While heart rendering, it was also inspiring. Truth must never be squandered, manipulated, or erased for an individual/country’s gain. ever. again.
Meandering down the Danube with our windows wide open is not a bad way to travel. Ybbs started with a foggy trek around town before boarding a bus to Artsetten Castle, home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and wife Sophia. Remember their assassinations were the final straw that ushered in the beginning of World War I? We learned more about his life and how he chose love over political benefit when marrying Sophia. When they died, they left three children. Their great, great granddaughter warmly greeted us today and shared why they have turned part of the castle into a museum—simply to promote peace.
In Durnstein we hiked a kick-our-butts trail to some ruins where it is purported that King Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned for a time. The views were worth it. Back to the ship to clean up in time for wine tasting.
Really. We’re having a great time. Wish you were here. Same link; more pics.
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