Austria is such a beautiful country! The landscape is truly breathtaking, and there is very little land that is built on, but instead there are forests of trees and a few field for growing crops. Austria's main source of income for the economy comes from tourism, and its easy to see why. You could spend years here and always find something to do. We went to the Monastery at Melk, which is close to the Danube River, and was home to the Benedictine monks. This monastery is so exquisite, as it is a product of the baroque age, where everything from the churches to the people's clothing was ornate and over the top. I am so glad to took AP European history as a senior in high school; I am truly walking on the history that I learned so much about. We had mass in the church at Melk, which was surreal. Everything was inlaid with gold sheath, the statues, the altar, even sections of the walls. Members of Hapsburg dynasty were often among the famous guests at the monastery, and were great benefactors to the upkeep and the beauty of Melk. We then traveled to the small town of Durnstein, which is extremely picturesque and is known as one of the most romantic places in all of Austria. I felt like I was in a movie, something like Beauty and the Beast or Snow White, it was that surreal. My friend Leann and I also decided the make the steep hike up to the castle in Durnstein, where Richard the Lion Heart (Robin Hood's time) was kept prisoner for insulting the Austrian duke. In the words of Hannah Montana the Movie " The hike was a climb, but the view was great!" We went into the dungeon where Richard was possibly held prisoner and climbed up to the tallest tower in the castle. I couldn't really wrap my brain around the fact that Richard the Lion heart could have walked the very same stones that I was walking on, it was truly amazing. I had to just keep touching the stone walls to convince my self that what I was seeing was physically real. I dipped my feet in the Danube River as well, which was pretty cool just to say that I've done it! Classes started today and I've also gotten a tour of Gaming and the Kartause, my home away from home. I love and miss you all!
Auf Wiedersehen,
Danielle
No comments:
Post a Comment