ON TO VIENNA

The Danube now feels like a constant companion. When the route strays away from the river I appreciate the change of scenery, but I’m always happy to ride riverside again.

REFLECTIONS

I am in the part of Germany where the greeting is “Grusse Gott” which means “Greet God”. It reminds me of the greeting in India “Namaste” which means “The God in me greets the God in you”.

How lovely! Fascinating how we can arrive at similar respectful greetings countries and cultures apart.

The river is encouraging me to reflect. Just as I see the reflections of the surroundings in the river, my journey is an opportunity to reflect on how my inner world affects my outer world and vice versa. I am in awe of the beauty that surrounds me on this journey. I feel deep gratitude…

MELK

The town of Melk is famous for its Benedictine Abbey. When I think of a Benedictine monks, I think of a simple, contemplative way of life. Not so at this monastery! The opulence feels almost obscene. I didn’t get it until I learned this Abbey was originally a castle built as a residence for Margrave Leopold II, who later donated it to the monks. When it was ravaged by fires, it was rebuilt in the Baroque style.

Meeting a group of Austrian men in Lederhosen at the entrance of the opulent Abbey felt very down to earth!

AUSTRIA

I don’t even notice when my route crosses into Austria. There is no sign and German is spoken here. I do notice the gorgeous grape growing region. There is even a sign announcing organically grown grapes, and as a former organic farmer, it is always a treat to see another organic operation. I pass a roadside stand where you can sample the local sekts.

VIENNA

My route to Vienna runs next to the Danube River and it is a super windy day making my slow pace even slower. It is almost a relief when the route turns away from the river on its way into Vienna. I am amazed by how one can ride into a major city entirely on a beautiful, quiet bike path - all the way from the outskirts to the old downtown.

I LOVE VIENNA!

Great museums, super performances and the most delicious food - all in a city that has the best bike lanes everywhere! I book a room for two nights at a modern hotel just a block from a great little café overlooking the Vienna Opera House.

I meet up with my friend Abi for coffee and cake. I know Abi from Asheville where we met at a conservancy event. I learned she had worked as a nanny in Austria and now speaks excellent German. She has decided to get her masters in sustainability in Vienna. We catch up and plan a hiking outing.

Great cities means great exploring!