Hi, kids! It’s me, Flat Stanley Brayden, back with another amazing day! Today, I visited the incredible Melk Abbey, cruised through Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley, learned about cookies, and ended the evening with a magical classical music concert in Vienna. Let me tell you all about it!
A Rainy Morning in Melk
The day started with rain as we docked in the town of Melk. The crew helped everyone safely step ashore because the sidewalks were a little icy. Even with the drizzle, I couldn’t wait to visit the Melk Abbey, one of Austria’s most famous landmarks.
Our driver, Mark, pointed out Melk’s historic old town and newer city as we made our way to the abbey.
Melk Abbey: A Treasure of Austria
The Melk Abbey (Stift Melk) is a huge Baroque building perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River. It has 500 rooms, 1,300 windows, and a library that looks like it belongs in a magical castle!
Imperial Corridor and Museum
The abbey tour started in the Imperial Corridor, a long hallway lined with giant paintings of Austrian rulers like Maria Theresa and her husband, Francis I. We couldn't take pictures but here is what I learned in each room.
Next, I visited the museum rooms. Each one was full of fascinating history:
- Room 1: The monks’ life rules included working, praying, and reading. Their motto began with the word Höre, which means listen.
- Room 2: Showed the oldest portable altar—a tiny traveling church!
- Room 3: Explored the abbey’s foundation in 1090 and its reforms after fires, floods, and plagues.
- Room 4: Featured a golden chalice with relics of John the Baptist.
- Room 5: Featured murals of angels and vestments for different occasions, including Christmas and funerals.
- Room 6: Highlighted changes under Emperor Joseph II, including exposed brick and practical innovations like reusable service caskets.
- Room 8: Held a giant treasure chest with 14 bolts to keep it locked tight. It was so heavy, I don’t think I could have lifted it!
- Room 9: Concluded with a scale model of the abbey as it stands today.
The Marble Room and Library
The Marble Room was spectacular, with high ceilings painted with scenes of a Greek goddess leading people from darkness to light.
Then we went to the library, which had over 9,000 books from the 16th to 18th centuries! The room also had a fresco showing divine wisdom surrounded by areas of learning. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The smaller science library added another 7,000 books, and the abbey’s total collection spans works from the 16th to 18th centuries and is home to over 100,000 books across 10 more rooms.
The Abbey Church and Stunning Views
Although we didn’t go inside the abbey church, we admired its beautiful Baroque design from the outside. The tall twin towers and golden details made it stand out against the misty sky.
From the front of the church, we had breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The Danube River stretched out below, framed by rolling hills and the Wachau Valley’s vineyards. It felt like we were standing on top of the world!
Cruising the Wachau Valley
After the abbey, I returned to the ship and cruised through the Wachau Valley, a beautiful stretch of the Danube River. Our guide told us this area is famous for its vineyards and white wines like riesling.
I saw castles and villages along the way, including:
- Schloss Schönbühel, a castle on a cliff.
- Dürnstein Abbey, which has a bright blue tower.
- The Hills of a Thousand Buckets, named for the terraced vineyards in Spitz.
Even though it was rainy, the valley looked like something out of a storybook!
Cookie Demonstration
In the afternoon, I joined a cookie demonstration where I learned about Austrian holiday traditions. Did you know:
- In Austria, St. Nicholas visits kids on December 6th, while Krampus (a spooky helper) arrives the night before to warn naughty children!
- Cookies are stored in tin boxes, and different kinds shouldn’t be mixed to keep their flavors fresh.
We tasted eight types of cookies, and they were all delicious. I’ll have to bring a recipe or two home with me!
Arriving in Vienna
In the evening, we docked in Vienna, Austria’s capital and one of the most musical cities in the world. The lights along the river made the city look magical as we prepared for a special night.
Classical Music Concert: Royal Waltz
Vienna is famous for its classical music, so I was excited to attend the Royal Waltz Classical Music Concert. The show was held in a grand venue, and the performers wore beautiful costumes.
The orchestra and singers played pieces by Mozart, Johann Strauss, Franz Lehár, and more. I recognized songs like The Blue Danube Waltz and even heard music from Die Fledermaus. The lively waltzes and cheerful polkas made me want to dance!
The evening was magical and felt like stepping into a time when kings and queens attended grand concerts like this.
Wrapping Up the Day
After the concert, we returned to the ship and watched the lights of Vienna from our cabin. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with history, scenery, cookies, and music. Tomorrow, I can’t wait to explore Vienna!
Educational Notes for Kids
- What is a Baroque Building?
Baroque architecture, like the Melk Abbey, is fancy and full of details like gold, marble, and painted ceilings. It was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. - What is the Wachau Valley?
The Wachau Valley is a beautiful area along the Danube River known for its castles, vineyards, and charming villages. - Why is Vienna Called the City of Music?
Vienna is where many famous composers like Mozart and Johann Strauss lived. Their music is still performed in the city today!
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