To Vienna we go!

To make the most of our day off we chose a flight to Vienna at the early hour of 7am. This doesn’t sound so bad but when you account for rental car return, travelling with and checking in two kayaks (gratefully the Aussie’s took our paddles for us) it results in quite the early start. Thankfully easyJet took our boats without issue!

We were unable to get into our accomodation (a house swap apartment in central Vienna) until 10pm so we took the day to explore the Wachau Valley in Austria.

We took the well described route from Melk to Krems. Following the Danube and weaving through the mountains lining the valley. Stunning scenery with hill top abbeys, churches out over the water and beautiful small villages.

Melk Abbey made a lovely back drop for a picnic lunch. The abbey itself is grand and while wandering around it we followed a lone man through an inconspicuous wooden door which revealed one of the most ornate churches I had ever seen full of expertly carved marble, unique frescos and laden in gold.

We stumbled across the oldest church in the valley dating back to 987.

Another highlight was exploring the ruins in Dürnstein with views high over the river.

We finished our day with pizza on the street in Krems before heading back to Vienna!

We were met by the very hospitable and lovely Renate and Peter once we finally found the apartment (need to feedback that one to google maps). Ella and I have both stayed here before with mum and Bryden in 2011. We can only remember snippets of the trip but today while strolling around the beautiful streets of downtown Vienna we keep getting flashbacks. Can confirm Ellas memory is markedly better than my own!

Training commenced late this afternoon and we both had a good session. Its very different to London so some mental adjustment to be made. Looking forward to tomorrow’s session and the whole week ahead!!