Day 05–Monday, May 25
https://www.flickr.com/cameraroll
Schlagl::tour Schlagl Abbey/drive to
Vienna (3.5 hour drive)/hotel in Vienna
We began today at Schlagl Abbey
Guest House. It is charming and set in an idyllic landscape in Austria–many
Tour participants found themselves inspired to sing “…the hiiiills are
aliiiiive, with the sound of muuuuuusic!” Ironically, not in German.
The Abbey provided a lovely breakfast and tour of the
buildings and brewery, which was closed–but I’m told Eric had something to do
with getting us in there (thanks Eric).
The Abbey has the guest quarters,
church building (another stunning Baroque/Roccoco building with every inch
covered in something interesting to look at), art space and historical spaces,
the library, a catacomb-type area under the building, the brewery and more.
We were fortunate enough to walk through the church while
the choir was practicing a rather beautiful arrangement. Incredibly talented
singers participate there. And to see their beautiful collection of art, that
has a great story of its own.
After a short walk to the brewery we
ventured into, around and under the building–even being treated to an unusual
video and mirror installation about the beer company, and down on the floor to
see the production line.
We ate lunch there and then headed
off to our hotel in Vienna.
3.5 hours later we arrived. I nearly
had a heart-attack because, although Hans is an amazing driver, he had to get a
tour bus into one-way side streets with parked cars on one side and only about
a foot of clearance on the other.
We were on our own for
dinner–several small groups ventured out into the city to do whatever seemed
interesting to them. I’m sure we will all share stories tomorrow.
Tonight we settle in and have a late
start tomorrow. We will be in the same place for a few nights. Except for the
entire country’s internet being down when we got here, according to the girl at
the front desk, all is looking well now. I have, what seems to be reliable
internet finally…so I’ll post as many pictures as I can.
Tomorrow we go on to Geras Abbey,
and have a dinner in the wine villiage of Neustift am Walde.
