Melk and Durnstien

So after a pretty exhausting first day we were up early and off to our first school adventure. We packed up the buses by 8:30 and were off to Melk Monastary. I sat in the back of the bus with all the little kids. They are so great and I can't wait to play with them. All of the staff and their families live right next to the Kartause so we get to interact with them all we want!

Melk was astounding. Melk Abbey was built in the 1700's. It is so old! Most of the places we get to visit are so rich and full of history. This monastery is massive, there are over 500 rooms! Tourists are not allowed in the actual Church, but since we celebrated Mass we were allowed in! It was covered in gold! I don't know if it was real, but I doubt it!

We went on a tour of some of the rooms in the monastary. Most were used for royal visitors. We had lunch on the University, which was delicious and much needed. And then we were back on the buses headed to Durnstien.
I absolutely LOVED Durnstien! It is a little town nestled between some hills and the Danube River, covered with rows of grape vines and filled with apricots! Our director told us we could climb to the top of the 'mountain' to the ruins of a castle. We looked up.. and were a little discouraged.

Despite tired feet, and the desire to sit in the streets and eat gelato all afternoon, we began the climb. Many steps and heavy breaths later we reached the top, and it was beyond worth it!! The view was spectacular, climbign around the old ruins of the castle like little kids was thrilling, and the air was fresh.

We spent more time wandering the streets of Durnstien and tasted some chocolate and bought some nutella gelato.

Then a nice long nap bus ride back to school, oh wait The Kartause! We ate dinner and then hung out around campus.

All in all, a great day of exploring!