Linz

Avalon Waterways docked at Linz at about 4pm .

It was an unguided stop and so we just walked out of the ship into the city; how convenient.

As we were not guided, we strolled around and took photos not knowing what the buildings actually were and we could only make good guesses.

Linz is in Austria, the first stop out of Germany. Also recognized as Unesco city of media arts, Linz is modern and cool from its appearance.

This is Hauptplatz Square. The square is a huge market palce and a hub of commercial activities. We saw shopping outlets that offered clothes, cosmetics, shoes and others which were trendy and mod. However as it was close to six when shops close, we could only hop in and out of them. Trains and buses offer rides around the city too.

This is an impressive 20m high column made of white marble dedicated to the Holy Trinity completed in 1723. I read that this was built in gratitude to God for protection against disasters, fire, war and plaques.

A swe enter the square we were greeted with a row of beautiful petunias.

Yes, the blooms are real; I wanted to touch them and feel them.

We walked into another part of the city; but I don not know its name. Coffee and beer drinkers were enjoying the evening and it was a peaceful ; people love peace not wars. It was at this time too that we heard about the bad news in the UK. Here, there was absolute calm.

Again, these buildings look solid and famous but we do not know what they are; suspecting that it might be the own hall. The streets were clean .

We notice the colour scheme of the place; yellow and Baroque style. Streets were friendly to cyclists and the warm evening was charismatic.

This must be the Town Hall? Arched features and strong architectural touches. One thing is obvious; the place though spacious is spotless. It must be the culture of its people.

Strolling on our own, we saw a flight of steps leading to somewhere; the place is pretty .

Then of course the high tower of the a local cathedral. Not sure of its name though.

When night came, the Cathedral looked mysterious but definitely a place of worship.

Linz with her 16,000 people has tourism to thank for as it could be an economic bonus to its growth.

We had to leave Linz by 8 in the evening as the ship had to sail for our next destination. It was a short few hours sting but good enough. We did not get to see much of the other beautiful parts of the city.

Linz is pretty and sweet.

To Austrian Melk and her abbey.

Passau

On day 7, we were given several choices. To see the last German port before Austria and later to Linz in the evening or to go to Salzburg in Austria for a day trip. As we have been to Salsburg before, we decided to pick the first option.

Dad was excited as he stood at the deck of the ship early in the morning and shouted "Passau".

The Bavarian port is uniquely located at the confluence of 3 rivers; the Inn, Ilz and Danube.

For that, any place will grow in importance for it allows trading.

We can stretch our imagination to days of old when goods and money were exchanged.

Docked at Passau, we could just walk into the city without fuss as it is close by.

The convenience was excellent as it meant less walking and saving precious time.

Selfie again. No choice. But it was important for keeps. We have stepped foot on its ground.

Apparently it was told that Napolean remarked about Passau being a town in Germany that surpassed others. Destroyed in the 16th and 17th centuries, the old town was subsequently rebuilt Baroque-style.; the trend then. So, Passau is sometimes known as the Gothic City with the Baroque facade.

Old City Hall in the centre built between 1298-1408 with its tower was a mark of people's power to put the prince-bishop "in place".

Passau is not spared from floods when the Danube overflows. The high-water marks on the town hall is indicative of the need to cope with the yearly floods with various degrees of flooding.

Yes, this is a closer shot for the one above on the extreme right. Built in the 19th Century, to be exact 1899, this fort like building has a stretch surrounding it. It will connote wars and protection. That's how the wealthy lived then.
To be as rich as possible , then to have an army around them.

Many holiday makers including school children made their way to a prominent landmark of the city; St Stephen's Cathedral.is 

St Stephen's Cathedral is said to have the largest Baroque interior of any religious building to the north of the Alps. Magnificent and majestic. Architecture then was a feat and I wonder if modern architecture is of any match. There was so much grit and perseverance involved; delayed gratification of the highest degree. It is difficult to teach gratification these days; everything is instant like when you insist on instant noodles. 

We were fortunate that morning as there was a special trip for school-going children to the cathedral. We got to hear music from the no less than 17,388 pipes and 231 stops organ; the largest in Europe; played for the mass.

Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses.

Walking along the Bavarian Venice lanes, the morning heat was avoided by the buildings in between the buildings.

They have creatively painted up the lanes making them so quaint.

Local painters and paintings also were commonly seen. Art and culture of medieval times and present day were displayed. It is real holiday feelings all over.

However modern a city may become, there are some quintessential features which can add taste and value to the place like this old fashion style of delivering letters.Not only is the post man good looking he is also a patient man. The modern world mails through technology but sentimental hearts wish for the hand written ones. So, there is still a place for snail mails.

Pretzel style float; best advertisement.

Table mats, table runners,table napkins, table cloths were displayed with the vendors reminding us that their products were not from China but locally made !

Glorious flowers. Could not resist a shot with it. For memories of the place.

Residence Square ? I hope I got it right. It was once resided by the bishop ? My memory is failing me. But it is a place where a high officer resided; so many rooms. Servants, guards and a whole battalion of cooks and maids too.

On the right is the statue of King Maxmillan? It is positioned right in front of the cathedral.

The fountain of saints and angels in the middle of the square.

 People must be very philosophical then;much to ponder, consider and discussed. 

Big squares are planted every where in Europe for this purpose.

Beyond the fencing is the River Inn. It is a rich source of salt supply as the river goes through Salzburg; the salt city. 

Passau is truly another medieval city locked with castles, towers, churches and squares. an interesting walk around the city as we witness its culture and outlook.

More than half of Germany's 1,250 breweries are located in Bavaria and all the the beers are regulated by 'Reinheitsgebot', the Purity Decree legislation. This means they are really serious about quality beers. This also specifies that German beer may contain only water, hops and malt or other grains.The picture here is one of the breweries we saw which was right in front of the place Avalon Waterways was docked.

We left Passau after lunch for Linz.