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.