Maybe this was my favorite day though the night leaving Budapest under all those lights drinking pear schnapps was pretty good. We arrived early at the tiny but beautiful town of Krems in the hills covered with grapes and apricot trees. Right after breakfast we explored the deserted streets seeing only a single person drinking her morning coffee in a courtyard. The cobblestoned streets were quite hilly with steps to reach the next level. The church door opened, also deserted. What we were surprised is that the local apricot schnapps distillery was open with owner happy to let me taste everything. Apricot liquor, apricot creme liquor, schnapps of all kinds of fruit, apricot pit liquor and very good cherry liquor. Bonus, very low prices, way lower than the chocolate chestnut stuff I bought in Vienna. Bringing back cherry stuff to a cherry state seems silly. Our sour cherries are white inside, their morello cherries are dark and more flavorful. Aldis sells them for cheaper than Michigan cherries.
We returned in time for our excursion to Gottweig Abbey high upon a hill Unfortunately it was cloudy, misting at times, so the view wasn't as good as it could be. But the 1000 year old Abbey was beautiful with the prettiest interior of their main church. The Hapsburgs would often stay in a palace on the grounds. One of their money making schemes, the monks make apricot products and wine. Another tasting. The prices were much higher than on the local distillery on the river. Glad we went there.
After lunch, we toured through the Wachau Valley with them announcing castles and particularly cute towns. Steve stayed on top deck for the best pictures which I haven't gone through yet. I stayed near a window with my new friend having a great time. Once we were through the Valley, high tea followed by a apple strudel demonstration plus a big slice of that.
It was Austrian night with an opportunity to sample most of their foods and beers. We each got a big basket of pretzels though I have to say, we have sampled pretzels (bretzls) all over Alsace, Germany and Austria and the Dexter Bakery here makes them much better.
At night, Austrian music, mostly Mozart arias. A good day
one of many castles. Steve's photos will not have the glare and he has a true telephoto lens When I get time.....
1 comment:
It looks and sounds like a delightful (and delicious) day.
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