Over lunch we set sail toward Melk, passing through the scenic Wachau Valley. I myself crashed for a power nap, but some others stay on the top deck to catch the site passing by. We docked at the Melk and took a short bus ride to the Abbey. While we waited for our entry into the exhibits, library, and church, we took the opportunity to take some pictures, including some awesome whole-crew photos. Once inside, we were not permitted to take any photographs, but we learned a great deal about St. Benedict, founder of the order of Benedictine Monks who have inhabited the Abbey since 1089. The Abbey currently is home to 24 monks and is also host to a secondary school of 900 students from the surrounding area. The exhibits of elaborate baroque-era chalices, monstrances, and clerical vestments were lovely to behold, as was the library containing a still growing collection of over 100,000 books. But the unquestionable star of the show was the church of St. Peter and St. Paul, the epitome of baroque style, which does not have the word subtlety in its vernacular. Guilded gold statues, beautiful frescos, angels upon angels. Here is a link to an online stock photo, just to give you an idea. Above the high altar is written, "NON CORONABITUR NISI LEGATINE CERTAVERIT" translated reads “Without a legitimate battle there is no victory” (2 Timothy 2:5). Above are statues of Saints Peter and Paul, ascending to their eternal reward, the crown of life. On either side stand angels holding the symbols of their martyrdom, on the left an angel holding an upside-down cross for Peter who was crucified in that manner, and on the right an angel bearing a sword for Paul who was beheaded. As we returned to the ship we mostly dodged a passing thunderstorm, which dropped the temperature about 15 degrees from when we set out mid-afternoon. We then enjoyed dinner and hopping a "Roaring 20's" party on board as we sailed toward tomorrow's excursions. Some will explore the city of Linz and visit a cider farm, but others will travel to Salzburg and the special "Sound of Music" Tour...those who know me know, there was really only one option. After all, the hills are alive...