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The Czech Republic and cities in Austria:Linz, Melk, Durnstein, & Vienna

From Germany to Austria, the Danube runs green, brown, and gray, never blue. Quaint towns and farms dot the country side. Churches with cold stone exteriors are hiding guilded and ostentatious decorations within, a wealthy display in the 'name of God' or man's own ego? People everywhere, eager to rave about their town's special brew. They take beer very serious here. And wine. A happy solo drinker I am.

Small, historic squares with frescoes from 1100BC cover the ceilings and doorways of shops selling local wares boasting of local talent. A fairytale-like quality is on display, leading you to imagine what it was like long ago.

And the food. Food. The Food. Intricate names tickle my tongue, though not as much as spices once foreign, now coveted again and again. And again. One sampling leads to an afternoon of tasting sauces, pastries, salty and sweet. Hearty meals to honor the farmhands who worked and toiled the land, fresh delicacies from explorers who sailed round and round, breads of all kinds from hands that worked dough into balls of sugar coated bliss. The food...

Music! Dancing in the square is still possible when your partner has one good foot if done carefully. And there are squares with troubadours everywhere. When the one good foot gets tired, a respite still brings on music and a deeper appreciation for the sounds being created so we may sit and listen and hear the stories of people with stories to tell.















































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