Thursday 8/10/2006 (Passau)

This morning we arrived at last in Germany. Passau’s history goes back 2000 years, and has seen the Romans, Charlemagne, and Napoleon come through. Its strategic location is on the border with Austria, at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Illz rivers.

Our first trip of the day was to visit their church (our third St. Stephen’s) to hear a magnificent organ concert – 5 pieces, one from each of the last 5 centuries. Definitely interesting to hear the progression, especially the dramatic (some might say jarring) change in the 20th century.
After lunch, we had a walking tour through the city to learn about its history. Our guide was a woman who was a native New Yorker who came here in the 1960s and ended up staying. Nice to have a tour guide who understands both cultures so well!

In the evening, the crew of the Viking Europe put on a show for us – the highlight at the end was our maitre d’hotel Rocky – who is Indian, moved to Austria – singing “Country Roads” while in full Reggae garb. Quite the show.