Linz, Day Four

[wiseheart]

We had an adventurous day. The plan was to find Linz Castle and St Martin's Church. I planned the trip with the help of a map and we managed to approach the Castle from one side, with some help of the locals. Then I parked Mum, who was quite tired by then, on a bench and climbed 65 frigging steep stairs in the hope that I would reach the Castle that way. Well, I did't. I only got to some restaurant, built on the old walls. So I got back to Mum (65 stairs again) and told her that it was a no-go from that side.

Since I am not one who gives up so easily, I started a new approach from the other side. There weren't any stairs, only a very, very steep serpentine upwards. I got to half-way, then it became so steep that I was simply too afraid to continue and turned back. So, we gave up on the Castle and, consequently, on St Martin's Church, which was supposedly beyond the castle somewhere.

On our way back, however, I spotted a sign that said St Martin's Church, with a big, fat arrow pointing in a clear direction. So I parked Mum again, on a playground, where there were lots of people, and gave it another try. And this time it worked! Granted, it was an ungodly steep path, but from that side St Martin's wasn't really far, and the sight was worth the effort. It is a simple, beautiful little church, the oldest one in Austria. It heals from Karolimg times, and some parts of it are still in their original form. Poor Mum could not climb up to see it, but I took photos.

After that, we went to "our" bakery for coffee and a cake called Bienenstich and even had ice cream afterwards. Then we rode the #3 tram to the terminus and back and agreed that Linz is a very big city indeed.

After a three-hour-break in the hotel we went back to the town centre again, did a bit of window shopping and bought some small gifts and food for supper. And now we are dead on our feet - Mum is even too tired to watch TV. But it was a great day nonetheless.

Comments

[saki101.livejournal.com]

I'm happy to hear that you reached one of your goals and that it was worth the effort. Isn't the castle a major attraction that visitors would wish to see? Of course, signage is often a challenge. My pet peeve are signs that are clear and visible only after one has chosen the correct fork or turn, rather than being at the junction where one has to make the choice. You certainly got your exercise today and then some!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I hear you! Half-way to the church I actually found the quick and somewhat easier way to the Castle! But the church was my primary interest anyway, so it's cool.

[saki101.livejournal.com]

Will you try again for the Castle?

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

No, it is not worth it. Unless you want to see the museum in it, and I can live with out that.

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

You continue very intrepid! The tram rides do seem an interesting way to get to know the real city, rather than just those bits that are on the tourist itineries.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Grandpa was the one who developed the method. I highly recommend it.

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

It does rather rely on the city having trams -- I was just thinking you wouldn't see much of the interesting bits of London from the Underground.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

That is, sadly, true. But we already know that London is a big city. ;))

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

It is indeed! It takes my sister-in-law longer to get from the outskirts into the centre by rail/tube as it used to take me to get into the centre when I was commuting from Cambridge.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

That's the thing with big citirs. Sometimes I think it's easier to get from Vienna to Budapest than from the railway stadion to my home.

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

Especially big old ones, like London & Budapest.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

At least Budapest has the excuse of having been three different towns until 200-some years ago. ;)

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

London has absorbed lots of small towns as it sprawled :)

[sallymn.livejournal.com]

That's wonderful - yes it doesn't sound easy, but it would have been worth it, I know :)

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I'll try to post some photos once I'm back home.

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you got to see the church.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

So am I. It is beautiful in its simplicity.

[sammydragoncat]

It sounds like you had an exhausting day, but you were able to see St. Martin's Church - so the trek was worth it!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Oh, it was! It definitely was!

[red-day-dawning.livejournal.com]

It sounds lovely - I'm certain I would have given up in frustration before reaching the top. And I love Bienenstich.

[lhun-dweller.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you found your way! It's so nice to be able to FINALLY reach a goal, see something you really wanted to see.