Pretty Pretty Passau

After a sweet shore visit in Vilshofen , AmaLea headed smoothly 19 km SE to Passau, a very picturesque town with greater attraction points. The indulgent American in me can't help referring to Passau as the "Pittsburgh" of Germany. Two tributaries, the Ilz and Inn flow into the Danube here , thus creating a 3-river junction, similar to Monogahela-Allegheny-Ohio of Pitt-town. However it is own right, Passau impresses with its baroque style and yes, once again, blocks of bright multi-colored like buildings, like those adored in Prague and Regensburg.

Best snapshots of the cruise were taken here in this Bavarian town of about 50,000 people. The autumn Tuesday was sun-kissed — perfect for an hour's walk. City tour highlights included a stroll in Hollgasse Artist Alley , recognizable by its cobblestone alley with bright, colorful painted blocks and whimsical art displays. Good thing there was not much time and Euros for me to shop in the boutiques! So much glee was had by merely snapping away through the alley ways.

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After the charm of trekking the riverside path, I arrived at one of the most lauded religious sites in all of Germany— St. Stephan's Cathedral.
It was at first a quick visit inside, as service was underway but later, I was able to capture its conspicuous baroque intricacy and elegance inside. The grand interior feature is the largest pipe organ in Europe, built in 1733.

Passau was my swan song to Germany, as I was sailing on into the Danubian waters of Austria. Back on AmaLea I went to get a good night's sleep. Next stop on the itinerary, Day 3: Linz. This city was literally electrifying at first as I woke up to the neon blue and fuschia light of the Arstecnica buildings. The morning Linz city tour was fine, not as charming as the previous altstadt stroll in Passau and Regensburg. Perhaps it was the heavy mention of Linz being Hitler's fave that took the enamor of the place. Plus, it did not help that the weather and city exterior was more gray and stark. However, I won't "poo-poo" Linz too much. That Ars center would be a thing to not just marvel for its neon lights but for a proper visit. More time needed here, even just for a bike ride along the Danube and cafe visit to devour a truly authentic Linzer torte!