ANOTHER WORLD--VIENNA!

Train so very comfortable and arrived at our hotel approximately 5 hours later from Prague. Temperature difference is amazing--17 vs 24.Quickly settled in to our small room and left to explore Rathaus and walked over to the library where there was an exposition of wood and forest in the park in front of the library.  Just amazing...there is so much room--wide streets, wide sidewalks and clearly marked bike paths and yet still room for trams!!  Buildings are clean, impressive and large. Not crowded but perhaps that is the time of day. Pedestrians have the right of way, and they must get ticketed for j walking as no one crosses where they shouldnt or at a red light. Cars are very respectful of them--perhaps they are ticketed if not. Dinner at Einsteins around the corner--excellent weiner schnitzel!!

Rathaus

Thereisenplatz

Today, September 8, decided to walk around the Ringstrasse and looked at sights. Much less hectic than Prague and less busy. Perhaps because it is Sunday. Walked across river to the Prater where there is an amusement park with a large and well know ferris wheel,  tthen a walk along the river. There are a few man made beaches and sunning areas. This particular one a large pool on a barge. What a great idea for aToronto with so many young people living at the waterfront. Stopped later in the day to have a apfel strudel, a Sacher torte as well as an iced coffee for me. Lots of activity through the pedestrian mall. Stores closed but restaurants open and huge lineups for ice cream. Spent late afternoon updating blog, then dinner for schnitzel for Peter, salad for me and shared apricot dumplings. Havent had those for years and years!!

St. Stephens

 St. Stephens

Prater

Votiv Cathedral near our pension

Today bought senior tram tickets 5E for four rides, there and back and went out to the Belvedere Palace. Didnt activate tickets so have them for tomorrow again.Imagine people living in this place. It is actually an art gallery with many paintings, sculptures dating way back. No photos allowed. Saw Klimt, Degas, Rodin, Van Gough, as well as medival church altar frescos. Stables were closed by the time we got there so were unable to see crown jewels and horses!

Belvedere

cool and cloudy day at Belvedere

Quick lunch, at 3 pm, and stopped by a BILLA, which is a supermarket and bought bottle of French wine for 2,40 E.Walked back to tourist info and by the Spanish Riding school to get tickets for a show but no performances until the 14th. Tickets were available for a concert tomorrow but decided against listening to Mozart.

Spanish Ridng School

 One thing noticeably absent are pigeons. It makes me wonder whether some action has been taken to remove them....nicely of course!
 Today, the 10th, our last day in Vienna!

subway snacks - looks so good!

We caught the subway, which by the way was very easy, and found our way to Schonbrunn Palace. We did not feel like another interior tour and just walked the gardens. Huge is not the correct term.

Schonbrunn with Vienna in background

Gloriette on the Schonbrunn grounds

mimes outside the palace--amazingly, so like statues

more mimes

Two hours or more of walking the grounds caught the subway back and changed lines. Very easy--everything according to colour. Decided to split up but before a quick bite at Antor-sandwich for one of and a lovely piece of cheesecake for other. Peter went to visit Museum of History, it was closed, and I went shopping down Mariahilfer Strasse. Nothing purchased! Tonight we plan to go to a restaurant around the corner I have had my eye on--Segediner goulash for Peter and for me, sauerbraten!

Frank Stronach!--his signs are over. He is running in the Sept. 29 election--campaign is no immigratio and getting out of the EU