Vienna - 8-30-2010

8-30-2010 Vienna



We took a ride on the metro (subway) for 1.80 euros (about $3.60) one way. We exchanged some money for way more commission and extra charges. Don't go to Western Union. The hotel was better.


The downtown open courtyard with upscale shops on either side it a delight to visit. As it was Sunday afternoon most of the shops were closed except the one selling Mozart balls or was it Mozart’s ball. We tried one. It was delicious chocolate surrounding creamy maple or hazelnut with some mocha swirls.
We peered into some shoes stores. Really. Isn’t 500 euros a little high for shoes even if they were attractive high heel leather boots. Men’s wing tips were 395 euros. Stan skipped and stayed with his tennis shoes.

There was a pretty fountain off to one of the side streets. We enjoyed watching the people. We tried to guess if they were Americans or Europeans by their shoes. Not many American on the square today, but we really did see a pair of bright orange ones.


Vienna Austria Through rain soaked umbrella we looked up to see the most magnificient sight as we walked through interesting parts of the city. We walked under archways to view quick videos of the area on large screen TVs on the wall. One was about Lipizzaner stallions. We peered through the viewing windows and saw the horses heads peeking out of the stalls. That would be a sight to see them working out in the ring some day.

The buildings are coordinated architecture with no apparent graffiti in this downtown area. The outskirts of the city still had graffiti marks on sign and sides of buildings. A shame really.

We went for a tour of summer palace of the Hapsburg family. Now I know why my mother-in-law, Alice loved crystal chandeliers and ornate gold tables with marble tops. We have some of those tables that reminded me of the furnishings the folks had in this summer palace.

They had 16 kids. Must have been the chilly evenings and romantic candle light in front of a toasty fireplace listening to Strauss waltzes that increased the population of that family.

The rain stopped after our tour of the summer palace just in time for a quick walk touring the beautiful gardens. The high fountain was three tiers of relaxing cascading water melodies as it flowed to the pool below the statues.

Restoration is interesting in that netting or boards are used that are painted the with the same design as the building being restored so the viewing public has a chance to see the building as they would look.


The bus drove across the bridge over the Danube River and down the road to show us some modern buildings in the city also. Then took the round about and back we went to the core of the city.

This is so much historical significance with the musical composers (Strauss - Mozart) leaving us with their delightful music centuries later.

We drove about an hour through the country side to Apetlon winery. This is a family owned facility that had all the charm you could pack into an evening of fun. The pork roast sliced about one inch thick was tender as you could ever eat. A large round dumpling was served along with the gravy. Delish.

Dessert was traditional Austrian yellow cake fingers layered between whipped cream.

Wine Wine Wine fresh and interesting flavors. We took a tour of the wine cellar and also tried some Ice Wine which was sweet to the taste. It is made right when the grapes are left on the vine and turn a little icy.

Topping off the evening, the Grandfather brought in his drums and some locals along with our tour director, John Gora joined in both playing accordions. People danced along with the music and had a great fun time.

Authentic Austria as it's best.

Here are a few videos.








MON, AUGUST 30 - VIENNA
Today we spend the day exploring Vienna: The city tour will show you the most important historical sights along the Ringstraße, including the State Opera House, the National Museums, the Imperial Palace, the Parliament, the City Hall, the Burgtheater and the University, before taking you to the magnificent Schönbrun Palace, summer residence of the Habsburg family. Afternoon walking tour of city center and some free time for lunch and shopping ( B , L )