Vienna-Wien 31/5/15

We started out early to check out the Westbahnhof to see if it's trains went to Passau which is our next stop. We were scheduled to stay here until the 6th and then leave for Rothenburg which is an 8 hour trip from here with 3 or 4 transfers. We decided that we should cut the train trip in two by stopping a day in Passau. On the way to the train station we passed a WWII Flak Tower built by the German to protect against allied bombing.

From the train station, we hurried back to the center of town to meet George and Sue at tourist information. We had an exciting day planned starting with the Spanish Riding School with the Lipizzaner stallions. It is an 80 minute show and it was packed. All the seats were sold months befor and they go for up to 200 euros. There was standing room however for around 25 euros. The show was spectacular. The horses prance, dance, and jump to Viennese classical music. You will note no pictures because they are not allowed. The flashes spook the horses. Needless to say many people around us took pictures although they were reminded many times not to. You can buy a CD in the gift shop of the whole show.

After the show we hopped on the red bus to go see the giant Ferris Wheel, a world Heritage Site. George and Sue rode while we took pictures. This was no ordinary Ferris Wheel It was built in1897. In 1944 it's cabins and technical installations were destroyed by fire and bombs. It was rebuilt and back in service by 1947. This Farris wheel has thirty cabins that seat 20 people. It offers a view of the entire city. Our day ended back in town where we had a lovely dinner.

Flak Tower

Allowed one picture before horses enter.

World Heritage Ferris Wheel

George, Sue, Joan all eating salads.

 

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Vienna 30/5/15

After a quick early breakfast, we were off to the old city to take pictures in the morning light. At 0700 few people are about making it easier to navigate. The purpose of our walk was to find where, within the Imperial Palace, the Lipizzan Stallions would perform. We bought tickets for tomorrow, Sunday. We watched the horses being put into their stalls. Next we went to St. Stevens Cathedral to visit before the rush of tourists.

Our next stop was Tourist Information, near the Opera House, where we met up with our dear friends Sue and George Gosling. We had to start our day at the oldest coffee house in Vienna, Cafe Frauenhuber. After much discussion we decided to take the hop on and hop off bus that takes you around the center of old town then across the Danube River to a large amusement park where a 100 year old Ferris wheel is still in operation. Between announcements music by Schubert and Mozart is played. The entire round trip takes almost two hours. The pictures will show you some of the places we passed.

We were then off to eat at a lovely out door resturaunt which had delicious fish and salads. We were lucky enough to find the outdoor markets where they sell vegetables, fish, spices, cakes, wines and meat. There are also many small cafes on the street preparing all the above. Our last stop was the butterfly garden, inside a three story green house, where we saw colorful butterfly's amidst the tropical flowers and vines.

George and Sue Gosling from Bolton, England

Figuring out the ear plugs

It all looks so good

War memorial depicting pain and suffering.

Forced to clean the floor with a tooth brush

Mozart

Imperial Palace

Lipizzaner Stallions

Mexican Church

St. Stephens

Opera House

 

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Innsbruck-Crystal Palace 28/5/15

This is our last day in Salzburg, we awoke to blue sky and sunlight. Today's adventure takes us to Innsbruck and a small town near by, Wattens, home of the Swarovski Crystal World. Tomorrow we leave for Vienna. We will leave with heavy hearts; since, we will be leaving our hostess, Johanna She has been like a good friend. She has given us information and advise, fed us and introduced us to her friends and family She has a great sense of humor and doesn't mind Stu kidnapping her eye glasses or mistakenly going up to her room rather then ours-both stair cases being very close to one another.

We had a long mesmerizing day. The mountains around Innsbruck are spectacular and captivating. Innsbruck is a huge city that stretches out from old town. The hosting of two Olympics has also brought world wide attention so that tourists come from all corners. Our second stop, the Crystal Palace at the Swarovski headquarters is not to be missed. The pictures of the crystals and the mountains speak for them selves.

 

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Bad Ischl and Hallstatt 27/5/15

Another wonderful day out in the countryside of Austria. Johanna, our hostess was kind enough to drive us to Bad Ischl. This is a beautiful town about 1 hour from Salzburg. A good part of the town is along the river. The homes are tyrollian and beautiful. The churches are simple and elegant. After walking through the town, to take pictures of the homes, we took a bus to Hallstatt, we actually had planned to take a train but the ticket seller at the train station said to take the bus that the expense of the train wasn't worth it. So off we went in the bus and wound through some of the lake country until we got to Halllstatt. This is the most beautiful little village right on the Lake. It is idealic with big white swans swimming in the lake. This is another paradise for hikers. We hiked all over the town up to the church and the cemetery and then out of town up to a waterfall. There are many walking trails. You can even walk around part of the lake. This is a place we could have happily stayed for many more days.The sky was gray but it did not start to rain until late in the afternoon. Along the way we saw the headquarters of Redbull. Redbull was formulated in Thailand. The recipe was bought by an Austrian and is marketed around the world by him. We could not get a good picture of the headquarters but google, red bull, to see a magnificent modern complex.

 

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