On The Move!!: Vienna, Austria

We arrived in Vienna this morning around 7AM - the capital of the Republic of Austria. After breakfast, we boarded a bus for a bus tour of the old town. It is quite a contrast from the Danube. On one side (the view from our room) - there is the newer section with modern buildings with interesting architecture - and on the other side is the old town with baroque castles, and grand buildings and monuments. We drove around to see many sites - the Hotel Sacher (home of the one and only origianl Sacher Torte), the Schönnbrunn Palace, the Ringstrasse, the Vienna State Opera, The Ritz Carleton, The Imperial Hotel, City Hall, and Hapsburg Palace. We learned that Vienna has its roots in early Celtic and Roman settlements. It became the resident city for the Hapsburg dynasty in the late Middle Ages and grew to become the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and a cultural center for arts, science, music, and fine cuisine. We then got off the buses to take a walking tour where we were able to see the Lipizzaner Stallions, the cafe where Sigmund Freud loved to hang out. We walked the street with all the most expensive stores from Chopard, to Louis Vuitton, to Tommy Hilfiger, to the Gentleman's Store. Amazingly the prices (noted in the window) are even higher than they are at home! At the top of the street was Julian Meir - a grocery store that is like Harrods or the Bon Marche. Our tour ended at the St. Stephen's Cathedral at which point we were free to enjoy the city (or return to the boat). Andy and I chose to explore the city. first we toured in St. Stephens. It was built between 1263 and 1511, and is the symbol of the city. It is 450 feet high at the top of the tower, making it one of the most impressive churches in Europe. After the church, we wandered in and out of stores and enjoyed the sites. We meandered through Julian Meir - where they had everything from crackers to 7999 euro cognac. We enjoyed looking at all the candies, the different kinds of meats (such as chicken hearts), pates, cheeses, and everything in between. We also went to Demels ( a famous Viennese cafe) and watched the pastry chefs make wedding cakes. They made a bride and groom from marzipan (that looked amazing) and covered the top in marzipan roses. Of course we had to have a coffee at this famous cafe - and an apfelstrudel (as the Austrians are famous for their apfelstrudel). We walked that off taking a tour of the Hapsburg Palace - taking the silver tour (which showcased all of the silver, porcelain, and serving pieces of the Palace (the amount of stuff was somewhat overwhelming). We then toured the Palace apartments, and learned more about Empress Sisi (who was thought of like Lady Di of the times - but definitely had some issues - but who wouldn't being betrothed at age 15). We had heard that the best schnitzel in Vienna was to be had at Figlmuller restaurant - so we went and split an order. (Thank god we chose to split it, as I have never seen something so big served on a plate in a restaurant in my life). It was very good and a charming restaurant where you are seated with total strangers. We had to have schnitzel in Austria - because again - we were told that they are famous for their schnitzel. I can tell you it is good. We then walked in and around the streets within the Ringstrasse eventually ending up in the Christmas Market. After perusing all of the vendors at the market - we started our journey back to the boat. What trip to Vienna would be complete thought without visiting the Sacher Hotel where the famous Sacher torte had originated. Apparently the palace many years ago was having a dinner and the usual chef became ill. His replacement chef (his underling) had to create a memorable dessert that would please the visiting dignitaries. He took 18 hours and created the Sacher torte (his name was Sacher) - everyone loved it and now there is a torte, a hotel, a cafe etc named after him. I must say that the Sacher torte at the Sacher cafe was the best Sacher torte I have ever had. Well worth taking the time to experience it. We then navigated our way back to the boat on the Vienna Subway system. It was a nice day. We had a late dinner - and sat with some artists from New York/New Jersey before retiring to bed. Tonight we are off to Bratislava, Slovakia.