``VIENNA theres lots more to see (part 2)

On the way back to ship I had a better view of the graffiti along the little Danube. It really is amazing artwork and I wanted to share with you.

I was ready for a rest time( I feel like l am in kindergarten again) so Albert went with Steve to get pictures for Susan and I of the last two items on our list from Atlas Obscura. If you’ve never used the Atlas you really need to take a look at it. It is a travel guide listing all the unique and different locations that you should visit besides the usual spots. For Vienna , Susan found the international butterfly garden and the Republic of Kugelmugle. The great thing about our traveling companions are they don’t mind having more to explore for us while we rest.. nearing the butterfly house 
 

Inside at a feeding station 

Al said the butterflies would fly right at you

 In this video the attendant is releasing new butterflies into the room that have just hatched

After that excitement it was time to visit the Prater park and the micro nation of Kugelmugel. What began in 1971 as a spherical art room became a struggle with the city since those shaped buildings were not allowed. The owner created his own township complete with street signs, taxes and stamps. ( of course he was an artist!)in the early 80’s Austria’s culture minister suggested it be relocated to Prater park in Vienna . The Lipburgers(owners) agreed under the impression it would get tap water, electricity and sewers- it never happened. It counts today 600 citizens and still sits in the park.

On the way to the park

This is the oldest Ferris wheel in Europe. Built in 1897. It has

15 gondolas since WWII . 

The park

Signs announcing the Republic ( surrounded by barbed wire)

How it looks today 

 While Adventurous Al and Stupendous Steve were sight seeing for us, Susan and I drank our hot Chocolate and watched the swans from the terrace of the Viking Vidar 

 And with that we are off again to see new and exciting stuff!

Vienna in the daylight part 1

 Entering Vienna today to walk through the old town. Right away we see “old world charm “. We expect to see Cathedrals and castles todaythis statue is at the harbor as we drive into town. The pillar is pierced by ships. It must be a monument to sailors and ships.

Notice the walls along the canal are covered with graffiti. The city has offered graffiti artists space to display their skills and it is kept safe. The catch is the artists can not paint anywhere else or loose the wall space. 

A stroll through a beautiful garden heading towards the palace of the Hapsburgs

The palace is a collection of five buildings all built one after another.

The first building and original palace entrance. Where ever you see the double headed eagle you know it is a

Royal castle 

In the courtyard ( one of five) there was this unusual clock- there is a very small moon clock,a analog clock face and a sun dial all in a row

Of course outside the palace is a group of ruins that are Roman, of course 

Those Romans really were everywhere!

Along the street from the palace the stores lining the sides often are marked with the double headed Eagle and the initials KoK which means it was an official supplier to the Royal Family 

At Michael’s church- a small church squeezed into the space available. 

The monument to honor those who were in the plague. 

Saint Stephen’s cathedral.

 Lots of spire work and details. We didn’t make it inside but imagine it is equally decorated. 

Along the side there are many of these posted-they are the gravestones from the floor inside. Quite ornate 

A bronze model of the cathedral 

Sculpture every nook and cranny 

Outside the cathedral there were many young men dressed in capes or opera costumes- ( called Mozart sellers) their job was to encourage you to buy tickets to the opera performances or other tourist attractions 

After walking around a bit, we found a wonderful caffe shop and stopped for a typical Vienna coffee. 

Along the street it looked like a pastry shop but walking inside and towards the back we found the most beautiful art deco/ nouveau caffe

Windows with Easter decor 

Treats galore

Amazing ceiling

Above our table

Entrance into caffe

Apple strudel with cream… it was delicious and so were the coffees! It  was a great way to end our old town adventure. Time to return to the ship. On our walk back we found the Air BnB we stayed at years ago and enjoyed the memories from then also. Vienna is a city I could visit over and over.

 

On the River

 Today we cruise the Danube River on our way to Vienna. Tonight we will arrive in time to head to a concert of Mozart and Strauss. It’s a relaxing 

Already we are seeing ruins of castles from long ago. I imagine this is the first of many.

Life on the River ship is different from the ocean ships- for many passengers this is their first time for adventure. I remember how we felt when we took that first trip! I had a big need to experience every little thing- this trip I’ve decided to relax, enjoy, see a few sights and have fun. I don’t have the energy level I had 10 years ago but it doesn’t mean I can’t make this trip special for me- 

Along with castles we will enter and leave 69 locks along the way..

These canals will be used to deliver us to Amsterdam smoothly. It’s always a thrill to me to watch the gates close and water rush in and bring us up higher. It’s kinda like being a slow Jack in the box- we start down low where no one sees us then pop! Up we come. 

Around dinner we dock in Vienna for the next day and a half. Tonight following dinner we will head to a concert of Mozart and Strauss. After all , no visit to Vienna would be complete without music from two great composers! Below are pictures I grabbed while traveling up one floor of stairs ( that meant 3 flights. I thought I was dying!!!) 

The concert hall was built into the Austrian stock exchange building. It now houses a residential musical school. We were entertained by a string ensemble, piano and both ballet dancers and Opera singers. We enjoyed it immensely. And of course the final piece was the Blue Danube Walz. Im so glad I had opportunities in my life to listen and learn to appreciate classical styles- I can’t imagine life without Mozart or Strauss. And gosh, Vivaldi is thrown in there too! It was a great way to welcome us to Vienna!

We returned to our home away from home . Tomorrow we explore the old town area full of Cathedrals, castles and history!