Vienna

Best of Berlin, Prague, & Vienna

August - September 2014

Berlin

Dresden

Vienna
Tuesday, September 2nd
57°F, Rain

On our way to Vienna, the bus drove next to the Danube River. Note, I would not want to drink the water or swim in the water (our guide said she wouldn't wash her hands in the water).

Half way to Vienna we stopped to tour the Melk Abbey. This abbey was established in the 11th century, survived the reformation in the 16th century, fire in the 18th century, Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century and Hitler in the 20th century. A restoration project was completed in 1996. Here's a picture I copied from Wikipedia.org.

This abbey is renowned for its library with an extensive collection of medieval manuscripts and glitzy church. I couldn't take photographs in the library but this photo shows the ornate interior of the church.

Tours in Europe seem to concentrate on churches and castles. After a while they all start to look alike. This one was different. Yep, that's a body of a human over the alter.

Yep, that's a casket with a trap door in the bottom. Otherwise, known as a "reusable" casket.

I'll leave the details to your imagination.

Hold it, if you think that's weird, wait to you see the next photograph.

Now I've seen it all.

Walked all over central Vienna. This is beautiful city. Wonderful architecture, wide streets, and sparkling clean. Even the old churches and buildings have been cleaned. Just a delightful place to explore.

The main event was a tour of the Opera House. Huge. Owned by the government. Every night there's a different opera. That means the scenery is torn down and different scenery erected every day. This opera has over 90% attendance and that includes 500 standing room only spots.

Notice how the old church is being cleaned

One of the 4 intermission lounges.

There were almost as many box seats as regular seats.

Barbara even got to try on a fancy costume with invisible socks and shoes.

One more tip: don't drop the soap in the shower because there isn't room to bend over to pick it up.

This hotel does have one quirk. Notice the leg room in front of the throne. I measured 7 inches. Not quite enough room unless you ride cowboy style.

Time for a break at the famous Demel Cafe and a sample of the disputed "Original Sachertorte".

It was absolutely delicious.

We even got to watch them in the process of changing the scenery.

We got to watch the cooks in the kitchen

Vienna
Wednesday, September 3rd
64°F, Clowdy

Vienna
Thursday, September 4th
74°F, Sunny

Our last day in Vienna. Farewell dinner

Frank

Orlando

Double tap to edit

Our tour guide, Eszter Bokros, and local guide Franz

Linda

Jerry

Prudence

Barbara

Dale

Barbara

Jerry

Prudence

Dale

Linda

Frank

Laurel

Carl

Bill

Marry

Steve

Bill

Leona

Betsy

Steve
&
Barbara