2006 October trip 24-27 Austria, Vienna

Otober 24. After excitement of yesterday, this morning was quiet. We got taxi to train station for our next destination to Vienna. Streets were everywhere a mess and the cleanup started. We went to buy tickets on the train, We decided to economize on our tickets since 2nd class is also nonsmoking and acceptable. We did not even bought seats reservation, figuring that we should find a seat. True, there were plenty of seats available and tickets without seat res cost us $60 for 2. That's about 50% off from Rail Europe. We talked to a gentleman from Canada who is dual Canadian and Hungarian citizen. He lives in summer in Hungary. He complained also on Hungarian parlament. Said they are not better that Soviets. The time passed quickly in in 3 hours we were in Vienna.

We checked in in our hotel Bristol. Member of Starwood luxury collection. Historic hotel but after Le Meridien I am rather leaning towards to modern hotels. The rooms is not that small but furnishing is antique and very ornate We have however a nice balcony facing opera! Pretty. We are next to Opera theater . This is the best address in Vienna. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=89 We called our old time neighbors who live in Vienna and they said will come tomorrow to hotel to spend a day with us. We went outside. The rain started so we opted for "tour" by tram. There are 2 trams on the ring route so we jumped on the train and rode two circles and passed most cites in center to get us oriented. We lived in Vienna 24 years ago for few weeks before coming to USA but we did not see everything we can afford now ;-) . So we went on pedestiran street towards St. Stephen cathedral.

After some sightseeing in center, we had a dinner in a nice local restaurant – Vienna schnitzel and salad and beer. It was very good. We had time to refresh and change for opera. We crossed the road to the opera and enjoyed our evening at the opera – Verdi’s Rigoletto.

October 25.

Our friends came to get us at hotel and we went to their apartment in Vienna. We had great time catching up. We did not see them for 24 years. It was very nice that we still connected and also we got a chance to see and talk to Vienna residents.

We took tram back to the center and enjoyed walk in the evening. There were a lot of people strolling and illuminated buildings were very pretty. Opera broadcasted premiere of Othello to the pubic outside. You can sit on free chairs and listen and buy coffee /hot chocolate/tea. We listened for a while – great time spent and walked to Hofburg Palace. After that I had to try famous Sacher torte at café in Sacher Hotel and tea. It was not that great as I was looking forward to and heard about it but I had to try. Maybe it was because we were still full from dinner.

October 26 was an independence day in Austria celebrating Russians leaving the country After ten years of occupation – 1945-1955.

There was military parade with an orchestra and tanks and helicopters displayed at Rathaus. I particularly liked gothic Rathaus but because of holiday it was closed. All other sites were open and free for the public. It was festive athmosphere. We are glad that we this is second country we are participating in the festivities. We hope it will be without turbulent protest we witnessed in Budapest and it seemeds like Austrians got it under control. J

We went to Parliament to see it and also went to nearby Epstein mansion to see how Austrian aristocrats lived.

Dinner was second day with our Vienna friends.

October 27. We picked up rental car in the morning and left Vienna for our next destination – Czech republic.