It was a beautiful, sunny day in the mid 20s finally and a nice trip to Vienna. This time the train got going as fast as 200 km/hr. We really don't know if they go a lot faster on other tracks or not but this seems pretty good. The coach was once again very comfortable and the countryside was really pastoral and pretty.
We had travel directions from our hotel so it didn't take us long to find the subway from the train station and take 2 different subway lines to get here, plus a walk of a few blocks. Our hotel, the Papageno, is great. It's about a 3 star but when we arrived, even though our reservations were not in order the desk person handed us 3 keys and said "Pick the room you want". Anita picked a room with a more traditional decor so it seems like a real Vienna experience.
We walked about 4 blocks up to the Opera House and then along the Ring Road that goes around the old part of the city. In about 20 minutes we saw many beautiful buildings. The desk person at the hotel told us there was an outdoor international food festival during the day and evening and film festival at night at the "Rathausplatz". Different Viennese restaurants apply for licences from the city to have big booths here all summer with different international themes. We ate lamb and calamari from a Greek restaurant. All the tables are outside with umbrellas and awnings. You just take your food and drink and wander to wherever you want. It's all real plates and wine and beer glasses. When you're done, a waiter shows up and cleans up after you, no matter where you sat.
We walked back and took a few pictures. Again, it's hard to believe that there are so many beautiful buildings and sculptures in one city. Good old Prince Charles was right in campaigning for so many years against the bland architecture of the 20th century. Being here, you see what can be done.
We have 2 days to tour Vienna, so tonight we'll rest up. There's lots to see.
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