I got onto an Air France 747 in LAX, arrived in Paris, switched planes and arrived in Vienna! I got in on
a Friday night when my friend Claudia, an NIH alum, got me at the airport. We took a quick walking tour of the inner ring that evening!
On Saturday morning, went to the Vienna Woods. It is a bit cool in October for a stroll but still very beautiful and peaceful. For the afternoon, enjoyed the Kunsthistoriches Museum. Lots of great classic paintings there. In the evening, went to see the European version of "Eyes Wide Shut" in English with German subtitles. Since it was based on a novel from an author who lived in Vienna and because it was Kubrick's last film, we thought we would give it a try! Claudia teased me about seeing the movie fearing that as a naïve American, I’ll be shocked by what the European (non)censorship allows. In the end, we agreed it was a mediocre movie.
For Sunday morning, caught a classical concert at the Musikverein followed by coffee and pastries at Hotel Demel with Claudia's parents. At this point, I have to issue many, many thanks to Claudia and her family for their hospitality! Claudia's parents pointed out many features of the city and stories of its past as we strolled and of course for the wonderful snacks at Hotel Demel. Thanks go to Claudia's sister for the ride to the airport on the second Saturday of my stay and for loaning the car for our use on the first Friday and Saturday!!
After coffee and pastries, we explored the Belvedere Palace (see photo below) where they house some art produced by individuals connected to Austria.
In the evening, wandered in the Prater and of course rode the Riesenrad! That is it below...
Monday, while Claudia went to work, I was on my own. The bulk of the day was spent at the Schonbrunn Palace. Isn't it a sight?!
From Tueday to Thursday, I was on my side trip to Prague. The link to the next page has photos from that part of the trip.
Friday was spent exploring in the Ring, with particular attention to the Hofburg Palace, Tableware Collection and Treasury. I also saw the Succession building where the Klimt frieze of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is displayed. For the evening, we just had to do the standing seats at the Staatsoper. Indeed, for a mere 30 AS, you can hear one of the finest opera companies in the world in action and I’m not even an opera fan!!
Of course, no photo album of Vienna would be complete without a picture of the St. Stephen's Cathedral shown below.
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