We had one full day to explore Vienna, we needed to hit the ground running. We grabbed pounds of breakfast meats and cheeses, some champagne (cause why not), and boat loads of espresso.
And we jumped on a super touristy Big Bus Vienna, for some hop on, hop off action.
Spent the rest of the day snapping shots of beautiful buildings.
Vienna is gorgeous. Every direction you turn has gorgeous buildings. We kept taking pictures of building we thought should be important because they were so pretty, but would end up being an apartment or business. Beware, this blog is filled with panoramas galore. It was the only way to even partially see the glory. The following picture is the museum of natural history, with a statue of Maria Theresa, the only female ruler and last of the house of Hapsburg, the Austrian Royalty. This statue commemorated the impact she had on education and government.
The natural history museum, home of approximately 40,000 human skulls!
Parliament, another building that needed panorama...
We think we caught that one of these buildings is the current Austrian President's residence, across the street from Parliament which makes sense. The Spanish riding school was just inside and the stables behind. We were not able to make a show, but it looks like it would be very interesting to watch some fancy horse dancing. So sad we do not have more time here. But yes another panorama...
Jumped back on the bus for a longer ride to Schönbrunn Palace. Some of us took naps...
And then we made it. This was the humble summer home of the Hapsburgs, Austrian royalty.
With a wee little garden, with a small number of statues.
Not sure how the Hapsburgs handled such a small little hunting lodge.
We rode the bus all around the city the rest of the day. Saw so many beautiful buildings, the picturesque Danube, and parks and more parks. Sadly, we may have slept through more than we would like to admit. The motion narcolepsy kicked in.
But for dimmer, we found a pretty building and enjoyed some delicious Viennese food at Cafe Central.
The desserts were so pretty, we had trouble choosing. But don't worry we figured it out, enjoyed a all the chocolates cake and some apricot pancakes (crepes). They did not disappoint.
We braved the cold one last time for the day and made our way home. It is not too bad when the Opera House is the landmark that tells you that you are almost home...
We will explore the Vienna Market in the morning and then jump in another DayTrip car to Prague.
gute Nacht!