Yesterday’s rail trip from Prague to Vienna was relaxing and quite interesting. We were able to observe the extraordinary contrast between the depressed condition of the countryside and the small towns of the Czech Republic and the lush, thriving Austrian towns. Of course, it is just 18 years since the Czech Republic became independent of Soviet influence.

Upon arriving in Vienna, we checked in to our hotel and were off to meet with Ms Helga Gerbl, of the Vienna Tourist board. Helga introduced us to the city’s many districts and the treasures that Vienna holds”¦its museums, gardens, and architecture.

Armed with brochures, maps and our Vienna Card, we set out to discover this city of just over one million people. We felt like immediate experts in using Vienna’s metro system. It has an excellent system of Trams as well. The weather turned cool and rainy, but we were so impressed with the city, we didn’t care.

The contrast between Vienna and Prague is striking to both Bill and me. Prague seemed crowded and tight, and although a treasure trove of unique and colorful architecture, it is a quaint city with a rich history. Vienna, by contrast, seems open, modern and wealthy; it reminded us of Paris in many ways.

Today turned out to be cool, but sunny; perfect touring weather. We were up early and off to a bus tour of the city and a guided tour of the Schonbrunn Palace. Although nowhere as large, the Shonbrunn rivals Versailles for over-the-top Baroque Gilt. It is the most visited site in Austria and is definitely worth a visit, especially with a knowledgeable tour guide or an audioguide.

After the tour let us off at the Opera, which is in the heart of Vienna’s old quarter, we walked and walked throughout the quarter, visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece and St, Peter’s Church, where we sat in on practice for this evening’s concert. After lunch, we toured the Museum quarter, walked to the Rathaus and visited the Volksgarten. Then we took the tram to the Belvedere Palace and saw the Gustav Klimt collection, including the ethereal Judith and his masterpiece, The Kiss.

After another long day, we were ready to relax our feet and enjoy a hotel room picnic, so we stopped at the store along the way and “ate in.”
After breakfast tomorrow, we are off to Innsbruck. We are sorry to leave Vienna because there is so much more we would like to have seen. We will just have to return!