Chapter 16 - First Impressions of Vienna

We took a quick trip to Vienna just to look around before Kate comes next week. Since we weren't going anywhere specific, I can't say we got lost, but we didn't know where we were. Not sure if that counts as lost or what. At least I didn't think the secret police were out to snatch us so that's an improvement from last week. Maybe it's because it was a bright sunny day or the fact that I had several maps in my lap, or maybe it's because although Vienna was a center of intrigue during the Cold War, it wasn't a communist country.

The city is as beautiful as I thought it would be. Took a few pictures of course. My plan is to return to Vienna many times as there is so much I want to see. The city has an amazing history as a bulwark of Christianity and as a leader in the arts, as well as the Holy Roman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. There are numerous castles and museums to visit.

There are so many beautiful buildings in Vienna. Here
is just a representative sampling in this district.








Note the name of this hotel. Mozart was born in Vienna and
spent the greater part of his life here, and many think it is
due to him that Vienna is a world leader in music.


This says "Cheap and Good." How many stores
would advertise that?


The headquarters of the favorite organization
of everyone in Houston.


A glimpse of the famous tram system.


Bob loves the birds over here. They are completely
unafraid of people and brazenly approach you.


The Danube Canal parallels the Danube River for 14 km
through the city. Narrower of course, its current is
surprisingly swift. Parks, walkways, business and
apartment buildings line the canal.




I'm on one of the walkways by the canal.


Bob sits on a wall in one of the parks
along the canal.