Vienna - then on to Prague..............

Throw on a pair of comfy shoes or boots and take a 

little walk with me around the beautiful Austrian 

city of Vienna.

As always, click photos to see lovely architectural details etc.

Vienna's Shops......offering everything you could want, or need, 

if you had plenty of spare Euros....and an empty suitcase!

The Vienna State Opera House.

We enjoyed our short stay in Vienna. Despite mostly cloudy 

skies, some of my images are still interesting. 

It seemed there were immense buildings - many palaces, 

at every turn, exquisite statuary and plenty of elegant 

shops. 

Cleanliness was definitely noticeable......the only 

'graffiti' being perhaps on the roof of the cathedral!

Yes, not the best weather, misty and damp, 
but we still traipsed around the streets, 
overwhelmed by the huge buildings and 

throngs of people....and managed to get lost.

Our full day was a Monday and we were unable to 
view the famous Lipizzaner Stallions on that day 
which was disappointing. These royal horses 
perform at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

Reminders of the great Mozart were abundant.....and

having watched the movie Amadeus just before coming 

to Vienna, we enjoyed seeing him around every corner 

on flags and chocolate boxes!

Soon it was time to leave this special city and head 
for the Czech Republic - but we opted for the comfy train 
over a good looking Viennese scooter!

*********

The trains in Central Europe run on time........
in fact across most of Europe trains and other 
modes of public transport seem to be able to keep 
to a scheduled timetable, unlike here in the USA.

They were economical, quite comfortable even in second class. 

Toilets were gigantic and clean, with plenty of paper 

goods and safety handles. 

Our first train from Budapest to Vienna was fine, a large open coach with a table between us shared with another couple. The Vienna to Prague coach was a compartment which could be closed off from the corridor - shades of the Orient Express without the glamorous bits - and we shared with four delightful young Chinese ladies on their first European adventure. Two were sisters - both engineers, the other two had equally good jobs. One sister was married, the others still single. They all spoke quite good English and we enjoyed their company.

More coming on beautiful Prague soon.