So Sad to Say Goodbye to Vienna

We spent out last day in Vienna doing some more sightseeing.

A must see is Schoenbrunn Palace

The front of the Palace

 We visited 22 rooms inside, 

but photos were not allowed of the interior

 There were hundreds of rose bushes all around

On our way to meet up with Helma for a traditional meal in a local pub/restaurant, we walked through 'Nashmarkt'; a very long outdoor market selling just about everything!

For our last meal there, we dined on schnitzel and 'boiled' beef.  

Can it get any more traditional??

Thanks Helma for a wonderful holiday

 Goodbye Vienna

It was wonderful.
Thank you so much Helma & Alan for your hospitality!

Until next time!

Back to Vienna

Once back from Prague, 

we had a couple of days left to enjoy more of Vienna.

Our first stop was a visit to the interior of Augustinian Church

 I have spent a number of hours in libraries during my life,

 but I have never seen one as beautiful as

The Imperial National Library

This globe was created in 1693 by Vincenzo Coronelli, a noted cartographer

A few of the famous Lipizzaner stallions!

 We continued our walk and visited Hofburg

 which is the former principal Imperial Palace.

 Going back to a dark time in history, Hitler stood on this balcony addressing the Austrian people

To finish off a lovely day, we headed by train to Baden bei Wien, 

where our hosts had invited us to their home for dinner. 

The Opera House

Mozart lived here!

 Helma prepared a fabulous meal

Seafood risotto

 After dinner we browsed their personal library and came across this legal tome from 1734! 

Another superb day!

Our last day in Vienna up next.

One last day in Prague

Prague is turning into one of my favorite cities.

The city is so picturesque and the people

 are some of the friendliest I have ever met.

We stayed at a lovely hotel, only 4 tram stops away from the center of the city.  It was once a theater, but now converted into a hotel.  

The breakfast dining room was the old theater

The breakfast buffet was fabulous!

We spent our last day walking around the city, 

soaking up all the atmosphere.

We strolled across The Charles Bridge with all the artists and vendors selling their wares 

 We were feeling that we needed a little break, so stopped at the Beseda Cafe in Malostranska for a quick snack on their terrace.

No matter where we strolled, the buildings didn't disappoint...

 ...nor did the view!

We visited the Jewish quarter, with its rich heritage.

Our last stop before heading to the train back to Vienna,

 were some sweets

 at The Municipal House Cafe,

with its 'Art Nouveau' interior 

So long Prague....thanks for the warm welcome.

The last few days in Vienna coming up.