Day 2 - Vienna (Part 1)

We rose early on Day 2. Vienna was bright as day at 4 am. Breakfast commenced at 6 am so we went for a walk around the hotel. It was 19 deg Celsius and sunny. There wasn't much to see. The entrance to the Train Complex opposite was a couple of roads away.

At 6 am, we returned to the hotel for our breakfast. Ceramic trays (see picture) were laid out on the tables. The buffet spread was an interesting array of croissants, hams, cheeses, scrambled eggs, fruits, wine and the usual beverages. I was still smarting from the bruises on my knee so we asked the Hotel Reception (after breakfast) for direction to the nearest pharmacy. (Known as Apotheke, pronounced A-po-thee-kay)) The FAVORITA APOTHEKE, FAVORITENSTRABE, he wrote on a little piece of paper as he pointed out the general direction. (Strabe is street) A tube of antiseptic cream and a pack of finger plaster cost us EUR12.50

Back at the hotel, the family of five were having their breakfast.

The lobby was swamped with a busload of men and women dressed in black and white. They were from the Schwarz Concert Tour.

I struck up a conversation with an elderly woman (who sang soprano) and her daughter. (who sang alto) They were Alaskan choir singers and their group was on a Europe Tour, performing at St Stephan's Cathedral today and Prague tomorrow.

They were preparing to attend the noon mass at the St Stephan's Cathedral before the half hour concert, Another free concert (to which we were invited) had been scheduled for 6 pm this night. The woman's husband who was not part of the group went to Budapest for a one day tour.

There were 115 members in this group of which 77 were singing.

It was a long wait for us. The family of five consulted their maps and brochures to determine our plan for the day. When they were finally ready, we headed for the U1 Subway. (opposite the hotel.)

STEPHANSPLATZ

After alighting from the subway, we headed for one of the open stairways to appear at Stephansplatz. This was a square packed with tourists. Men dressed in traditional costumes were promoting the sale of opera tickets. Ticket prices ranged from promoter to promoter as each attempt to outdo the other by offering discounts and special offers.

St Stephan's Cathedral

Main Entrance known as Giant's Door Main Entrance known as Giant's Door

Outer Wall near Entrance

Wiener Neustädter Altar

High Altar

Sarcophagus of Emperor Frederick III

Spiral staircase to watch tower

Pipe organ

Just think. Mozart was married at this church in 1782.

Drinking Fountain

Storm drain/valve cover

GRABEN VIENNA Shopping Street (for designer goods) strategically located between Stephansplatz and Hofburg Palace. Right: The Baroque Trinity Column (18 m high) is a pyramid of clouds in a triangular pedestal. Dedicated to the Trinity and the 9 choirs of Angels commemorating the bubonic plaque epidemic of 1679. Gilded copper sculpture at the top represents God (the father), the Son with the cross and the Holy Ghost (dove).

Fountain of St Joseph in front of Hermes.

St Peter's Church, oldest church building. Roman church built on the site of Roman encampment.

PART 2