Vienna is Heaven on Earth!!

First off, thank you to all of the replies my last post received, wow!!! I truly appreciate hearing from all of the ones I love especially after a heavy day like that, but mostly because I’m unsure who cares to read these long long entries. I know I love writing them as this is my meditative, creative, expressive space that I enjoy so much when traveling. None the less thanks for being active responsive readers.

So, On our drive to Vienna we had to stop 3 times for fuel. His car used something other than petroleum so it didn’t last as long but was more affordable I guess!? FYI….KFC are all over Europe, he asked if we wanted to stop at one and I was curious at this point why KFC is everywhere. I have not had it in years…..it was the best Kentucky Fried Chicken I had eaten, ha. Both Boots and I had a kids meal, a leg, fries and a drink.lol….back on the road….our driver whose name I still can’t pronounce 🙂 smoked his cigarettes while we ate. We drove through the Czech Republic country side, which was nothing special. Once we passed the Austrian border the beauty was endless. These green rolling hills, some mountains in the distance, a lake we passed- all were peaceful and gorgeous. We both read our books and enjoyed the calm quiet ride. We drove under a parachute area where you could see sky divers parachuting, many in the sky. A dream of mine one day is to hang-glide in the Swiss Alps, any takers….let me know?

Welcome to Vienna, holy cow- I had no idea what a huge fancy city this is, it’s magnitude is mind blowing! It’s clean, filled with friendly helpful people. I love Vienna!! We arrived at our new luxurious home for the next 2 nights, are greeted by the most gracious hotel hosts who helped us with our luggage. This place is classy and cozy. There brochure says you will feel like you entered a true olden day Viennese lifestyle and be treated like royalty. Really, whose life am I living…..oh wow- mine 🙂 Lucky us! We had changed hotels last minute as we learned the originally booked place did not have A/C, in this humidity it is necessary for us desert girls. I had promised Boots a day of some rest before exploring Dora style 🙂 She napped in the firm, hard mattress, she a happy camper, actually said this bed may be better than hers at home 🙂 lol

I had run out in a hat this morning so I got ready finally with actually really blowing out my hair. This bathroom is nice and they have conditioner, my hair was in heaven too. I went down and learned from our hotel guy the culture of this musical city and signed us up for a concert tonight. When in Vienna, do as they do. If Tracy is reading…..have you been to this city? My fancy Paris travel partner would LOVE this fancy city.

We venture out after getting dressed up a little, basically not wearing the normal workout clothes or sneakers but a real outfit with a nice necklace 🙂 The people wandering these streets which are washed, cleaned, and almost sparkling…are dressed lovely. The style here is 5 Star, I’m impressed. Can’t decide if it’s like a fancy time square where we wander or a Parisian looking area. I’m in awe as we round the corner and see the Cathedral. OMG, ginormous structure that is a sight to see. People are everywhere, again horse and carriages line the streets. We are starving! I had found a place on Yelp and again my Maps abilities serve us well. My mom always gets nervous if I know where I’m going and then is so surprised and amazed that I find our way to our destination.

We venture through a beautiful large park that resembles a smaller version of NY Central Park yet the architecture surrounding it is night and day. People are reading in the grass, having picnics, sitting on benches, it is a beautiful day with a slight breeze. We cross over a bridge that has a few locks on it with the attempt to make it a love locks bridge it seems. We find the place I had read about. We are ready to eat.

We order a potato/ feta pancake on top of spinach mouse as an appetizer. Yummy and huge. I enjoy a glass of wine. Okay I had heard all about the Schnitzel…..it was as good as I expected. I had the Veal Schnitzel with a yummy cranberry sauce for dipping my mom had a steak dish with crispy onions in a brown sauce. We loved our friendly happy waiter and walked back to the theatre hall. We enjoyed the Strauss & Mozart concert. It was a beginners level show being 1.5 hours, when discussing with the hotel guy. I think my facial expressions were obvious when he explained the Opera was a 3 hour experience….I’m into getting the culture but this was more up our alley. It was actually perfect! We both enjoyed it, mostly the ambience of the room we were in with huge crystal chandeliers. The classical music was beautiful, we enjoyed the entertainment of opera singers, ballet dancers and the extra musicians added touches.

We then walked back to our hotel which is in a perfect location! I’m now in the lobby drinking a Bellini while my seriously strong incredible trooper mother is upstairs. I know I may push her too much but she keeps up and does it well! So fortunate and lucky for sure!! Tomorrow is our one full day in Vienna. We have a 3 hour tour and then plan to get to a few museums you all have directed us too. So funny, as I type Havanagillah is playing in this lobby, in a classical style. Such a unique experience!!

Love to all and a shout out HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my amazing Uncle Jeff and Aunt Marlene! We would not be on this trip if we hadn’t followed in your foot steps, so thank u! Love you both to the moon, enjoy your celebrations! ❤❤❤❤❤

Love Laurie Sue XO
Aka Dora the Explorer 🙂