Our train from Budapest to Vienna left at 9.55 and we really enjoyed the train trip, it’s a great great way to get around. On the platform as we waited for the train we met a lady, Carolina, who is from Nicaragua but living in Miami and she then happened to have the seat in front of us on the train. She was very friendly and chatted to us for most of the trip. I love meeting random people and how you can just have a great conversation and learn from each other and then go your separate ways again. This happened again at dinner but more about that later. Carolina is also heading to Prague in a couple of days and it would be funny if she is again on the same trains us.

We arrived in Vienna at 12.21 and took the underground to our hotel, the Wien Succession Mercure. It’s a nice hotel and our room is very comfortable. We then set out to acquaint ourselves with this city and found it oozing grandeur at nearly every turn. The wealth and opulence of this city is astounding.

Our first stop was the St Stephens Cathedral which is impressive inside. We then wandered onto Demels, a famous bakery in a salon dating back to 1888 however the bakery started back in 1786. We became aware of Demels from watching Rick Stein and thought we should put it in our ‘to do’ list. We sampled their famous Sachertorte and a vanilla slice with a melange (coffee) and hot chocolate. The place was very busy and the cakes were yummy. We then took a very long way to get to the National Library as we zigged where we should have zagged a couple of times but this gave us the opportunity To see the Hofburg, which was built in the 13th century and was originally the imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty rulers but is now the residence for the President of Austria as well as the Burggarten.

The National Library, or State Hall, is one of the most beautiful buildings inside and contains a collection of 200,000 books dating from 1501 to 1850. It was built from 1723 to 1726 and the frescos on the ceiling were competed by the court painter, Daniel Gran in 1730. I was in awe of this building and the knowledge and history it contained, definitely a highlight for today. We sat for quite some time just taking in the grandeur and ambience. If only you could absorb all the knowledge this place contains.

We then visited the Kapuzinergruft which is the burial place of the Habsburg Emperors. This place did not do much for me however it is said that the figures and characters of the Habsburgs, their triumphs and their defeats, their luck and their tragedies are conserved in their final resting place. The imperial crypt challenges us to face history with all its aspects and to reflect on our own life and death. I guess it reminded me of the stoic practice of remembering our mortality, memento mori, and using this as a tool  to orient ourselves and by doing this we will not forget how limited our time on earth is.

Tonight we dined at Figlmuller, at their flagship restaurant on Wollzeile. This is a very popular restaurant, often referred to as the ‘Home of the Schnitzel’ and has been serving its guests since 1905. We were lucky to get a table, and was only able to do so by combining with a German fellow called Mike and two Japanese ladies. Unfortunately the Japanese ladies had very limited English however our conversation with Mike was brilliant and it was another example of meeting a random person and thoroughly enjoying their company for a short amount of time before we set of on our respective paths. Mike was from a place called Castle and comes to Vienna on business a 3-4 times each year and always dines at Figlmuller. I must say the schnitzel was delicious but massive. It was with a sense of achievement that I finished mine however Amy got about half way through before it defeated her. Mike also gave us some tips for things to see and do when we are in Berlin.

Following our tea we wandered through the Christmas markets at St Stephens Cathedral and found that many people were drinking their ghluwein from red cups shaped as boots. We had no room for wine tonight but may have to sample this tomorrow and souvenir a boot each.

Two final observations to finish today’s musings. The first is we found an Aussie Pub in Vienna, who would of thunk it! We had to go inside for a look but didn’t stop for a drink. The only thing that is embarrassing is that it promotes Fosters as our national beer, I don’t know anyone who drinks that, in fact I have hardly ever seen it sold in Australia. It’s an ordinary beer to say the least. Anyways, it was a novelty to see an Aussie pub in Vienna. The second is we came across a CBD Store which sells medical cannabis and I have since found out that these stores are dotted all across Vienna. CBD marijuana doesn’t give you a high as it is very low in THC however it does give you a body relaxation and it is very good for someone needing to medicate throughout the day to control pain, inflammation, anxiety or other chronic conditions. I was tempted to purchase some to see if it would help with my sore heel but it is actually quite expensive. Anyway, perhaps if my heel is still sore tomorrow I might give it a go. But on a serious note, I would love to see these stores and products being legal in Australia. Medical marijuana is an excellent natural plan reliever and very good for people with epilepsy and to relieve pain associated with cancer and other afflictions. Why are we so beholden to pharmaceutical companies when this natural product is available?

So that was our first taste of Vienna, Amy has a jam packed day planned for us tomorrow so it’s time to sign off and rest up.

Gute Nacht from Vienna.