Playing Tourist Part 2

Oh so much to talk about and describe...goodness me! -- Oh, and I must note that through all this touristy action, I finished 4 books and met with friends for food and drinks before leaving. I was quite busy! I loved it!!!!!!

First up: Hundertwasserhaus. Don't you just love those German names?! I challenge you to say it aloud with the best angry German accent possible--makes the word ten times better, I promise ;)
Second: Schönbrunn Palace --ahh, those double dots--killed me when pronouncing words!

Alright, last Montag in Wien--playing tourist once again =) I heard about this, saw pictures but never knew where it was. But, I found directions online and went on an adventure. The man who designed this building of working apartments didn't accept payment for his work. He wanted to do it to prevent something ugly going up in its place =) He was successful, in my opinion. His theory is that humans weren't meant to walk on flat surfaces. As you can and will see, he designed the apartments and the patio below to flow like water and allow the legs to do what they were built for: climb.





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Aaaahhhhh, the palace: located near me for nearly 3 months and I decided to visit it the last week I was in Wien =P
I couldn't take pictures inside, but the website is very informational if you want to check it out: http://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/





This man was clever in mowing the lawn. He tied a rope to the mower and just directed it with that instead of climbing with it along the steep slope. I had to take a picture!



Time to be a kid again and enter a maze!!



Why is it that when you're not looking for something you find it, but when you are looking for it, you can't seen to locate it? For instance, I was just walking at my leisure through the maze with the acceptance I could be in there for a few hours lost. However, I found the exit easily after 20 mins or less. But, when I wanted to get to the platform in the middle of the maze that allowed me to take this picture, I couldn't find my way at all. I had to ask two girls up on it already how to find my way to the stairs. They were kind enough to direct me along the way.

Within this garden of the prince, I think it was, I walked along citrus trees and was very tempted to take an orange. However, being a tourist, I thought it better not too =)

A view of the Gloriette.

Taking a Medieval Walking Tour around Vienna Part 2

Okay! Here's Part 2 of the medieval walking tour around Vienna.

I love how the people who write these tours tell you it'll only take 2 hours. Yeah right. With the time of walking, taking pictures, and just figuring out the map and where you're supposed to go, I say this is a whole day deal. I especially love how this walking tour would talk about a site I was admiring and the next sentence is "Now you're on Salvatorgasse." Hahahahaha--apparently I was supposed to teleport myself there instead of finding the route like normal humans. They should warn you before you start walking that you find your own route along the way.
Also, to top it, my map didn't have the complete names of the streets. Anyone familiar with the German language knows they like long words and names. This ideology just doesn't work well with a small map. So when you see a Hohen.g you hope it's Hohenstaufengasse. Plus, don't read the small print wrong because next to that are Helferstorfergasse and Heßgasse, abbreviated like: Heßg. Hahaha...ahh, love it!

TahDah! The oldest church in Vienna captured with my camera--the next day =) It's Ruprechts Kirche, built around...hmm not sure. It doesn't say on the little historical name plate.


I think this is for the saint it's dedicated to.


Ahh, a beautiful interior design for the Greek Orthodox Church. Words cannot explain the beauty of this place!

This the outside of the Greek Orthodox Church. I saw it when looking for a Greek restaurant with Maryam. For some reason, though we managed to miss one and grabbed Indian food that was not Indian food--haha--not at all spicy :)


Here's a historical street. Trying to remember the name in German, but very hard to do. I can tell you though, that it means something like beautiful light, as it is famous for a lantern that is still up for people to see.


Here's the inside of a beautiful and hidden church. It was located around a former monastery, but that monastery has been transformed into a scientific university's administrative offices. I can't remember the name, but it's located behind Stephansdom, my starting and ending point. I took a picture of a historical name plate with 'Heiligenkreuzer-hof" written on it. Not sure why at this point, but if you search for 'Heiligenkreuz-hof' you get a courtyard that I walked through, I think.


Here's a famous column located on the Graben, a popular place for locals and tourists alike as it is just northwest of Stephansdom and is populated with many stores, including the famous Julius Meinl grocery store. It's like a Harrods for food--anyone who's been to London understands that. I never ate at one as I was told it was overpriced and could get better tasting food at an Aida or Demel's, which I took as true.--Aida is actually where I ate my first and only sacher torte and it made me really happy because it had pink chairs outside to sit and enjoy the crowds and your food.

Taking a Medieval Walking Tour around Vienna Part 1

So, I was in the library with Katrin, a dear friend of mine from my Vienna adventure, and I discovered something I should have discovered before my last week in Vienna: travel guides, in English! I grabbed one, and started reading it. It had two walking tours and I decided that was a great idea to see the city and get to know its history. This will be divided into 2 sections as my camera decided to die, just as I approached the oldest church in Vienna. What did I do then, I went to a cafe and had tea with the famous sacher torte--rich, chocolate cake with marmalade in the center. Quite made up for my rudely disrupted walk.
So, this is the first day: Sunday--well my last Sunday in Vienna. I didn't write down the names of these sites, nor did I do this while I was in Vienna with the book. I know; I'm talented. So I'll do my best to jog my memory. Hope you like it!!

This church was one of the first on the list. It started out with Stephansdom, from there to St. Peter's Kirche, but I didn't take pictures of those since I knew them already and have pictures of them on the other posts. So, here's a church, I think dedicated to angels.

This itself is not medieval, but is a monument of WWII and the Jews that died during that terrible time in modern human history. It's located in JudenPlatz, which is a medieval courtyard for the Jewish community. The original synagogue was located near there--again, remember I'm doing my best to recall the guide's information. If I'm wrong, please forgive me and correct me so I can correct this.

Here's a church that was just beautiful--haha and me. It was located around Salvatorgasse. It's Maria Am Gestade--I'm able to tell you exactly what it is since I took a picture of its historical name card =) It was built between 1394-1414. Absolutely beautiful inside!

This was a fountain for love and marriage. There are two figures in the front exchanging vows. I think it was a popular place to get married. It's right on Hoher Markt, across the Roman Museum.

This is a famous clock. It survived something fantastic and still works. I think it was called the Anker clock...but I'm not for sure. It too is in the Hoher Markt square....... AH! I was right!! This is from the web:

The Art Nuoveaum, Anker clock, was designed by Franz von Matsch in 1911 in what is thought to be the oldest square in Vienna: Hoher Markt. The historical figures on the face of the clock move with each hour--there are 12 in all.

I suppose it was included because it's in a medieval part of the town? But it isn't really medieval itself...
In this area, right on Wipplingergasse 1, I ate at Fresh Soup and Salad, recommended to me by my friend Gunter. I had a great orange and carrot soup with Sera as my last meal in Vienna. Quite delicious!

I didn't take pictures of everything, but this completes Part 1 as I walked over to the oldest church in Vienna after this, and we all know what that little device decided to do then.

Sundays in Vienna: St. Peter's Kirche

St. Peter's Church. I stumbled upon this when I decided to go exploring one Sunday after Mass. I just started walking down a street and saw the dome above the buildings. I thought to myself, "That looks important. I shall investigate." And so I did.

This church is also being restored. Many buildings in Europe need constant care and attention since they are so old, some older than our country...

I love how this painting has 3-D effects. The gospel writer's robe overflows onto the arch just right of the altar.

This is the organ. I love hearing organ music during Mass. I wonder what Italy will have...

As I was taking several pictures of the entire interior, these women in robes came out and everyone got quiet and found a place to sit. About 2 mins later, the women started singing. I found a 'free' concert!! It was very enjoyable and I recognized one song, though, it was a Christmas song in the US, it must have different lyrics for ordinary season. I took a video as well, we'll see if I can figure out how to post that...

I have to look at my English guide of the church to remember who is in the painting and why it's in the church. But, there were about 8 or so paintings this large lining the inside of the church. Absolutely beautiful!

This is what you see when you walk into the church. It's the altar, as one can see, it's a rather ornate altar. Just breathtaking!

When I first walked in and looked to my right, this is what I saw. It's in honor of Mary, but I'm not sure which Mary it is--again I have to consult my little paper guide.

This is the ceiling of the church. I hope you can see the dove in the center, with God and Jesus just right of it, representing the Holy Trinity.

Sundays in Vienna: St. Stephansdom

I often go exploring churches on Sundays. They provide free music, free seating, and relaxation/meditation time so I can write in my journal about everything that happened the week before with little guilt. Again, I cannot stress how happy I am to be in a current/former Catholic nation.

Ahh, St. Stephansdom. A comforting monument in the center of Vienna. It is being worked on now, but they covered it with cloth that has the appearance of what the building would look like during normal times.

This is the entrance. I have spent a few Saturday evenings here, whether for Mass or wanting a place to sit and write in my journal for a bit while listening to live organ music. I have attended the musical Mass, which has a small orchestra and choir at 9:30, the Latin Mass at 11am, and the German Mass at noon on Sundays. The Latin Mass had no music and was held in a chapel instead of the main part of the church, but was nice. The German Mass is typical with organ music, and the musical Mass was enjoyable as well.

They have many reliefs on the side of the church. This is the scene from the Garden of Gethsemane.

It was somewhat damaged during WWII, but not severely. In the 60s, the people of Vienna paid for the decorative and colorful tiled roof.

This man loved his horses. He was kissing them and talking sweetly to them. I had to take a picture. It is common to find horse tours around the main attractions in Vienna. One of them is based around St. Stephansdom...you just have to be careful about where you step.

Playing Tourist Part 1

Here is the beginning of my touristy experiences!

This is the view down the street I visited often for grocery shopping, seeing the two friendly and patient men at the bank, and where my bus stop was to get to the Ubahn (subway).

This mannequin just cracked me up! I had to take a picture!!

OH how I love the smell of bakeries!!! Being able to walk to a bakery and get soft, fresh bread is just wonderful!

Random mosaic on a wall of apartment building.

This is the church I went to in the 13th District. I met a nice family from there and I often drank coffee with them and ate little pastries after Mass. The dad is from Austria, but the mom is from Colombia and she only spoke German and Spanish. So, I got to practice my Spanish with her and the children =) haha, I definitely need some practice!

Cheap grocery store with good brands. I prefer the lactose-free milk from this store over Spar, the other convenient store.

So, I was walking around one day and wanted to find the Rathaus, the city hall. I followed the map, kept looking around but just seemed to miss it. Well, I found this and took pictures instead. I later learned this is the back of the Rathaus...
This is Museum Quarter. Where contemporary art museums reside. During the summer months, or maybe all year, I'm not sure, they have the pink chairs for people to lounge in and enjoy the weather and atmosphere of this chic attraction.

August--Month of ups and downs

Sorry I haven't updated this in a long time--Edward, you've been extremely patient with me! Thank you =)

Well, let me explain the end of July quickly:
Got back after crazy train problems in Germany. Spent the night on the train but didn't really sleep well since the storm kept my train delayed and I missed my connection into Vienna. I had to take another train that I had to pay extra for--not a fan of that! I arrived around 9am in Vienna and then got back, showered, and resumed my duties.
The kids went off to grandma's house and I was left to myself to work around the house and explore Vienna some. Went to the nearest bank--where cute guy works--and had my remaining US dollars exchanged into euros. He pitied me when my $110 became 80 euros. haha Oh well, that's part of being an American.
I spent my birthday with the girls. We had a picnic in the park, read for a good hour out of our books, then traveled on to the cinema to see Karate Kid in German. I left them to go see my friends for the night. We met in front of the Rathaus (city hall) and ate and drank and laughed and I was very happy on my birthday! During the summers, the Rathaus puts on a film festival which is an event that shows recordings of operas or concerts on this huge screen. So, on my birthday they were playing Handel's Messiah. Just as we were leaving they were playing the "Hallelujah" part and that completed my birthday =)
Then on to August:
The girls and I took a trip down to see their extended family in Styria. I have to admit, that part of Austria was just beautiful for so many reasons. The people were much friendlier, the landscape was gorgeous with mountains, and it had a more relaxed feeling about it. Needless to say, I didn't want to return to Vienna, but had to.
Before school started, we organized the cellar where the kids' stuff is and we went and bought new school clothes. I'm very happy to say that they should be well prepared for school!
The downs of August were few, but had a major impact on me; so, I left earlier than planned and am with a friend now. We're supposed to make blueberry muffins soon =)

That's the recap without all the drama.