Country Number Three...Austria

Following an excellent day in Bratislava, Slovakia we find ourselves in Vienna, Austria this morning.
Yesterday's experiences included a tour and guided walk of Bratislava, Slovakia's charming capital. Our bus tour included a drive through Embassy Row, a stop at Bratislava Castle overlooking the city from its hilltop location. Set at the foot of the Little Carpathian Mountains, the city is dominated by this massive square castle. Our tour through the quaint old town, we saw St. Martin's Cathedral Michael's Gate with its 15th-century tower, Main Square with its quirky sculptures all over the place...even passing by the Canadian Embassy. It is interesting to note the proximity of two capital cities, Bratislava and Vienna, a mere 68 miles apart, closer than any two other capital cities in the world! Our Slovakia day was complete with evening entertainment aboard the Bragi with a Slovakian Folkloric Show...traditional music, songs and dance. it was a show not to be missed!
A night of cruising has brought us to this next city, Vienna. The rows of longboats are unbelievable, so many so that we are rafted onto each other. One needs to be sure one is dressed prior to sliding open the patio curtains, at the risk of looking right into a neighbour's patio. This will be an event filled day, with a city tour this morning, an optional tour to the farmers' market with the ships chef to select groceries for our next meal, then this evening a Mozart/Strauss concert...so much to report on. Weather has been very autumn like with cool breezes on the river. Sweaters are never far away.
Our morning tour exposed to us a grand and glorious mix of what was once the seat of the Habsburgs and the centre of the Holy Roman Empire. It is clearly one of the world's greatest centres of art, music and architecture. The splendid selection of  museums and palaces in the area of the Ringstrasse, the grand boulevard  which encircles the medieval city is almost overwhelming.
We took some extra time to visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, a gothic structure which is a testament to Vienna's status in the Middle Ages.
I chose to take an option trip to the Farmers' Market during the afternoon, accompanied by our longboat's chef, a young man from Slovakia, who while being a chef foe nine years was a Viking chef since this past May. He had the opportunity to set up his kitchen on the brand new Bragi. It was a short ride on the subway where fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses and breads were readily available. There was also a pleasant mix of bars and eating places intertwined with the stalls. Chef arranged for a tasting of cheeses, hams,  and breads as part our visit...very tasty!
Heading back to the Bragi, I knew that the best of the day was yet to come. Following yet another outstanding dinner, we boarded buses to head to a local palace. More than any other European capital, Vienna is a city of music. Even the elegant buildings along the famed Ringstasse seems to sing. concerts abound and on any evening, one is sure to succeed at finding a concert in a high-style venue. Ours was in a place concert hall/ballroom and presented by the Vienna Residence Orchestra. It.was so easy to lose ourselves in the amazing presentation...Vienna's most beloved music, with costumed singers and dancers, selections such as Mozart's The Magic Flute, the beauty of Strauss's waltzes... All that and a delightful drive from the concert through the nightlife of Vienna back to the Bragi. It was such a complete day!
To my friends in Ottawa eager to know about the Austrian take on Christopher Plummer, Julie Andrews and the movie The Sound of Music, there is little interest and a lot of disdain for both the actors and the movie, itself. It is as if the Austrian feel insulted by the presentation of that story. Only Hollywood they say could make up sauce a fairy tale.
On a personal note, seeing the winter stables, right down town of the Lippizaner stallions was truly opportunistic. I managed some great photos as we'll of the horses being walked to the training ring...no show, just being in the right place at the right time!