Vienna

Out to dinner to a fantastic hotel.  We have been told to expect rain in the morning.  As we have been so spoiled with perfect weather to date, we can't complain even if it does rain now as each day we get told to expect rain.  Anyway all dressed up and off to dinner we head.  Again it was one of those uber-quirky places where every conceivable wall space and ceiling is covered with various collectibles. The is the welcome party that met us on our arrival.  Much fanfare and flag waving. I of course am very used to such excitement and fuss when I deign to visit small municipalities so found it much to my liking!

During courses I wandered about the building and found this distinguished fellow who insisted I had a royal portrait taken with him. We'd been told that the washrooms were something to behold and much to my amusement found that the women's toilet cubicle was covered with framed sepia photos of naked men in various poses.  There was also a mirror on the door and behind the cistern so it was a bit disconcerting also looking at oneself in what appeared to be a never ending corridor!!! Not to be left wondering what the men's loos would look like I asked one of the guys on our tour to checkout whether there were any men in their loo and when I got the all clear I snuck in and took a couple of Kodak moments! Rather than post them on here I shall save them for private viewings at a later time...
The meal was quite delicious and huge portions.  I had Vienna schnitzel and quite simply couldn't not eat half of it.We started with Schanpps (drunk out of test tubes stuck in a small block of wood) and then as much wine or beer as you could possible drink.  The beer glasses were curved which meant that you had to tip them slightly sideways to make them look upright. Not sure that I explained that well, but I'm pretty sure I took a photo of them too so will try and find it to post later. After some waltzing and being serenaded by violins and guitars it was all too soon time to get back on the coach.
Whilst on the coach Lara put a CD on that was supposed to be mood music.  It was music mainly from the 80s and 90s and I knew most of the songs.  I can only blame the Schnapps for what came next, as the music 'You've lost that loving feeling' came on and I had a Tom Cruise in 'Top Gun' moment where I sidled down the bus and on bended knee sang to Walter (An Irish fellow that I'd sat with at dinner), that he'd lost that loving feeling!!! Everyone cracked up and thankfully he got right into the swing of things, gave me a hug and we had a lovely moment :) I did a little curtsey and sat back in my seat.  When we got off the bus, his wife Phil, said that he will be talking about being serenaded in Vienna for months to come! So back tot he hotel we came and off to bed I went.  Thankfully there were no green lights from battery chargers to keep Marianne awake tonight - no you are very correct Vicki, that she is bloody lucky that she didn't end up seeing stars the previous night!!!
So after a good night's sleep it was off to Schonbrunn Palace house this morning and after our conducted tour we came outside to have time to wander in the gardens but unfortunately there was a steady drizzle so I didn't walk too far, but still got some lovely photos.  It is a magnificent building and beautifully maintained.  Then we headed into Vienna for an orientation tour, then I found my way into the Swarovski Crystal shop where I simply had to buy myself some earrings.  Then I found a restaurant that had a buffet style set up so I had a lovely salad for lunch.  My New York buddies Barbara and Mike also came into the same restaurant and we ended up sharing a table. They are simply delightful and I really enjoy their company - they are the ones I helped out with their camera - and clearly Americans aren't nearly as affected by a green glow from a battery charger as Austrians are. (I know, move on, build a bridge and all that forgive and forget stuff, but I'm just not quite ready to let it got yet!)
So after a very drizzly day and a bit more touristy shopping, it is back to the hotel and time for a blog catch up as we are out to a 4 course dinner tonight and then a classical Viennese concert.  All very high brow and refined - very princessy!!!