Vienna

Dear armchair travellers, I think I may need to add a disclaimer to my travel blog at this juncture, as it has come to my attention that some of my fellow travellers who have also been following the blog (they say it is the only way they remember where they've been) are starting to mutter about mutiny, saying that on occasion how I portray something is not how they remember it. In fact, B is quoted with 'I never said that!' but I have had to remind them that this is MY blog and if they want to prepare their own version of events then they need to write their own blog... And good luck with that. But so far, no takers. Those who know me well, also know that I'm not going to let the truth get in the way of a good story, especially if it makes you laugh!!!! So now that I've got that off my chest so to speak, I shall proceed. 🤓 Awoke to a grey sky and forecast high of 12 but hopefully no rain. After breakfast the girls head off on their coach to Schonbrunn Palace for the morning. D, G and I arrange to meet them at the Albertina museum at 1 pm. We take the shuttle bus into the city and start some serious shopping at Swarovski. Then head to a cafe for a cuppa. Have finally worked out how to order the coffee I want as they have more than a dozen 'basic' types. I get the best melange I've had so far on this trip! I also realize that this is the same cafe I came to 2 years ago! Found a lovely big souvenir shop we browsed around and then it was almost 1 so we headed to our meeting point to find the girls already there. They enjoyed their tour of the palace but B said it was very crowded. Roomie said the gardens were wonderful. I missed having the opportunity to wander around them when I visited the palace, as it was raining heavily at the time so I look forward to seeing the girls' photos. B and I head to Swarovski. We then join the others at the cafe where they've had coffee and cake. I'm ready for something a bit more like lunch so have the goulash soup which was bloody marvellous! Not a big bowl, but more than enough of this spicy, thick soup/stew. Yum! B is talked into having warm apple strudel with custard and whipped cream which she says was fabulous so we are both very happy with our choices. Everyone heads off on their own way and I direct B to the coach meeting point as she is heading back to the ship. I'm happy to wander around on my own and end up at H and M where I buy myself a scarf and socks, a couple more souvenir shops where I buy a pair of gloves, three candle holders and a couple more souvenir/gift things. Once again we have been very lucky with the weather as no rain and we even had blue skies for a while. They are calling me Pollyanna as I'm forever saying that I'm sure I can see blue skies ahead! I haven't come on this holiday to have a miserable time so am determined to make the most of everything! I've had a lovely day in the city of Vienna and really love it. Such a combination of magnificent old buildings everywhere. Get back to the coach meeting time just before the coach arrives, so excellent timing on my part. Then back to the ship to find B in our room, gloating that she finally has a towel 'animal' on her bed. Must admit her lovely big swan beats my flower arrangement, but I'm not telling her that! LOL. B, L and C are off to a Mozart and Strauss concert tonight in a palace so I hope they enjoy it. I did the classical concert thing last time so am happy to stay on board ship tonight.