Archie is now 18 months old keep up with him at http://www.archieshome.fsnet.c o.uk.
We are pro...
Archie is now 18 months old keep up with him at http://www.archieshome.fsnet.c o.uk.
We are proud to announc ethe birth of Imogen, Archie's new kid sister, and a pigeon pair.
If we were praying mantis's my wife would now eat me.
Member since:11.08.2000
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Vienna - the capital of Austria and the home of the Habsberg empire - was not my first choice as a holiday destination. In fact we got there a little by mistake. We wanted to go to Venice but my dyslexia got the better of the travel agent and we wound up there. We were so glad. It truly is a magnificent city. Vienna was the headquarters of Europes longest lasting Empire. The Habsbergs ruled over the Hungarian Austrian empire for 600 years and finally lost Austria to the republicans early in the 20th century. Why am I telling you this, well the Habsbergs admired beauty, music and architecture and that is what Virnna is all about. The first thing that strikes you is the architecture. Vienna is the home of Baroque and Rococco styles of building and was largely spared (or restored after)by countless wars over the centuries and walking through the city fills you with a deep sense of awe at the buildings, statues and squares that dominate this city. The centre is dominated by St Stephens cathedral and in the Kaisirplatz -the opera house. Even the modern quarters are filled with fine and elegant terraces, Sigmund Frued's house is a fine example. London eye? Think nothing of it Vienna hosts a similar ferris wheel that has stood for over 100 yaers and was featured in Graeme Greene's "39 steps" film. Getting around Vienna is easy. Like most European cities it is concentrated into a relatively small area and walking is by far the best way to get around. But to get out of the centre there is a simple bus tram and tube system that is covered by a daily or three day travel card that costs about £3 or £9 respectively. It is worth spending a day out of Vienna in the Emperor's palace at Schottenhorn (? spelling - apologies) where Austria's own tragic princess lived her life in regal exile. Emperoress Sissy was everything Diana was, the world's most beautiful woman of her time, and desperately unhappy as an emperoress. Vienese food I thought was all wiener schnitzel and saurkraut, that it maybe, but Vienna's proximity to Italy certainly adds to the palate and the coffee a legacy of 100 years seige by Turkey, is to die for. The people are relaxed, move slowly and are extremely friendly. They all seem to speak English, even the well dressed beggars and put us monolinguists to shame. Music dancing The Spannish Riding School and opera all will fill several days and every tourist attraction is reasonably priced. Talking of prices we found Vienna as a tourist was cheaper than London as a local. We loved Vienna. We have been to Venice before and neither my wife nor I regretted my stupidity in the travel agents. Spend a few days there, get waltzed up, eat the ice cream and sit in one of the many street cafes and watch the world go by. All in all you will have a brilliant stay and have one of the best European city holidays you can have.
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I was undecided where to go with my partner for a long weekend, though Vienna was one of the contenders. After reading your review, I am in no doubt that Vienna IS the right choice. Many thanks for your wonderful review.
MAFARRIMOND 14.06.2004 00:31
Vienna will always hold a special place in my heart,. Maureen
herbb 10.10.2002 09:49
Fabulous op, the castle you mentioned spells "Schönbrunn"
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