Vienna 2

Day 8: Vienna

We had a morning tour of the city and the Schonbruun summer palace with a very Informative guide named Gertrude, or Trudy. The history we are learning is amazing. For example: Maria Theresa, Duchess and Empress of the Habsburg Dynasty ruled for 40 years, 20 of them pregnant, having 16 children, including the future Marie Antoinette. She was the only female ruler of the time and was very successful at maintaining her borders and implementing reform like mandatory education for all children. Remember we are talking about the 18th century. An amazing women! And an amazing palace!

We had free time this afternoon so walked the old downtown. I bought myself a souvenir in the Swarovski store. (How could I not!) Cat, I took a picture of the H&M store to show you. I was kind of surprised to see how many North American stores there were.

Finally a couple of relaxing hours in the hotel to organize and rejuvenate. (Read nap for Rick)
Dinner was fun. After a ride out to the Vienna Woods to over look the city
(Population 1.7 million) we went for a traditional dinner in a tavern style restaurant with local "young" wine and "Schrammelmusik". Two guys with a fiddle and an accordion. They were very good, playing local music as well as some American and Australian.

Having an amazing time. Love to all. Sue

Sue

PS: Lots of yellow shirts around Wein today, big game Swiss in town to play Austria in football. Boo the Chicago Bears!