Friday 25th April 2014

We got up a little earlier to take part in the Anzac Service, Arno is Austrian but did an excellent job in leading the service to honour Australian soldiers.

The sky is cloudy, but it's warm and hopefully will stay dry.

This morning we are to visit the Schoenbrunn Palace on the western outskirts of the city, this was the summer palace of the Habsburgs who ruled much of Europe for over 600 years. The most influential ruler being the famous 17th century Maria Theresia, she had 16 children, quite an achievement in those times.

The Palace is again opulent, gold trimmed, many paintings of the Habsburgs of many different generations and beautifully adorned furniture. The gardens are immense and beautiful, I couldn't resist going to the top of the hill, giving you panoramic views back to the Palace and over the city of Vienna.

Back to the boat for lunch and a restful afternoon, as we have the "Captain's Farewell" dinner tonight and we have been invited to join his table!!

We were indeed honoured on the Captains table, 4 other passengers only were also invited, Robyn a lovely lady we had made friends with from SA, travelling on her own. Another lady Pamela from Woolgoolga (that's 20km north of Coffs Harbour in QLD, that we stayed almost a week and fell in love with on our round Australia trip) and another couple from Victoria. We proudly sat with Leo the Captain and Fredrick the Hotel Manager being served by the head waiter, with extra special attention. There was lots of good natured jesting's from other passengers, about why were we so special!!

It didn't rain and day another lovely day ends.

Chat again soon.