Day 15--Vienna

On our last tour group day, we went on a walking tour of Vienna. It was hot, our tour guide, Wolfgang, was funny, historically accurate but a bit of a talker. We went through all these confusing corridors and alleyways, and without a map I don't think I would have found my way home.

Interesting insights: The Hapsburgs were VERY powerful, had palaces everywhere, and the pragmatic Austrians are now using as business building and housing for state employees. Imagine being one of the lucky ones who have rent controlled apartments in the Schonnbrun Palace. Mozart and many other musicians were extremely important to the building of the Austrian empire. I loved walking down the streets seeing the signatures in the sidewalks of all the famous composers whose music I played on piano.

After the tour, David and I broke away from the group and had lunch at a local restaurant and watched the physicians who were on strike parade through the city. It probably took an hour for them to complete passing by our table. I had fried asparagus that was just lovely.

After lunch we walked to the art history museum and saw some very impressive paintings and statues. The Egyptian collection was also astounding. We then decided to do a little shopping and stopped in at Tiffany to try on some fancy diamond rings. We also did a very touristy thing and had a sachre torte (chocolate heaven) before going back to our hotel to rest before our final group dinner.

Our last group dinner was bitter sweet. The food wasn't good at all, however, but the company was great. We were a little reluctant to all say goodbye. Somehow you realize on these tours that though you've had a wonderful time with your fellow travelers, the likelihood that you'll get together again is slim--or even keep in contact. So, we said our goodbyes and went back to our hotel for some much needed sleep.