Day 21-Kutschkergasse, the Jesuits, and Night Trains

July 19, 2014 Austria

One place I wanted to make sure we showed up at was the Kutschkermarkt on Kutschkergasse (avenue). Here Cory was able to pose in front of the Kutschker 44 restaurant. It wasn't open for us to have lunch.

Our next stop was the Jesuit church. Amazing pillars, art work, and an organ that played on its own but in a way to encourage visitors to move along.

Today the hot weather started. We are used to the 35 Celsius summer times but not with this 88%  humidity. UGH.

Interesting reliefs in the University area. Oh, my aching head. Check out the faces of these men 'holding' up the pillars.

The best  place to eat in Vienna is the Centimeter, found in the University area. Great prices meant for students, and incredible food sold by the ... centimeter and litre.

Time to get to the train station for our overnight train to Venice. After settling in, we enjoyed some sparkling wine while we placed our breakfast order. The sleeper also provided us with slippers, soap, and facecloth, and earplugs. Don was on the top bunk and I guess we create too much hot air, as he found it stifling and couldn't sleep.

Day 20 - Palace Visit and Music in Vienna

July 18, 2014 Austria

Our day was spent at Schonnbrunn Palace exploring the grounds and gardens, and even a few mazes. There were so many things to see on the grounds from fountains,

to fake Roman ruins, to the multitudes of groomed gardens and lawns.

Just as we were ready to go, a community concert band from The Netherlands serenaded us.

After dinner we headed to the concert hall for a delightful evening full of culture.

Day 19-Prague to Vienna

July 17, 2014 Czech Republic

Today we caught our breath for a while. We started our train trip from Prague to Vienna with a scheduled driver.  I must tell you, this has got to be the best service we have found so far after hearing the horror stories about the cabbies there.

Prague City Transfer is run by the owner and a second driver. So courteous and helpful, and extremely reliable. I didn't worry one bit about them showing up on time. Prebook and prepay before leaving on your trip. It's worth it.

Upon arrival at the station, we picked up transit passes for our Vienna stay good for all tubes and buses. Off to Happy Hostel, walking distance from the other station we leave Vienna by.

After dinner, we pretended we were from the hotel across the street in order to access their concierge desk who sold us tickets to a concert at the concert hall. After all, you can't go to Vienna without seeing the orchestra.

Day 18 - Seeing Prague in Style

July 16, 2014 - Czech Republic

Today we set out with a sightseeing agenda.  First off, Don and I went out in early am to see the bridge without the massive crowds. Very different atmosphere as we watched a lone fisherman out in his rowboat.

After searching out a breakfast spot we headed out to see the KGB Museum.  It was fairly interesting, but it was the owner who made the tour. He was certainly a staunch Russian who never left the Stalin era. You could see the patriotism and sadness that Mother Russia is no longer intact. No photos here.

Next, to offset the last tour, we visited the Vrtba Gardens.  Very structured and well kept. There were several steps to various levels. The top level provided a great panorama of Prague. Don made a stitched panorama photo to capture as much as possible.

After a refreshment break we were in search of the perfect vehicle to have a tour of Prague. Cory's treat!

Tomorrow we leave Prague behind and take a train to Vienna. This ride is 5 hours so I hope we aren't in the aisle again.

Day 16 and 17 - Train arrives in Prague

July 14, 2014 - Germany

Yesterday was spent getting to Prague by train. I had reserved some lovely seats with a table to have our train picnic and Cory had purchased some scrumptious looking salads at the station. The first indicator that this wasn't going to be a regular trip was that the train was going to be 35 minutes late.

Finally, waiting on the platform, our train rolls in and there is a mad dash when it didn't stop in the right spot. Rushing about, we couldn't see our carriage # to get on the right car. I asked a staff person and she said "There is no carriage 255, just find any seat."

Once we were on the train, we discovered that a whole car was indeed missing and the reservations were useless. We, and all the other unfortunate souls booked on that car, were unceremoniously stuck in the aisles, standing or sitting on our luggage for the 2-1/2 hour trip. Fantastic.

We were greeted by the private car I had booked thankfully, and the rest of the day went smooth.

July 15, 2014 - Czech Republic

Today we wandered around Old Town, Prague on the east side of the river. Our apartment was steps away from Charles Bridge, a world UNESCO site. Even better than the statues and great views were the performers and people watching. We will be coming back over the bridge early am tomorrow.

Although people we chatted with were enthralled with Prague, I must say we were underwhelmed with this city. We are enjoying what Don refers to as comfort food.

Cory considered the Segway Tour but decided against it in the end.

Day 15 - Dresden Sights and Sounds

July 13 - Germany

It was another morning on the Autobohn getting to Dresden. I certainly appreciated having a vehicle that couldn't go too fast as it is a little unnerving. We were going 160 km/hr in the slower lane and people were whipping by us.

The main sites we wanted to see here were the Zwinger Palace - the blog header pic is from here - and the Procession of Princes mural. Along the walk to both, we took in how extreme the bombing damage from WW II was. Dresden has put in a lot of effort to restore it to its former glory and they have done a wonderful job. When you see darker stone, it is the original building. The lighter colour represents the restoration.

The Procession of Princes Mural was 394 ft long and showed the Princes from 1100's to late 1600's.

The Zwinger Palace grounds were just as beautiful as the picture I saw. The Nymph's Bath was full of very intricate statues and sculptures.

Today ends the Germany portion of the trip and tomorrow we head to Prague. Not knowing if we would get a chance to see any symphonies in Prague or Vienna, we chose to buy some last minute tickets to a Galakonzerte by the Dresden Zwingers at the Dresden Zwinger Palace. As Cory so aptly stated "We started and ended Germany on a good note".

After dinner we headed back to the hostel and enjoyed watching Germany win the World Cup. Quite the commotion.