The Drinkable Grape

After a decent night of sleep and a quick breakfast I headed out to Hofburg with a list of things to see.  

I had no idea how big Hofburg was.  Nor how lost you could get walking around!

First up was the Imperial Apartments, Sisi museum and silver collections.  The silver collections was a bit overwhelming.  I kept thinking of all the polishing that takes place!  And they had out huge sets of the collection, not just one place setting,  I found it interesting they still use the silver.  The imperial apartments were everything I expected.  The Sisi museum was interesting and weird all at the same time.  I need to read more about Sisi at some point. 

The treasury to see the jewels was next.  The Holy Roman cradle was the big stand out to me.  Yes, it is a cradle made for the next in line for the Holy Roman Empire, and decorated as such.  

After I went on a hunt for the Musical Instrument museum, which turned more into me walking in giant circles only to go back to my first stop.  But the walk found interesting new places, including the stalls of the Lipizzaner horses.  Finally, finding the correct place, the museum was worth hunting down.  All the different variations of pianos before the piano-forte. From medieval through Wagner. 

This museum is also part of the armor court and Greek ruins.  Sadly, I had to get lunch so the Greek ruins were skipped. But did a quick walk through the armor.

Lunch at Cafe Griensteidl of sausage, fries and beer with coffee and apple strudel for dessert. 

Having spent most of the afternoon wondering Vienna the choice was to check out 1516 Brewing Company or check out the Musik Haus.  The brewery won.  Another museum entrance fee, tired feet, and realizing rest of the week will be heady wine stuff means I’ve got about an hour and a half for beer. 

So here I sit at 1516 Brewery having a Schnitt (great beer), and they make Victory Hop Devil IPA (really?, need to verify).  Downside–it’s a smokey bar, upside is I’m sitting down, drinking great beer, with three different soccer games and Mr. Bean on the TV.  They have signs in English about beer all over the bar.  My favorite says Rehab is for Quitters. 

Thoughts from the day of being a tourist…

It’s high 40-low 50s here. And people are dressed like it’s -10 in a snow storm. The number of kids I’ve seen in full on snow suits is too many count.  These poor kids must be melting in the snow suits. 

Today has been fun seeing the main sights. Vienna is very easy to walk around and overall easy to find your way around. I think I’d like to come back sometime.

Update:
I’ve arrived in Rust, Austria for the MW course. There are three women from the US and I’ve met the other two already.  LOTS of people from UK, Scandinavia, rest of Europe, two from Hong Kong and one from India.  

We did a non-work tasting of Austrian wines.  I really enjoyed the Muskateller and Sauvignon Blanc and had a tasty dinner.

Tomorrow the real studying starts.

Due to wifi availability I will be writing these at night then posting them in the morning.  Time references are based on when this is written.

After a refreshing two hour and a bit nap, I went out on a hunt for a gift for the kid and wander the streets of Vienna.

I got a great t-shirt at the Vienna Opera gift shop, looked at other things, but haven’t found the right thing yet.

Had a lovely lunch at a place near the pension I’m staying at, chicken, rice and a salad.  Than headed back to the room to rest and talk to the family.

I need to get the new iPhone so when I Skype with the kid she can see me, not just talk to me.

Rested again, wandered the streets of Vienna at night before meeting up with Kathy and Paul who used to be in the wine business in Cleveland and now live in Vienna.  We had a glass of Gruner Veltliner wine at a Julius Meniel wine bar than went to Nautilus, a seafood restaurant, for dinner.  The Tiger Prawns with chile potatoes were great and paired nicely with the Gruner Veltiner, along with a great conversation.

Interesting things I’ve learned today.  The CD EVERYONE is selling out here is Wesler-Most conducting a Vienna Orchestra on Jan 1, 2011.  (Yes, that date is correct.)  I laughed out loud when I saw who the conductor was.  Cleveland doesn’t appreciate him and the Orchestra enough.

Found an interesting book for Mike.  Almost bought, but it’s coming to the US in April and lots cheaper (and don’t have to drag it back, bonus!).

I did wander the Julius Meniel wine selection in the store before meeting up with Kathy and Paul.  The US wine selections were Gallo and Sutter Home.  No wonder people ask questions about US wine in Europe.

Now, sleep!!!!  

Still in transit. Writing this while on flight from JFK to Vienna. Here’s my random thoughts so far.

1. Flying into JFK we flew directly over Manhattan. Never seen that angle before. Wish I got my camera out faster.
2.  JFK sucks for connections. Had to go through security again. Good thing I had plenty of time.
3.  Watching Beauty and the Beast in GERMAN. This is awesome!
4.  Free glass of wine (Gruner Veltiner) helps travel, though it tastes like Pinot Gris.
5.  Mike will be annoyed I’m watching The Social Network.

Ugh, can’t sleep!   Errrr.

In Vienna while waiting for my room to get ready I roamed around the city. I’ve been to Saint Stephens and the Naschmarket. Stopped in at the Opera house, got a ticket for The Magic Flute on the 23rd. 

Now just wanting my room to be ready so I can crash and shower.