Christmas in Vienna

Dec21 - Arrived in Vienna – found out Mom and Dad’s flight which was arriving in 3 hours was cancelled due to snow in Frankfurt decided to take a taxi to the hotel – Marriott – wise choice as they didn’t arrive for another 6 hours – however without luggage.

Had dinner at a traditional Viennese restaurant and then to bed.

Dec22- Went on the On and Off Tour Bus – first went on the ring around the center – seeing the outside of the Opera House, Hofburg Palace, City Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, - catching a few Christmas Markets – trying different acholic and non-alcoholic punches – they serve them in mugs – you pay for the drink and the mug and then if you return the mug you get money back! Then went to Schonbrumm Palace – they had the best Xmas Market. Toured 22 rooms in the palace – Franz Josef and Elizabeth lived – parents of Marie Antonette….that evening went to a Brahms Concert with a choir. Afterwards we went to the famous Sacher Hotel to have the famous Sacher-Torte – a chocolate cake. The Viennese definitely love their cakes!

Dec23 – Went to the Hofburg Palace to watch the famous Spanish Horses – Lippanzzer – Europe’s oldest breed of horses – most of them are white – actually they are born grey and turn white as they grow/mature. We watched for about an hour as about 7 riders did morning exercises with their horses – everything from walking backwards to sideways to having the horses practice picking up their feet in a ballet like fashion – it was like these horses were pointing their toes/hooves. Some horses looked like they were prancing and dancing. One rider had his horse stand on his back two legs only. The long rectangular room had two balconies in which watchers like us could view the practice ring (though it was not a ring it was a rectangle). The room was grandeur with carving ceilings and glass chandliers – unfortunately we were strictly forbidden to take photos.

That evening we went to a restaurant called Vincent’s in a neighborhood – unique food – about 7 courses over 3 hours.

Still no luggage. Dad dropped his camera and it doesn’t work anymore and mom’s boot sole came right off!


in front of Schobrumm's Palace

However on this day, Mom forced Dad to go to the airport and plea and beg to search and retrieve their luggage. Grudigling dad took a taxi to the airport and while finally being allowed to enter baggage area and search for their luggague he found the two pieces completely on two ends of the room which was filled with about 1000 suitcases! At the rate the baggage handlers were moving they would have never gotten their luggage back.


St. Stephen's Church

Dec.24 – We thought we didn’t have anything to do today but boy were we busy. We began the day by going back to the Hofburg Palace to visit the Treasuries Museum – this is where we saw many jewels and royal clothing worn by the Hapsbergs (Franz Josef and Elizabeth). We saw the largest emerald in the world about 2700 karats and beautiful crowns. We then went to another famous restaurant – famous for its cakes – called Demel’s – I had a lovely apple strudel. After a little rest we went to St. Stephen’s Cathedral for the 4.30 Vesper services in which the Cardinal Kristofer… was attending. Although it was all in German and no real Christmas hymns, it was great to spend Christmas Eve in such a splendor church. There were not enough seats for everyone so people just stood beside the pews!

After church we hurried down to Kurgberg Palace – a small palace in the Stadt Park in front of our hotel to attend a Strauss concert. It was one of those tourist attractions, however, it was good lively music with soprano and bartone singers, 2 ballet dancers and a small yet effective orchestra.

After the concert, we then again hurried up the street to an Italian restaurant called Danielli’s for some pizza.

Aside notes....– mandatory to check your coats at concerts and some restaurants, however, you also have to pay to do it – random!

Tons of people with dogs – dogs are welcome in stores and restaurants!