Vienna by Carriage

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Vienna, Austria

When the Lipizanner rehearsal was over, after a brief stop at the gift shop of the Spanish Riding School (it’s named for the Spanish horses that were, and still are, used for the performances) we walked around the corner to a cafe and had lunch...delicious as usual.

Frank says he took one of his co-workers to Germany on business. When they returned their boss asked the co-worker how the food was. He replied, “The worst meal I had was excellent.” I agree.

Lunch over, we walked back through the arches of the palace where the School is located, and hailed a horse drawn carriage for an hours’ ride through the city.

Vienna is amazing. Not only is it “the city of music,” the architecture is absolutely amazing. At almost every corner it seemed you could look down the side street and see a church, a statue, a fountain, or a monumental building. I couldn’t begin to tell you what I took pictures of, but if you look you’ll see what I mean.

When we finished the carriage tour, obviously we needed sustenance. So we drifted back through the arch to our cafe where we forced ourselves to eat a pastry and fortified hot chocolate. Mine was a chocolate mousse layer cake made of dark chocolate. I know. I know. I’ll pay for all this later I’m sure, but who could be in Vienna without trying their famous desserts?

And of course the cake called for something to drink with it, so we all ordered their hot chocolate, steaming hot, piled high with whipped cream. The emphasis is on to drink. Each cup came with a miniature bottle of 60% rum. (For those who don’t know, 60% alcohol is better known as 120 proof.) Reminded me of the old prohibition folk song about the drunk lying in the gutter with rum cake crumbs on his face. Used to love singing it. Now I’m glad I’ve got two Alpine walking sticks to prop me up!

Walking to the main thoroughfare, we hailed a cab to go back to the ship. I rode in the shotgun seat because it was easier for me to get in and out. After only a few minutes of the cabbie's nonchalant speed-demon-one-handed driving and I was absolutely certain I was going to meet St. Peter trying to explain why I had rum on my breath. I just knew when we made it “all the way to the crash site” (to quote Ron White) my knees were going to be the first to go and then I was going to eat my sticks which I was holding between my knees.

After that ride, I’m absolutely certain that every car sold in Vienna comes with a set of four angels to cover the four corners. And I’m also convinced those angels come garbed in full hockey gear.

Pictures: more pictures than you’ll ever want to see of ornate Viennese buildings

Reflections: Wow! This was one of many times on this trip that I found myself on sensory overload. Building after building with ornate architectural features. But what a contrast between contemporary America and Vienna and the historic old city. For example, within the Palace--unbelievably ornate--square is the temporary home of the Parliament while their historic offices are being renovated--a square glass block.