Our second day in Vienna dawned warm and if my strength had permitted, I'd have done sun salutations in praise and thanks for the golden rays shining upon us. I concluded that Ron and I live in our perfect place, especially this time of year when the yard is blooming and there is a possibility of swimming. But meanwhile, we will enjoy where we are now.
We've looked around and decided that we will walk across a very impressive bridge and go to the top of a modern sky scraper for a panoramic view of Vienna. Just negotiating the bridge took us about 20 minutes and then we wended our way to the ultra modern building. Adding to the somewhat cold feel of the area, the place was damn near deserted except for a few stray stalwarts going into the gym located nearby. Apparently, all offices in Vienna are closed on Saturdays. We found the proper way in, paid our entry fee, and received very precise instructions on how to go from one elevator to the next, not touching anything and being prepared for the doors to open upon our arrival. And we were totally alone. A bit on the eerie side since we went up 58 floors on 2 separate elevators. At the top we walked around the glass-enclosed area coming abruptly to one end and realizing we needed to retrace our steps and to see all the views. A bit hard to get by the dirty glass and the general unkempt look of it all. We commented that the Germans would have been up there with a power washer getting rid of the cob webs, putting a sparkle on the windows and generally tidying up the place. I figured the Austrians were a little too busy having fun, eating and drinking. Like my Swedish side, the Germans take care of business first and when the work is done they do as they please. My sisters will recall our Swedish neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, sweeping her sidewalks. The Germans ja, the Austrians nein.
So interesting that there is a different culture in spite of the fact that the Austrians and Germans speak the same language and live right next door to each other. We also notice that the streets and parks here are not spotless like they are in Germany. A few things needed tending and there was more graffiti, for instance. Excuse me but that shit is an eyesore. The modern section, fortunately, still had its charm because there was a wonderful park being enjoyed by many people. The Austrians like the outdoor life. I must say, too, that the old city is very beautiful and the bridges especially.
Back at the ship, it was lunch time and then I knew rest was in order. Ron, Jackie and Larry took a cab into a shopping area but came back empty handed so I didn't regret my down time one bit.
No comments:
Post a Comment