Vienna Opera House

The flight to Frankfort was infinitely more enjoyable than I anticipated. I realized the flight was nearly ten hours and I would arrive before my normal bedtime. AND there were unlimited movies available! So I had a movie marathon and watched four movies, arriving just as the French film finished.

The flight from Frankfort to Vienna was just an hour. My spirits improved dramatically when the flight attendant queried “chocolate or crackers?” Two thoughts: “why is she even asking?!?” and “chocolate for breakfast?!?!” It was a delicious Milka bar with hazelnuts.

I arrived in Vienna’s city center and found my apartment located a block from the Vienna opera house. The opera house is magnificent. It’s impossible to get a picture that captures the grandeur because it occupies an entire city block!

Surprised I wasn’t tired, I couldn’t wait to hit the streets and explore. I needed an adapter for my iPhone plug-in, water, and more chocolate. I easily located all items.

St. Stephan’s Cathedral

What fun to wonder these streets! Almost every building has ornately decorated facades with stunning statues regularly punctuating the streets. And narrow streets with buildings hugging the sidewalks. Then I turned a corner and WOW! There was a magnificent, spired church that pierced the skyline! It’s St. Stephan’s Cathedral–a thing of beauty.

Church of St. Peter’s

I discovered another church, the Church of St. Peter’s. As I slipped inside I realized they were having an organ recital! I took a seat and marveled at the frescoes and paintings while soaking in the intense organ music.

About 6:00 I lost steam. I had a lovely salad at the Opera House Cafe dressed with pumpkin seed oil–just about the best oil I’ve ever tasted–and headed to my apartment.

I couldn’t wait to have a shower but there was a bit of a snafu. I had packed thinking I was staying in four-star hotels as part of my railway tour. I hadn’t packed any soap!! I desperately searched the spartan apartment and got my hands on some dish detergent. Happy to announce I’m as clean as a load of dishes!

I’m already wondering about breakfast tomorrow. Chocolate or crackers?!?

Breakfast?

P.S. I post a lot more pictures on Instagram if you’d like to follow me @rhondasarantis
Sent from my iPhone