We arrived in Vienna, Austria just three days ago, but I feel like I got a pretty good taste of what life is like here – figuratively and literally. And there are a LOT of good things to taste here. But it’s time for us to say good-bye to Vienna. Maybe after just one more piece of strudel. Continue reading “Good-Bye Vienna!”
Category: Danube Cruise
River cruise down the Danube, starting at Vienna and ending at the Black Sea.
Empress Sisi – Let’s Get to Know Her Better
Vienna’s Hofburg Palace is huge. Much of consists of Austrian government offices, but there’s one wing of the palace that Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth – Empress Sisi – called their own. We met Empress Sisi last time, but we just scratched the surface of her difficult life. Let’s get to know her better. Continue reading “Empress Sisi – Let’s Get to Know Her Better “
Empress Elisabeth of Austria – Family Ties
Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria ruled the Habsburg empire for much of the 19th century. He was an interesting guy. But it turns out that his wife, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, was far more interesting. We met her last time. Let us continue her sad story now. Continue reading “Empress Elisabeth of Austria – Family Ties”
Meanwhile, Deep in the Bavarian Woods…
We’re in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, walking through the private quarters where Emperor Franz Joseph did his best to steer Austria-Hungary through the turbulent 19th century. As recounted here last time, things got bad, then things got worse, culminating in the First World War. Meanwhile, deep in the Bavarian woods… Continue reading “Meanwhile, Deep in the Bavarian Woods…”
Hofburg Palace – Inside Franz Joseph’s Inner Sanctum
Hofburg Palace, in the heart of Vienna, Austria, had been home and headquarters of the Habsburg dynasty for 100’s of years. In the 19th century, a handful of rooms here served as Franz Joseph’s inner sanctum. We’re on a tour, walking through his private quarters. This is where he worked every day from dawn to dusk, trying to salvage his crumbling empire. Continue reading “Hofburg Palace – Inside Franz Joseph’s Inner Sanctum”
Tough Times in Hofburg Palace
Hofburg Palace, located in the heart of Vienna, is to Austria what the White House is to the United States. We’re inside, touring rooms where the Habsburg’s managed their dynasty in the 19th century. And what a time that was. Come on along. Continue reading “Tough Times in Hofburg Palace”
Step Inside Vienna’s Hofburg Palace
When you stand in Vienna’s Hero’s Square – the Heldenplatz – the curved expanse of Hofburg Palace dominates the view. It’s another one of Vienna’s great examples of classical architecture. Let’s go inside! Continue reading “Step Inside Vienna’s Hofburg Palace”
Vienna’s Volksgarten and Heldenplatz
No doubt you’re familiar with kindergarten. And maybe you’re familiar with Ina Garten. (The beef stew recipe in her latest cookbook takes beef stew to a whole new level). How about Vienna’s Volksgarten? It’s a park in central Vienna. We’re headed there now. And on the other side of the Volksgarten lies the Heldenplatz. C’mon! Continue reading “Vienna’s Volksgarten and Heldenplatz”
Viennese Coffee – Europe’s Original Caffeine Fix?
As described in sweet detail, last time, Vienna is famous for its desserts. And what goes perfectly with, say, a Mini-Schokogugelhupf? Especially if enjoyed in the afternoon, Viennese style? A cup of Viennese coffee, that’s what. Vienna is said to serve some of the best coffee in the world. Continue reading “Viennese Coffee – Europe’s Original Caffeine Fix?”
Vienna – the Land of Dessert!
Continue reading “Vienna – the Land of Dessert!”
