How to Build a Dynasty

We’re in Schönbrunn Palace, just outside Vienna, Austria. The palace was the summer residence of the Habsburgs. In the 19th century, the Habsburg dynasty’s holdings were vast. How does a family build a dynasty of that size? Here’s how the Habsburgs did it. Continue reading “How to Build a Dynasty”

The Grounds at Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a massive estate just outside Vienna, Austria.  The Habsburg family, rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, used it for their summer home. You don’t have to go inside to get some idea of the Habsburg’s power. You’ll know just by seeing the grounds at Schönbrunn Palace. Continue reading “The Grounds at Schönbrunn Palace”

A Visit to Schönbrunn Palace

We landed in Vienna yesterday.  After exploring our immediate surroundings, the Inner Stadt area, we had a good dinner and conked out.  Today we’re going to do the typical tourist thing and go see Schönbrunn Palace.  It’s a required activity on any self-respecting tourist’s What-to-See-in-Vienna list. Continue reading “A Visit to Schönbrunn Palace”

It’s All About the Schnitzel

Let’s talk about schnitzel. I had it for dinner last night.  Mmm mmm good.  To be specific, I had wiener schnitzel.  But here in Vienna I could have had any number of schnitzel offerings that are on the menu. My guess is that they’re all good. Continue reading “It’s All About the Schnitzel”

Exploring the Innere Stadt

We’re walking in the area of Vienna called the Innere Stadt.  If we were in a city in France, the corresponding term would probably be Centre Ville.  The idea is that it’s the heart of the city. Based on what we’ve seen so far, it looks like Vienna’s Inner Stadt is the place to be. Continue reading “Exploring the Innere Stadt”