Memories of Vienna

Today was supposed to be the highlight of the cruise, but it didn't quite turn out that way! For a start, we were unable to sail to Vienna because of major work on a bridge, so had to moor up in a less salubrious area of Bratislava which meant a long coach journey to the city.

Then there were delays caused by a high profile meeting of world economic ministers, with lots of police and security staff. This all meant our tours, both by coach and walking, were delayed and we had less time than intended to look around at the many wonders of this beautiful city.

I've been before many years ago and remember it as very clean and orderly, as well as beautiful. Our first impressions this time were coloured by the huge amount of graffiti (permitted by the authorities in certain areas) and which gave the place a very run down look.

However, once we got in to the historic centre, the overwhelming sight of so many fabulous palaces, libraries, art galleries and churches made your head spin:-). It was almost too much to take in in such a short time, so I also took lots of pictures of the little details which appealed to me.

The collage includes some of the graffiti, one of the entrances to one of the palaces, a white Lippizaner from the Spanish Riding School stables, Mozart talking to a friend, one of the many wonderful rooftops and a fabulous teddy bears museum:-).

On our return to the ship, we were entertained after dinner by a young quartet of wonderful musicians, who included a beautiful rendition of "The Blue Danube", as we were afloat on that very river! A really memorable day:-)