So it’s a strange thing…we both felt like we had unfinished business with Vienna. We had left thinking it was pretty but lacking charm, but in retrospect we treated it like everywhere else and didn’t embrace the wealth of architecture, music and museums. And so we are back to give it a second try.
We were up and organised, walked the pups in Bratislava, then drove over to Vienna. While trying to find parking options, Mark had read that the Viennese are raised from birth to sniff out parking spots…so if you find an empty one it’s likely not legal. For motorhomes it’s even harder as most parking is in garages, and so we went back to the campsite and got the train in.
Our first port of call – Swing Kitchen again for an epic burger. We had the Vienna burger this time but both preferred our first choices which had been Swing and Chilli.
Full of food, we waddled to the National Library. As a book worm I’d been keen to see the main hall which is reckoned to be one of the most impressive in the world. Mark couldn’t justify the €8 for a single room so waited outside…until I WhatsApped him some photos and said it was breathtaking…and then he came and joined me. I’d never seen floor to ceiling bookshelves and art like it, it was such a wonderful space to gaze around in. As Mark had lent me his proper Canon digital camera I also became increasingly aware of how crap my phone camera is. This poor blog is filled with my terrible photos and his good ones are on the laptop unseen by anyone…makes no sense…I think I should snaffle his camera and get click happy learning how to use it.
We also bought a multi ticket for the papyrus museum which is fine for a brief visit, and the globe museum which we both really enjoyed. Such a huge range of styles, sizes, ages, depictions and even globes of other planets which I’d never seen before.
Before heading home we found a flea market with games, which I wasn’t allowed (I only have 17 in the van lol), and had a subpar coffee at Coffee Couture.
On our first visit I’d been really keen to take my dad to the opera as it would have been a first for both of us. Sadly despite being on standby we couldn’t get tickets (I think a part of my dad was relieved 😂). Knowing Mark wouldn’t want to go, I checked if there were any single tickets left for tonight and struck lucky. Thus my evening was spent soaking up the sensory overload that is Richard Strauss Solome.
At first I hadn’t the foggiest idea what was going on as it’s not in English and I’d not read up on the storyline. However over time I managed to juggle the music, reading the subtitles over the shoulder of those in front, and watching the stage. I’d definitely recommend getting the best seats you can afford as craning your neck to see is an extra hindrance you don’t need. As a quick summary of the plot. Princess Solome falls in love with a prophet who only has eyes for God, so feeling snubbed she decides to dance for her stepdad the king and flash her body in return for the prophets head on a silver tray…which she then kisses much to the horror of mum and stepdad. Ah yes just your typical evening of nudity and necrophilia 😂 Mark was happy he missed it, but I’d definitely go to another.
Tomorrow I have more museums planned. Perhaps Vienna will be a slow burner, it’ll certainly always be special for introducing me to opera…any suggestions for another one?
SofaWolves 