Okay tonight is the time to blog from the bar. Wombar has got a pretty good deal of 10 Euros for 4 jagerbombs. The 2 fellas are actually arguing over something i shall not digress here at this point of time across me at the moment. haha. i guess what stays in europe stays here eh.
I would really recommend you to stay at Wombats if you're the budget student traveller. It has pretty good customer orientated service and you even get a free walking tour of the city. Vienna is a powerhouse for the cultural and arts scene, but its history is also quite fascinating. We were lucky to get a good guide today, on top of learning about the different buildings, cultural and historical background, he introduced us to many eating places around the city. We ventured into the part of the city which we missed out on our first day. Vienna is made of many districts, each surrounding the next with district 1 consisting of the state opera house and the hofburg palace in the center of everything. Sadly we didnt have time to visit the Albertina today cos we are reaching the state of being burnt out from travelling. The Albertina houses one of the largest art collections in europe with works ranging from Da Vinci to Andy Warhol. Entrance is 8 Euros.
As mentioned, Vienna is a powerhouse for culture in arts and opera. Opera is a big thing for the Viennese with families queuing for 6 years to get a season pass. It was unfortunate that we missed the Opera during our trip because the season will only start on Monday onwards. Couldn't see the the Vienna Boy's Choir too because they only perform at the church on Sundays =/ Oh wells.
Today was the arrival of Yao Yang, the 2nd last member of our jolly crew on the trip. Felt guilty that we left him wondering around the Naschmarkt alone while we were on the walking tour. Came back and brought him out for some good lunch at Zur Eisernen Zeit (Am Naschmart C7). Its the oldest meeting place (can't rmb the german name but its inbetween a bar and a restaurant) in Vienna and serves pretty good Gulasch (beef stew). After that went back to the hostel and while the rest were having their siesta, it was time for some research bout caving in budapest and tours. Was so tired that when I hit the bed i knocked out immediately for half an hour.
At night, we brought YY, around for a short city tour. St Stephans Cathedral (pronounced steven by the Austrians) was a really impressive building. Mainly Gothic style as you can identify with the standstone, a base shaped as a cross, exterior decor with statues and the large massive tower which represents the close relationship with god. It's massive design is to make one look insignificant in the face of god. However, because it was restored (after the great fire) inbetween the changing times of gothic and Baroque periods, it had 1 tower with the traditional cone shape and another with a cupula.
okay enough with the sights. time for dinner! I'll really recommend this place to anyone who comes to Vienna. According to our guide, it has the best Schnitzel in Vienna besides the one that his mum cooks. And it was indeed true! It was better than the one we had the first day and the portion was huge! a Weiner Schnitzel not only is gigantic here it comes with a generous serving of salad. We had problems finishing it. Another must try is their rum soup and champigons (friend mushrooms in bater). really good! the mushrooms just ooze in your mouth. This place is called Reinthaler’s Beist (Dorotheergasse 4) a definite must go to try austria's infamous Schnitzel. Walking back through the Hofburg castle which is even more impressive at night we headed for some free opera okay not really opera but an orchestra concert at the film festival hosted at city hall. It was really an impressive setting where they have a big screen infront of the massive city hall. a real sight to behold. Managed to catch the last piece and it was really good. see video log for more.
and finally im here typing this blogpost up. tmr we head to Budapest. quite happy that the company replied my email saying i could go caving on say when most of them only operate on mon, weds and fris. we'll see how that goes eh. 'll just leave the video log to say the rest of the story.
note: to book trains dep/arr from Austria, www.oebb.at is the website to go.
ciao guys!
infront of the Albertina
excellent Gulasch
superb weiner schnitzel dinner
inside St Stephan's Cathedral
Hofburg palace really looks different at night
film festival at city hall
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