After researching several boutique hotels and Bed n Breakfasts both of which I really enjoy, I opted for staying in an Airbnb in Vienna.

Surprise #1 About Vienna :: Our Airbnb was over the top

“… she took us for a ride up the elevator to the third floor (whaaaat? an elevator? in Europe??)”

OMG I was absolutely blown away by the Airbnb Roydio found for us in Vienna! Christiane met us at the front door and took us for a ride up the elevator to the third floor. Whaaaat? An elevator? In Europe?? Then she gave us the grand tour. And I do mean GRAND!

The first thing I noticed about the apartment which appears to be normally used as a training/conference center (this is a first for me!) a conference-type living room with a full-sized conference room. The bedroom is located behind pocket doors and there are two full bathrooms. 

But the most amazing feature of this Airbnb is the huge windows to let in TONS of light and the most MAGNIFICENT view! 

Yes! This is what you see when you look out our windows! This definitely was one of the most magnificent views outside my window that I’ve ever seen and it was the first thing that surprised me about Vienna :: WOW!

When you enter you find a good-sized open kitchen area with all the sparkling water and local Ottakringer Lager you can drink :: nice perk!

This place is new. It is clean. But the best feature for sure was its location :: Location, LOCATION!

#1 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: our Airbnb

AirBnB Vienna: https://bit.ly/2QKHVcu
Otxakringer Lager: http://www.thebeerstore.ca/beers/ottakringer-wienerorigin

Surprise #2 About Vienna :: Stephansplatz, such a lively square!

Located smack in the center of Vienna, Stephansplatz is a lively square that actually incorporates residences and businesses outside the main square area. You can imagine my surprise when I realized that one of the most exuberant things about Vienna was right there outside my door!

Food stalls and shops galore line the square where you can wander for hours. And actually this is another thing that surprised me about Vienna :: the food wasn’t as boring as I’d remembered from my visits to Austria as a child. As a matter of fact it was rather tasty and special!

“We ate standing at a bar-height table…”

We stopped at what seemed like a very popular stand and ordered a sausage dish that was delicious.  We ate standing at a bar-height table as everyone else did. It was quite crowded so I was pleased when a table opened up just in time.

So yea, the #2 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: Stephansplatz. And the fact that it was right outside my door was more than I had ever imagined.

Surprise #3 About Vienna :: St. Stephan’s Cathedral, a sight to behold!

The main highlight of Stephansplatz is St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

Stephansdom, as it is known in Vienna, is a Romanesque and Gothic medieval cathedral which stands on the ruins of two earlier churches dating back to the 1100’s. One of the tallest churches in the world, I heard its bells ring proudly throughout the day as wells as in the evening. A truly breathtaking sight to see. A beautiful sound to hear especially since it is located directly in front of our Airbnb apartment! Seriously? No better view to be had, for sure! Unbelievable…

Parts of the cathedral require an entrance fee but the main sanctuary is free to the public and definitely worth a look (and listen).

It was so relaxing to wander the square and take in all the sounds and smells of my surroundings. The thought “I’m in Vienna!” kept creeping into my mind. This is a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting and I am actually here.

#3 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: St. Stephan’s Cathedral. I just opened my window and there it stood, in its grandeur and splendor! Magnificent doesn’t even begin to describe it.

But there is so much more to this area that is worth mentioning!

The Streets of Vienna

Not too far from my apartment in the oldest square of Vienna “Hoher Markt” I found a wonderful cafe called Joma Cafe Brasserie Bar which came with outstanding reviews and where Roydio and I had breakfast of a soft-boiled egg, toast and egg-filled avocado as well as a latte and hot chocolate. It was all yummy and worth the price we paid.

On the next block over is the famous Anchor Clock representing  a typical art nouveau design. Everyday at 12 noon it does a “dance.” I wasn’t there at the right time so I’m including a video I found online so you can see what it does…

I don’t know but I think I may have developed an affinity for clocks over the years, but this was definitely one of the things that surprised me about Vienna. It was absolutely beautiful!

Rathaus :: Vienna City Hall

The Rathaus is the Vienna City Hall and on the list of the most beautiful buildings in Vienna. Apparently there is always a lot of construction going on inside the Rathaus and sure enough when I was there so I didn’t get to go inside. If you’re there at Christmastime, I hear their decorations compare to none. But I was there in May, so…

I did, however, stop to take some pictures of the outside and the beautiful archways that frame it. 

Surprise #4 About Vienna :: Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

They call them “fiakers” taken from the Parisian Rue de Saint Fiacre. Roydio and I took Fiaker Paul for a ride through Vienna’s historic City Center and were blessed with the perfect weather for it. We shared our two-horse carriage with an older couple from a different country. We didn’t recognize their language so we just smiled at each other. HA! 

You can easily find the fiaker stands in Stephansplatz, Michaelerplatz, Albertinaplatz, Petersplatz and Burgtheater/Volksgarten

“finding out where to get a Sachertorte was a close second!”

The driver spoke English and showed the four of us where Mozart and Sigmund Freud lived. He explained how old some of the buildings were and what their uses are. The highlight of the ride for me was seeing the Spanish Riding School. But finding out where to get a Sachertorte was a close second! The ride was a little bumpy so I wasn’t able to take good photos on our tour. Bummer. And the tour itself is rather pricey so I recommend doing the shorter. You can certainly see a lot of Vienna in 30 minutes!

The driver was kind enough to take our picture before we continued on our journey through Vienna on foot.

After our fiaker ride we spent some time going back and visiting some of the sites we passed that looked interesting. Although I’m glad we sprung for the carriage ride for the sheer sake of experiencing Vienna in this traditional way, I found that walking is still the best way to see everything in this beautiful city.

#4 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: the spectacular way to see it :: in a fiaker!

A little tidbit about Vienna

Vienna is known as Wien [pronounced VEEN] from whence you get the word WIENerschnitzel one of the city’s popular dishes. And for those who live in the US, no, they don’t serve hot dogs…. HA! Wienerschnitzel is actually fried breaded veal. 

Surprise #5 About Vienna :: Roman ruins at Michaelerplatz

I was pleasantly surprised to come across an archaeological excavation where remains of the Roman residential settlement for soldiers’ wives and children from back around 168AD were uncovered. And it apparently was also reputed to have been used as a brothel for those soldiers.

At the junction of two road routes which led across the Kohlmarkt and Michaelerplatz, four different buildings were discovered, inhabited until into the fifth century. A foundation stone was found west of the road junction indicating the existence here of a pillar-type commemorative tomb or monument.

“it’s a must-see for sure, especially if you’re a history buff”

What a find, this portion of the Wien Museum right in the middle of Michaelerplatz. Located directly in front of the palace complex of the Hofburg which is also one of the pick up locations for the “fiakers.” It’s a must-see for sure, especially if you’re a history buff.

#5 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: I definitely wasn’t expecting to find these amazing Roman ruins in the middle of town! And it was awesome to see some of these other places on our ride through town ::

Hofburg, Vienna seat of government

As of the 13th century Hofburg has been the documented seat of government for Vienna and was the former imperial palace. Today this is the residence and workplace of the President of Austria. It’s a beautiful grand building located across from Heroes Square, the Kaiser Apartments (renting for $87 and up), the Sisi Museum and Maria-Theresian Platz.

At the dome below the Kaiser Apartments, it appeared to be tradition for people to stand in the center and sing out loud because apparently the acoustics in the dome are magnificent. And it certainly was!

There were several men who took their place in the center of the dome and began singing their hearts out while I was there. It would probably have been considered rude of me to video tape their performances so I decided against it. But it sure was fun to see and hear! And it seriously ranks as one of the things that surprised me about Vienna. I know, I’m quirky like that. But these types of little unexpected experiences is what make traveling so special to me.

Heroes Square also known as Heidenplatz is most notably the place where Adolf Hitler announced the annexation of Austria to Nazi Germany in 1938. So many historical places in such close proximity to each other. It made me just stop and think about how grateful I am for the freedoms we enjoy. 

Viennese cafes and coffeehouses

Famous for their cafes and coffee houses I made it a point to keep an eye out for all the cute little Viennese places on my way to here or there. It was fun just strolling down the streets of Vienna and happening upon opportunities to enjoy a cup of coffee, some sparking water and perhaps a light lunch or snack.

“the famous Cafe Mozart, one of the oldest traditional Viennese coffee houses in Vienna”

As I trekked across town I found the main Tourist office and with info and maps in hand decided to go across the street to the famous Cafe Mozart, one of the oldest traditional Viennese coffee houses in Vienna, to strategize plans for the next couple of days. Located in the heart of the city this 200 year old coffee house was highly recommended in all the reviews we read. Roydio and I chose seating outside on the patio and ordered an espresso and lemonade to discuss our plans. Seriously, our drinks were wonderful but not worth the 11.50 Eu we paid (hence no pastry). I guess sometimes you just have to pay the standard fare for touristy places. Buy hey, I can now say “I’ve been to Cafe Mozart.”

Hop On Hop Off Bus Vienna

“I highly recommend it!”

Throughout my travels I usually try to find a HOHO bus which is a great mode of transportation. Buy a one-day pass for a great way to see everything the city has to offer and then go back to the places that interest you. I highly recommend it. You can hop on and hop off wherever you think you’d like to spend more time. But this time I took it from beginning to end just to see an overview of the city because I planned to do a lot of walking here.

If the day is beautiful and warm you’ll have an unobstructed view sitting outside on top. If it’s too chilly or if it rains, inside provides shelter from the elements. Either way, it’s a great way to see the entire city because there is a lot to see!

I saw so many special places on this HOHO bus ride including the Danube River, St Francis of Assisi Church, the Millennium Tower and the Donauturm. Happy to have had such a nice day in which to enjoy the ride. Such a great way to see so much.

Surprise #6 About Vienna :: Schoenbrunn Palace, one of the best

The idea to see the Schoenbrunn Palace actually came from my granddaughter Samy who recently visited there. Upon arrival I found out that the busiest months to visit Schoenbrunn are April to September and the busiest times are 10am-12pm on the weekend. And wouldn’t you know it :: I found myself there in May on a Saturday at 10am… HA!

“…research ahead for this one”

The line for tickets kept me waiting the better part of 2 hours. The time slot I was given was 3:30pm so yea my timing was the worst possible. Too bad this is one place I did not research ahead before visiting. But now I’ve experienced it for you so you don’t have to! I’ve placed some “tips” at the bottom of this post regarding what you can expect when you come to Schoenbrunn.

Schoenbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is my goal in life to visit as many of the UNESCO sites as possible; so far I’ve seen maybe 20+.  Having known better but much to my chagrin I was not allowed to take photographs inside the palace. As a matter of fact they took my purse and emptied my pockets prior to gaining entrance. But let me just say I’ve been to a lot of palaces around the world including what many people consider to be the most beautiful, the Forbidden City in China, but Schoenbrunn must be in the top ten. Go see it!

The grounds of the Schoenbrunn are unbelievably grand much like that of the Palace of Versailles but smaller in scale in which you can spend the better part of the day wandering the grounds. In fact that is exactly what you will do if you don’t book your tickets and a time slot ahead of time (again, check my “tips” at the bottom of this post).
https://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/

#6 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: Schoenbrunn Palace was magnificent!

Surprise #7 About Vienna :: Glorietta, the best view in Vienna

“On this beautifully tree-lined path you will run across gardens and waterfalls and statues and fountains…”

I did exactly that: wandered the grounds while waiting for my time slot. I must say it wasn’t the worst way to kill time. The gardens were magnificent! Although there is a tram (for a fee) that takes you to the panoramic terrace called the Glorietta, knowing I had a lot of time I opted to just take the leisurely stroll up the hill. On this beautifully tree-lined path you will run across gardens and waterfalls and statues and fountains… I would highly recommend you not miss the opportunity to experience this peaceful journey on your way to the highest point of this expansive property.

Once I arrived at the Glorietta, I was awestruck at the gorgeous view! From this vantage point you can see the palace in all its glory. The massive surroundings as well as the city of Vienna behind it make a memory in your mind that will last a lifetime.

#7 thing that surprised me in Vienna :: the amazing view of the entire town from the Glorietta! I wished we could have stayed up there and enjoyed the view for a lot longer than we did.

It would have been nice to have brought a picnic lunch and sat on the grass to enjoy it at my leisure as others were doing. They obviously did their research!

There is a restaurant and swimming pool (for a fee) around the back side of the Glorietta which gives the perfect location for respite before heading back down to the Palace. On Sundays there is a brunch with live music.

“watching the Royal Wedding was so surreal”

It just so happens that I was at Schoenbrunn on the day the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was taking place so during our lunch there I watched a portion of the ceremony on my phone. I have to say it was kind of surreal being at a palace in Vienna while watching the Royals in Windsor. It made me feel as though we were sort of connected…

Back at the apartment

We spent our last evening in Vienna enjoying the nighttime activities in Stephansplatz and ended up at one of the food stands to order dinner. We found what looked like a delicious local dish made with pork and crushed potatoes with onions called “Greste Krumpian.” We then walked over to our favorite bakery Aida Cafe/Konditorei for dessert. We brought our dinner back to our apartment and enjoyed the magnificent view from our amazing Airbnb one last night. 

Of all the things that surprised me about Vienna, the ambiance was evident everywhere we went. From the history to the architecture to the food and the coffee shops :: Vienna was a spectacular find.

Is it time to leave already?

Vienna exceeded all of my expectations… holding all of the old-world charm I had hoped for. Yet this is a city of contradictions with it’s unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture. And although we crammed a lot into this three-day booking, the time passed much too quickly and I found myself wishing we could stay longer! Vienna, you are beautiful and I’ll definitely make it a point to return…

TIPS for Schoenbrunn:

1. Plan to visit during the off-season prior to April or after September
2. Plan to arrive on a weekday either early in the morning or later in the afternoon
3. Buy your tickets online; book your time slot before you arrive
4. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beautiful grassy field
5. Bring bottled water. You will need it walking around the vast grounds
6. Know that they will take your bag/purse before entering the palace so be sure not to bring valuables
7. Arrive on Sunday to enjoy brunch in the Glorietta as well as live music ranging from the classics to jazz

TIPS for Vienna:

1. Don’t expect everyone to speak English
2. You’ll have to ask for the bill
3. Stores usually close early
4. There are no non-smoking areas
5. Be sure to carry change (public restrooms charge)
6. Subway: don’t sit where it says “blind,” “pregnant,” “elderly”
7. Tipping: 10% is suitable
8. Let little old ladies cut the line in front of you; it’s expected
9. Don’t forget to partake in a Sachertorte

The post Things That Surprised Me About Vienna appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

We made the trek to Ephesus at the end of summer when the weather was still pretty hot. If you plan on visiting in the summer months my recommendation would be to bring plenty of water, a parasol and perhaps a couple of cooling cloths. The heat can be quite overwhelming.

Let me just tell you what I would consider 5 of the most compelling reasons to make Ephesus the next destination ::

#1 :: The ancient ruins in Ephesus are older than most.

The Ephesus everyone visits today was founded in the 4th century B.C. but the ancient ruins of the first city (and it is believed that there have been at least 5 cities) dates back to 10th century B.C.

Baths of Varius

Located north of the State Agora is a complex marble structure known as the Baths of Varius which was first built during the Hellenistic era, then enlarged in Roman and Byzantine times. In those days cities built baths for its townspeople :: they did not have them in each individual residence as we know them to be today. And the wealthiest people had their own separate bath houses which represented a great mark of status.

The baths consisted of three sections :: the frigidarium (cold water), the tepidarium (warm water) and caladium (hot water). Men and women did not bathe in the same bath (women were provided smaller baths in a separate building) but each used the three sections in their respective baths one at a time.

Fountains of Ephesus

Fountain of Trajan

Built in around 104 C.E. this fountain is one of the finest monuments in Ephesus with a statue of the Emperor of the same name in its center. The columns and statues that once surrounded the fountain can be found in the Ephesus Museum.

Fountain of Hydreion

The fountain of Hydreion is located beside the Memmius Monument and was one of the most outstanding ancient fountain ruins in Ephesus. This fabulous structure was built as a resting place for weary travelers, had three separate water basins and 4 of the Corinth-style columns can still be seen in front of the fountain.

Memmius Monument

Standing on the north side of the Domitian Square it was built during the reign of Augustus in the first century A.D. with a square fountain on the northwest facade. This monument was built in 87 B.C. to remember the conquering of Mithridates (who killed 80,000 Romans in his three year revolt with his army).

Prytaneion

The construction of the Prytaneion dates to the 3rd century B.C. but the ruins of the complex date back to the Augustan age. This was where religious ceremonies, official receptions and banquets were held and where the sacred flame symbolizing the heart of Ephesus was kept constantly lit in a four-cornered pit in the center of the ceremonial hall, a relic from the reign of Lysimachos. During excavations archeologists found 2 Artemis statues which are now present in Ephesus Museum.

#2 :: The ancient ruins in Ephesus have been recorded to be the longest lasting…

…in history, existing between 4th century B.C. and the 15th century A.D. despite all of the earthquakes, wars, diseases and fires they have endured.

Temple of Hadrian

Temple of Hadrian is one of the best preserved and most beautiful structures on Curetes Street and it truly is something to behold. It was built before 138 A.D by P. Quintilius and was dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian who came to visit the city from Athens in 128 A.D. Emperor Hadrian was one of the Five of Good Emperors, a term that refers to five consecutive emperors of the Roman Empire— Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius.

At the front of the temple stand four Corinthian columns with a curved arch in the middle which contains a carving of Tyche, goddess of victory. The pedestals with inscriptions in front of the temple are the bases for the statues of the emperors between 293-305 CE :: Diocletian, Maximian, Constantius I and Galerius which have not yet been found.

Ephesus Latrines 

Situated next to the Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus these public toilet ruins (the ancient version of port-a-potties for which an entrance fee was required) were constructed along the wall like marble benches. A pool of clean water flowed continuously in the gutter in front of them. It’s interesting to me that people conducted their “business” without separate stalls, just like the baths.

Odeion of Ephesus

The Odeion of Ancient Ephesus was a small theatre financed by a wealthy citizen named Vedius Antonius. It has a semi-circular shape. It had low steps or ledges divided by passages and two corridors on each side to let people access the higher seats. There was also an orchestra and a podium.

There were five entrances to the podium in the front side of the theatre and along the street to the State Agora. The Odeion was adorned with pillars and it must have had a wooden roof in the past.

The Odeion was used for political meetings (senate house), social events, concerts and theatrical performances.

#3 :: Ephesus played a very important role in world history.

Ephesus was visited by Alexander the great, Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony and Cleopatra, and became home to St. Paul, St. John and the Virgin Mary. It was so wealthy that the Temple of Artemis, the third largest library Celsus Library and the Great Theatre, the largest theater of Asia Minor were all built there. One of the most impactful cities in the world I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, for sure.

Temple of Artemis

The original temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The complete ruins of this important temple is located in Seljuk not far away.

Today if you visit the original site in Ephesus only a foundation and sculptural fragments of its ancient ruins remain.

Also known as the Temple of Diana it was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. She was the twin of Apollo in Greek mythology and the daughter of Zeus and Leto.

Library of Celsus

Considered one of the most beautiful structures in Ephesus, Celsus Library was built in 117 A.D. as a monumental tomb for the governor of the province of Asia by the same name. His grave was beneath the ground floor with a statue of Athena goddess of wisdom over it.

The library held more than 12,000 scrolls, the third richest library in ancient times after Alexandria and Pergamum. Such fascinating details went into this structure.

The statues of Sophia ‘wisdom’, Episteme ‘knowledge’, Ennoia ‘intelligence’ and Arete ‘valor’ currently standing in the niches of the columns are copies of the originals which were taken to Ephesus Museum in Vienna in the early 1900’s.

Great Theatre

Also known as the Ephesus Great Theatre you can easily see it when you enter the city from the south, originally built in the Hellenistic era but enlarged during the Roman era. With a capacity of 25,000 seats (60 rows of seats divided by two aisles in three horizontal sections and 3 stories high) the Great Theatre is the largest of its kind in Anatolia (Asia Minor, which makes up most of modern-day Turkey).

It was used not only for concerts and plays but also for gladiator and animal fights as well as for religious, political and philosophical forums/discussions.

Basilica of St. John

Seeing the ruins of St. John’s Basilica was pretty surreal. Kind of like seeing the House of the Virgin Mary. The Basilica of St. John was regarded as one of the holiest churches of its time. But with the invasion of Turks the chapel was used as a mosque in the 14th century. Unfortunately the Basilica of St. John became unusable due to the serious earthquake in the same century. To give you more perspective on its size it was told to me that if the basilica were to have been completely rebuilt it would be the seventh largest church in the world.

The most striking feature of the basilica is its massive apse entrance which has been partially restored.

The construction of the basilica began in 548, completed by 565 and stands over the believed burial site of John the Apostle, originally a mausoleum of sorts, which served as a church. As it stands today the reconstruction of the basilica is yet incomplete.

Near the church they built an aqueduct to help the then uncultivated land around it flourish.

Tomb of St. John

St. John (Apostle, Evangelist) lived in Ephesus for a long time, wrote his gospel and died by the age of 100 in Ephesus. Raised by two steps and covered with marble, St. John’s tomb was located under the central dome of the basilica that was once carried by the four columns at the corners. Still pretty incredible to have been there and stood beside St. John’s tomb knowing who he was and what role he played in Christianity. So surreal. And a truly special place.

Statue of Virgin Mary

Ephesus is the place where the Virgin Mary (the mother of Jesus Christ) was reckoned to have spent her last years. The story has it that she died in Ephesus and most probably buried by St. John on the Mountain named Nightingale nearby Ephesus.

The golden statue of the Virgin Mary is located near the Basilica of St. John.

House of the Virgin Mary

Excavations in 1881 uncovered ancient stone foundations, most from the 500s and 600s but some from the 1st century A.D. when Mary would have been alive. After a visit by Pope Paul VI in 1967, the Catholic church confirmed the authenticity of the legend. Pope John Paul II visited in 1979 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.

Today the Virgin Mary’s House is rebuilt as a chapel and visited by millions of people every year to sip the waters of an adjoining spring said to have curative powers…

…to leave messages and prayers on the stone prayer wall…

…and to enjoy the pine-shaded mountaintop location.

Regardless of one’s religious proclivities it is hard not to be moved by a site that so many find sacred.

A service is held on August 15th each year commemorating the Virgin Mary’s Assumption.

 #4 :: When you walk along the marble streets of Ephesus it truly feels as if you have travelled back in time.

You will not see just some ruins here and there :: most of the city center has been excavated and re-erected. You will able to see not only most of the state and social buildings but thanks to the Austrian Archaeological Institute (started excavations in 1895 and with the exception of the interruption of WWI and WWII has continued uninterrupted since 1954; archaeologists of the Ephesus Museum and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism who accelerated their work as of 1979 as well) you can also see the interior of the houses of some of the wealthiest citizens of Ephesus. . With everything that has been uncovered still only 10% of the ancient city has been unearthed.

State Agora

Like the Baths of Varius, the State Agora was renovated multiple times during its history. The first agora on this site was built in the 6th century B.C. in Hellenistic style. During excavation that agora was found buried approximately 2 meters below the present Agora. This agora would have been used as a public area and a meeting place for governmental discussions.

In the center there was a temple dedicated to the Egyptian godess Isis built for the visit of  Marcus Antonius and Cleaopatra in 42 B.C. The current structure would have been built in the Roman Period in the first century B.C. and would have served as the chamber where all decision would have been voted on. It was demolished during the reign of Augustus and never rebuilt because of its connections with Egypt.

Lower Agora

The Lower or Commercial Agora was the most important trade center of Ephesus, one square mile in size and surrounded by columns with three gates.

In the center of the Agora was a sundial and a water clock (used in court hearings to measure the time allotted for each speaker). The Lower Agora was built in the third century B.C. in the Hellenistic era with ruins dating back to 211 C.E. 

According to some biblical scholars there is a high possibility of St. Paul having had a tent-making shop in the Commercial Agora of Ephesus between 53-56 A.D.

Terrace Houses

Ephesus terrace houses are located on the hill opposite the Hadrian Temple also called “the houses of rich.” They are important because they give us information about family life during the Roman period. Terrace houses were built according to the Hippodamian plan of the city in which roads intersected each other at right angels.

They had interior courtyards with a row of columns surrounding the space in the center with the ceilings open. Mostly built with two stories, with living rooms and dining rooms opening to the hall on the ground floor and bedrooms and guest rooms upstairs. But the second stories have all collapsed over time.

#5 :: Of all the guided tours in which I’ve taken part, IMHO the guides explaining the ancient ruins in Ephesus are among the best.

Apparently being a guide in Ephesus is a well-respected position and pays very well which is motivation for young people to seek after this line of work. As a result most have an extensive education and speak many languages fluently. When you take a guided tour in Ephesus you will be exposed to more information than you can absorb. I wish I had video or at least a voice recording of our guide (above) as a remembrance of our time in this amazing city.

Excavations and Restorations

Since 1954 much of the excavations and restorations have been carried out by the Austrian Archaeology Institute Team but also by the archaeologists of the Ephesus Museum. In their intensive work they have uncovered and restored many important structures. And as you walk the streets of Ephesus you can see the ruined pieces everywhere around you. I happened upon an archaeologist who was working along the side of the State Agora. He did not speak English so he let me just watch him as he worked. I found it so very interesting.

I was told that in recent years the focus has been more on the care and preservation of the buildings that have already been discovered rather than the actual excavation. In the past fifteen years many important structures and monuments have been restored. And in the course of the excavations which have now lasted over a century, only ten percent of the ancient city of Ephesus has been unearthed. Excavations in Ephesus will go on for many years with an emphasis on restorative works.

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Seriously, had I been exposed to the love of archaeology in my early years perhaps this is the path of education that I may have chosen to follow. It is all beyond interesting to me. And Ephesus was truly a treasure trove of archaeology! If you enjoy visiting historic ruins Ephesus definitely is one you shouldn’t miss!

The post Ephesus Ancient Ruins :: 5 Reasons to Visit appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Bruges is located in the northwest corner of Belgium which is situated on the North Sea, below The Netherlands, west of Germany and Luxembourg and north of France. We drove from the south part of The Netherlands, through Brussels and stopped briefly in another quaint city, Ghent, to get to Bruges so it only took us about 3 hours and it was a really comfortable drive at that.

As are so many cities in Europe Bruges is filled with rich history, architecture, culture and charm to say nothing of the wonderful goodies available here and it just so happens that my father’s family originated out of Belgium so it was exciting to finally visit what I consider a piece of my family’s heritage. My first time visiting was in 2018 and I am certain it won’t be my last time.

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This was a wonderful vacation through a country from which my heritage comes and it was really important to me to visit perhaps learn more about my family background. Considering the fact that Belgium is similar to The Netherlands where I was actually born it wasn’t a stretch to make the connection. But I definitely feel that my visit did help me to understand more about my family’s history. I’m very thankful for this trip and the family members who made the trip with me.

The post Bruges Belgium :: 25 Photos to Inspire You to Visit appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

We traveled by train from the cruise port to Riomaggiore, the first and most southern of the Cinque Terre.

Riomaggiore

As we entered Riomaggiore we walked through a tunnel lined with hand-painted tile and artwork. It was really a beautiful way to enter the Five Villages for my first time. I’d seen pictures and was instantly drawn to Cinque Terre but in all fairness you have to physically visit it to experience the true magnitude of its beauty.

We spent most of our time wandering the streets of Riomaggiore. What a beautiful town, even in the rain.

We had originally planned to walk the trails from one town to the other however the paths were wet, unstable and partially closed due to the rains so we opted to take the train between towns. It was actually very easy to navigate, much easier than I had anticipated. And it probably was a better option, giving us time to wander without worrying about the time so much. By train it only took about 5 minutes before we arrived in Manarola.

Manarola

Another beautiful town I was instantly drawn to Manarola’s cliff walls that were naturally formed by the earth’s movement.

The rains trickled ever so gently along its walls and the greenery that sprouted out from between the rocks.

We ducked into a little place for a cup of strong Italian coffee before continuing on our journey.

Corniglia

Corniglia was the next town in Cinque Terre we hopped off the train to see. And such a cute town it was! Filled with adorable little shops and houses, and although the cloudy skies didn’t reveal all the beautiful colors as I’d seen in pictures it was so beautiful. Then for just a few seconds the sun peeked out to help me understand more clearly what a difference the sun makes to brighten up this little corner of the world. I wish I had captured that little bit of sun on film. But it just means that I’ll have to come back again.

Vernazza

Vernazza has to be my favorite of the five villages. With the cute fishing boats docked down below on the Ligurian Riviera it made the most picturesque view of the water. We walked and walked up and down the hills on little pathways between the houses not wanting to miss any little nook and cranny we passed. 

It was amazing to me that there were so many tourists here with us that day. Especially a large tour group with all of their camera equipment and selfie sticks, stopping to take pictures every step of the way, made it difficult to see clearly. It was then that we decided to duck inside the Gente di Mare with its beautiful pipe organ in the balcony above. And we took the steps down to the lower level to get back out to the street.

It was mid-morning so we stopped at this cute little Focacceria. All they sold was focaccia. And OMG can I just say that it was the best focaccia I’d ever had? That’s probably to be expected having tasted it in Italy for the first time. Seriously, it was indescribably delicious. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly soft on the inside and perfectly toasted on the outside.

I wish I would have recorded the girls behind the counter as they sung Italian songs while they worked. It was like out of a fairy tale movie. We ate our scrumptious focaccia on the steps outside and just listed to the music. Yes. We were in Italy and I was absorbing every scent, every sound. And no, I couldn’t wait to delve into this wonderful bread before capturing a picture of it! HA!

Monterossa al Mare

Our last stop and at the north-most end of Cinque Terre was Monterosso al Mare. This town was unique to the rest as it didn’t have that “small town” feel as the others did.

We didn’t let a little rain stop us from getting some gelato because, well, you have to have gelato when in Italy, right?

After a quick look around town we took out our tickets and headed back out to the train to La Spezia and onboard our ship.

As I said earlier, this was a great way to just see an overview of Cinque Terre but I am convinced we will be back to spend more quality time in this beautiful place.

I’d love to find the perfect time for a visit :: when the weather is beautiful but there are not so many tourists. Is there such a time? We will see. But regardless, I know I’ll be back because this has been one of my favorite cruise stops so far.

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The post Cinque Terre :: One Stop, Five Lands appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Lisbon was actually a two-day cruise stop for me but upon stepping foot in what immediately felt like home I decided to walk everywhere so that I wouldn’t miss a thing of the wonderful details that make Lisbon truly special. I was sure that my next visit I would want to see all of the well-known attractions but this time I just wanted to get to know the city like a local. And boy did I get my exercise! They don’t call this The City of Seven Hills for no reason!

Tip :: make sure to wear good walking shoes!

When you’re first getting to know Lisbon, it helps to think of the city as a collection of neighborhoods. From one to the other you will soon notice that each has its own personality. These were two days that I absolutely adored doing nothing but wandering.

I’m just going to touch on each neighborhood I was able to visit and hopefully show you a different perspective on traveling and exactly how special a city this is ::

Lisbon Old Town Alfama

Old Town Alfama’s labyrinth of streets are best explored by simply getting lost in it because around every corner or steep climb is a delightful tiny plaza, unique shop, funky café or wonderful viewpoint.

Our entire time in Alfama we spent climbing cobbled streets or descending staircases. Be aware if you have mobility problems :: it may behoove you to take some form of transportation throughout the city. There are several types available :: tram, bus or metro. You can also hail a tuk-tuk to make the trek easier or call an Uber which is also readily available here. But if you’re able I highly recommend walking. Everywhere. Because you don’t want to miss a thing!

Incorporated in this charming district are several neighborhoods so I’ll just break down the ones I visited for you here ::

Castelo

I actually took this photo from Graca to capture Castelo de Jorge. I did walk around the area but didn’t actually take a tour of the castle because I knew I just wouldn’t have time to do much else if I did. This is on my looooong list of things I want to do on my next visit.

Castelo is one of the most traditional neighborhoods in Lisbon featuring centuries of history as well as magnificent views over the city and River Tagus. Stunning views :: nothing less. And although the old historic influence abounds here the neighborhood is also full of reenergized streets as you can see evidence of restoration and repurposing throughout. They even have two elevators providing access to this hilltop from other neighborhoods.

Encarnacao

I spent most of my time in Encarnacao in the evening strolling the streets and alleyways. And of course taking photographs of everything! Encarnacao means “incarnation” and, as is so evident throughout Lisbon and its churches, I truly felt Christ’s light and life here in this place. And it was filled with wonderful ambiance, something I took away with me.

We had dinner at a charming and popular little seafood restaurant called Marisqueira M :: the food was spectacular. Click here for the TripAdvisor reviews.

And although this restaurant is known for its seafood Roydio had a hankering for steak so that is what he opted for. And he definitely cleaned his plate.

As for me, I had a traditional seafood dish with rice and clams and shrimp that I don’t even remember the name of. But what I certainly do remember is that the taste was unlike anything I’d had before and it was absolutely to die for!

Graca

Graca is a really cool neighborhood filled to the rim with lots of old world charm and a nostalgic slice of local life. I’m a sucker for textures and windows and doors and balconies, and Lisbon provides me with endless opportunities to enjoy everything I love.

A young population I’ve been told has moved into the Graca area having had an impact in recent years with cool street art and some new restaurants.

Several paths I climbed ended with a great viewpoint (which is so typical of Lisbon and one of the things I love so much about this city) such as this one called Largo da Graca which is also known as the Sophia Andresen viewpoint. This peaceful, tree shaded plaza is positioned in front of the Graca Church and provides wonderful views over the castle and central Lisbon. There is a wonderful open air cafe which is an ideal place to relax after climbing all the hills of Alfama. And that’s exactly what Roydio and I did. We grabbed something to drink and stood in awe of this beautiful sight.

Rua da Madalena

Another of the Alfama District neighborhoods, we walked Rua da Madalena to get from one area to the other. Goes to show that an otherwise nondescript yet uber charming area with all the various doors and windows I just love so much opens up your eyes to the wonder that is this grand city of Lisbon. I could seriously wander up and down the streets here and enjoy the atmosphere for hours on end. When I return I’ll have to stay longer so I could do more of just that.

It was here in Madalena from which we decided to take the #28 tram to Graca and Santa Justa. Good or bad decision. We waited for that famous tram. 15 minutes. 30 minutes 45 minutes. An hour. Ask if it’s worth the wait? Well, I’m glad we did it because it’s just something you have to do in Lisbon but I don’t think I’d wait again. Next time I’d catch it at a less popular spot and risk not getting on right away! Roydio was cool about me just wandering off taking photos of the walls and the streets and the buildings surrounding us. For me it was an opportunity just “waiting” to happen… (see what I did there?) HA!

If you are interested in covering the most popular areas of Lisbon in a relatively short amount of time I highly recommend taking a guided walking tour so that they can point out the more sought after attractions Lisbon has to offer. The next time I visit (and there will certainly be a next time) that is exactly what I will do.

Check out this private walking tour that comes highly recommended!

Museo do Design e do Moda [MUDE] Lisbon

The MUDE in Lisbon celebrates design and fashion with a collection of approximately 2500 pieces belonging to the art collector and architect Francisco Capelo. Pretty impressive buildings which also include a cafe and bookshop. The Portuguese really love their arches, don’t they? And so do I!

Praca do Comercio

The largest of Lisbon’s plazas and located near the beautiful shoreline of the River Tagus, Placa do Comercio (Commercial Square) was traditionally known as a place where traders could be found selling their wares from around the world, the success of which consequently contributed largely to the city’s wealth and popularity.

Each square in Lisbon seems to feature monuments and fountains dedicated to the people who made it what it is :: a thriving robust city. Marble tiles, lots of places to wander, grandiose buildings and endless stories about its rich history.

Praca de Imperio

The Garden of the Empire Square is across from Jeronimos Monastery (which I will go over a little later) where you can enjoy an impressive fountain and beautifully manicured gardens and ponds.

Even the ducks that live there are happy in their home.

Rossio Square

Truly one of the liveliest of squares in the city of Lisbon and officially called Praca de D. Pedro IV, I spent some time here just hanging out drinking coffee and watching people go by. In the center of Rossio Square is a monument made of marble topped with a statue of Dom Pedro IV (after whom this square is named) with symbols that stand for Justice, Wisdom, Strength and Moderation :: qualities attributed to the man.

Something that doesn’t go unnoticed is that although this square is very large you will not see concrete slabs anywhere. Look down and you will find beautiful cobbled designs under your feet throughout the city. In every square, in every street. And you know each stone had to be hand-laid. How long must it have taken to lay? It’s mesmerizing to think about. I literally appreciated every step I took for miles and miles on end.

There are also two beautiful fountains here. Flanking the square are Rossio Station and Dona Maria National Theatre. When I return to Lisbon I really want to try and catch a show at the theatre.

Rossio Station

It is from Rossio Station from which we took the train to Sintra (more about that later). I expected this beautiful building to be some sort of famous museum or opera house or something. But nope :: it’s just a train station! Apparently it was built at a time when train stations were seen as “temples of technology.” It certainly is one of the most beautiful of architectural complexes I’ve seen housing a rail terminal.

I just had to take a close up of the entrance of this gorgeous building. It’s an entrance like I’ve never seen before.

Santa Justa Iron Lift

Santa Justa is home to the famous Santa Justa Lift, the elevator that takes you from Baixa to Barrio Alto. It would be the fastest way to get there if it wasn’t for the ridiculously long lines in which you have to wait in order to get up there. But it definitely is one of Lisbon’s top attractions. From the top of the elevator you have one of many stunning views of the city :: some say it’s the best in all of Lisbon.

Santa Maria de Belem

The first of Lisbon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites Torre de Belem was erected in 1514 to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s expedition to India which opened a sea route from Europe to the East. I remember reading about and being fascinated by the early explorers and Vasco da Gama was one that stood out to me. And that was even well before I came to understand that I had family ties to Portugal.

While I made it a point in having a traditional custard cup at the well-known ::

Pasteis de Belem

Pastéis de Belém follows an ancient secret recipe developed in 1837. They still make this traditional dessert by hand using traditional methods which is probably why it is so popular with the locals as well as tourists. This is something that just has to be experienced when at the Torre de Belem in Lisbon because if you don’t, have you really been to Lisbon?

Check out this adorable place and make sure you visit Pasteis de Belem when you are in Lisbon!

Sao Lourenco

Sao Lourenco is yet another one of the neighborhoods I aimlessly wandered through as I took in everything that is beautiful about Lisbon. I climbed up the hills to enjoy glorious views, I stopped to enjoy the local people as they bustled by in their daily routines of going to the market or cleaning their windows or sweeping their front steps. Everything about Sao Lourenco is beckoning me back to this beautiful town.

Sintra :: Santa Maria e Sao Miguel

On the day we wanted to take a trip out to Sintra, a picturesque town in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains and known for its hilltop 19th-century Pena National Palace with its whimsical design and sweeping views, we got a very late start.

We took the train out of Rossio Station which took about an hour and then had to find and catch a bus to Sintra from there. We were met with a ridiculous amount of traffic going up the hill on a narrow street in that great big bus. HA! It was a little nerve-wracking because we needed to be back by a certain time. Once we arrived at Sintra we realized we wouldn’t have enough time to go in and really take our time. So we opted to forego the tour and just wandered around the adorable town for a while and enjoyed the serenity up there.

We stopped for coffee in a little bakery along the side of the road called Tirol Pastelaria which actually turned out to be a really nice and relaxing time. It is really beautiful up there. Not too many people were on the street because most had made their way into Sintra National Palace so we enjoyed the peace and quiet.

After our little break we walked around a little more and began working our way back down the hill. It would have taken us forever and a day to walk all the way back down so we just got onto the bus again at one of the stops along the way. Walking sure is a great way to see the nitty gritty of the city! Once back down the hill it was just a matter of catching the train back into Lisbon. Whew! It was a whirlwind but we made it!

Tip :: Make sure you start early in the day and allow a full day for this trip out to Sintra. There is much more to see than just the Palace and you must also allow for enough time to get up there and back, keeping in mind the bus and train schedules.

Sao Nicolau

Every neighborhood in Lisbon has its own charm but Sao Nicolau is no different but what I found so appealing in this area is the people. It was filled with lots of great little street stands selling everything from food to flowers. Sao Nicolau gave me the feeling that I was home.

Lisbon Se Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral, better known as Se de Lisboa, is the oldest and most important church in the city dating back to the twelfth century and has survived several natural disasters. Cloister ruins are available to tourists for the nominal fee of 3EU which is totally worth seeing.

Neighborhood surrounding Se Cathedral

I love how you can just walk around the city and find unique nooks and crannies such as this restaurant seating in unexpected places. They find ways to create charming “holes in the wall” (literally) which makes Lisbon so special. Fado clubs, quaint dining spots and picturesque staircases that open up to gorgeous views abound.

Jeronimos Monastery

Jeronimos Monastery is the most impressive symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. And it is also one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lisbon, a 16th-century landmark tower on the Tagus River, built to honor the memory of Prince Henry the Navigator and to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for the success of Vasco Da Gama’s voyage to the East. Da Gama’s tomb lies inside the entrance of this monastery.

I spoke with an artist [in his very broken English] who has been drawing the monastery for many years. He shared that he has sold many of his drawings over the years but it is just a pastime for him and his life’s passion to draw here. What a joy it was to meet him although I never got his name. And according to him it is apparently not unusual to find several artists in this iconic place at any given time.

Special Mention :: The Tiles!

OMG wherever you walk in Lisbon you will find beautiful tile work on the walls and as I mentioned previously on the ground under your feet. I had to include images of some of these tiles which add wonderful color and dimension to the every day otherwise mundane buildings and streets :: a characteristic that makes Lisbon stand out from other cities in the world.

I had to include another close up of the cobblestones on the ground because I just find them so fascinating.

Next time I visit Lisbon ::

In just a couple of days it is impossible to experience the whole of Lisbon. This is a city about which I have to say :: even if I lived here a lifetime I would not have enough time to experience it all. So the next time I visit I’ve already decided that I will have to spend more time in these places :: Sintra National Palace [I’ve got to get an earlier start and try seeing it again!], Jeronimos Monastery and Lisbon Castle [visit the inside of both], National Theatre Dona Maria, Figueira Square and make it a point to go into one of the Fado clubs and listen to the music!

…AND I’ll have to eat Way. More. Food.

Lisbon was everything I’d hoped it would be. And more. This city is filled in abundance with all the things I love :: history, architecture, color, textures, unique doors and windows, cobbled streets… OMG I loved it all! The fact that some of my family heritage comes from this amazing place tops off my desire to learn more about it. And you can bet on it :: I’ll be back!

Have you been to Lisbon? Tell me what you loved best about it if you can narrow it down but feel free to expound … it would be great to get your perspective and suggestions for when I return!

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The post Lisbon :: One of My Very Favorite Cities in Europe appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Few countries have had as much impact on the world as Germany. It’s the birthplace of Albert Einstein, Brahms, Bach, Beethoven and Martin Luther a few among many who have made their mark on the world.

This incredible country will take you from one end of the historical spectrum to the other and leave you wanting to return for more.

In a previous post I outlined my recommendations of must-see major sites in Berlin. But that list was just the tip of the proverbial ice berg. I don’t think I could cover all of the really special sites in Berlin even if I lived a lifetime there. But in the time I had in this spirited city here are some places that I thought were worth checking out ::

#10 :: Humboldt University

Founded in 1810, this prestigious university has seen the likes of Hegel, Bismarck, Einstein and Marx within its walls. The oldest of Berlin’s universities, associated with 55 Nobel Prize winners and considered one of the best universities in Europe as well as one of the most prestigious in the world for arts and humanities.

Humboldt University is linked to major breakthroughs in physics and other sciences by its professors such as Albert Einstein. What a grand and special building and what a statement in history. Here you will also find the commemoration of the book burning I mentioned in my previous post on Berlin :: Bebelplatz. It was Humboldt University’s 20,000 books that were burned at this event.

#9 :: Hackescher Markt and Hof 

Don’t expect to find a bargain here since prices in the shops in the Markt are higher than average. The Hof is quite famous and is a labyrinth of eight very special courtyards. The little cafés, bars and restaurants are favorite places for relaxed shopping breaks. Perfect for a stroll or having a leisurely lunch :: Hackescher Markt and Hof have a delightful ambiance.

#8 :: Unter den Linden

Unter den Linden is one of the most important arterial roads in the center of Berlin and is the ideal starting point for getting to know the city. This grand boulevard in Mitte is the venerable heart of Berlin and lined with interesting attractions, historic sites and some of the most important buildings in Berlin such as Humboldt University, Museum island, the Berlin Cathedral [Berliner Dom] and ending at the Brandenburg Gate. What a special road this is.

 #7 – Trabi Museum 

Located next to Checkpoint Charlie this museum was a contrasting sight to see. The Trabi has long been a favorite with race car enthusiasts both past and present. The first model Trabant two-stroke engine vehicle rolled out the door in 1958 and its production ceased in 1991 but former owners can still feel nostalgic about their old cars. The Trabant has become a cult car and now the museum in Berlin attracts visitors from all over the world. It was really fun to see these :: you can even take a Trabi-Safari :: next time I’m in Berlin I am definitely doing this unique and special tour!

#6 :: Memorial to the Sinti and Roma…

… Murdered under the National Socialist Regime.

Around 500,000 Sinti and Roma were persecuted and murdered under Nazi rule. The memorial consists of a round water basin with a triangular stone slab at its center the shape referring to those imprisoned by the Nazis who were identified with differently colored triangles on their prisoner clothing.

The words of the poem “Auschwitz” by Italian Roma Santino Spinello are written around the edge of the water basin in English, German and Romany :: “Sunken in face / extinguished eyes / cold lips / silence / a torn heart / without breath / without words / no tears.”

Seeing this special memorial I was truly without breath, without words. It touched my heart and I bowed my head and said a prayer. God, please let the cruelty perpetrated by these evil men never be repeated. I prayed for unity and for peace.

#5 :: Globe Fountain

Weltkugelbrunnen as it is locally known is located in front of the Europa-Center on the Breitscheidplatz. The “Wasserklops” [water ball] is not just a simple fountain but a fascinating and sophisticated water feature.

At first glance the structure might not reveal itself to you but upon looking closer you will see bubbles and bow fountains, water stairs, cascades and interesting figures and if you look at it from different angles you will keep discovering new perspectives. I was in awe. I love water features and this one was really special.

#4 :: Monbijou Park

Near the Hackescher Markt and Berliner Dom in Mitte Monbijou Park is located on the banks of the Spree and where the Monbijou Palace once stood, demolished in 1959. A recreational park with a children’s swimming pool was constructed on the site in the early 1960s. After further transformations in 2006 to 2007 the Monbijou Park was given a 30 foot wide promenade and green spaces, wonderful for sunbathing or for ball games or picnics. You will always find musicians playing throughout which make for a really special atmosphere to take in the views of Museum Island, the Spree river or the people walking by.

James Simon Park

Across the river from Museum Island this little sliver of green is ideal for strolling or as the locals do :: sit out and enjoy the passing boats and views of the magnificent buildings on Museum Island. Another special park that lends itself to relaxation in the midst of a bustling city. Artisans and musicians find their home here daily which creates a wonderful ambiance. I could have enjoyed hanging out here a lot longer than I did but there is just too much to see in Berlin. So strolled along and on we went.

#3 :: Kaiser William Memorial Church

Known as Gedächtniskirche on Ku’Damm KWMC is a memorial to war and destruction. Built in the 1890’s, then badly damaged in a bombing raid in 1943 and rebuilt 1959-1963. The damaged spire of the old church has been retained and its ground floor has been made into a memorial hall.

The Memorial Church today is a famous landmark of western Berlin and is nicknamed by Berliners as “der hohle Zahn” meaning “the hollow tooth.” Its floor contains a mosaic of the Archangel Michael fighting the dragon. Really something special to be seen.

#2 :: Kurfürstendamm

Ku’Damm is the most popular shopping boulevard in the heart of the western city center of Berlin, 2.2 miles long and lined on both sides by beautiful plane trees. What a truly special atmosphere for a nice long walk.

Nicknamed “Ku’Damm” this is one of the most famous avenues in Berlin. Long and broad it was formerly a bridlepath. Often considered the Champs-Elysées of Berlin here you will find the best shops, houses, hotels, restaurants, fashion designers…

…car showrooms [we visited the impressive Tesla showroom].

We ate at Maredo Restaurant :: STEAK and SALAD BAR. It was fabulous and I highly recommend it if you find yourself on Ku’Damm.

#1 :: Museum Island

The unique collection of galleries and museums on Berlin Museum Island with its five temple-like buildings houses treasures from 6,000 years of human history. Elevated to UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999 and located in Berlin’s historical center the complex is the centerpiece of the city’s museum network and is Europe’s largest cultural investment project. And it is stunning and utterly special.

Located on the Spree river in Mitte [central] district of Berlin, the 5 museums include [from oldest to youngest] The Altes Museum [built in 1830], The New Museum [completed in 1859], The Old National Gallery [1876], The Bode Museum [1904], The Pergamon Museum [1930].

Museum Island is picture perfect and makes a tremendous backdrop to the Spree river. It is truly an awe-inspiring and historic place. Simply beautiful. And the perfect place to enjoy the view is from Monbijou or James Simon Park.

I really need to start counting how many UNESCO World Heritage sites I’ve visited because they are adding up!

A little something extra

Beyond these Top Ten recommendations I wanted to draw attention to something normally not really distinguished enough to mention.

We see as we travel the world that there is wonderful artwork to be found everywhere and in each town we visit we are surrounded by special works of art on every level. But there is one type of artwork that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves yet visitors walk right over it every day.

Who would have thought that drain covers would be so special? Yes you read that right. Drain covers. Manhole covers. HA! In Seattle, Washington and Paris, France and Toledo, Spain and even Qingdao, China you will find artwork on drain covers. And interestingly enough Berlin is no different. 

Berliner Wasserbetriebe manhole covers which feature the most popular landmarks of Berlin, including Fernsehturm [Berlin TV Tower], Gedächtniskirche [Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church] and the Brandenburg Gate can be found throughout the city by Berlin Waterworks. From now on when I travel I will make it a point to also look down because you just never know what you will find.

Special Mention

In my previous post on Berlin I fleetingly mentioned our Airbnb and I didn’t want to be remiss in sharing ours with you. One of the best and most special I’ve come across in my travels :: check out the marvelous details on this one!

And I would be holding out if I didn’t include some of my food pics for you :: As you can see our breakfast was quite a special spread and let me tell you :: it was delicious! Berlin has a great variety of food so try everything possible when you visit!

Berlin. What a fabulous city. Had I listened to the advice of a German woman I’d met on a previous vacation who tried desperately to discourage me from visiting Berlin I would have missed one of the great cities of Europe and what I would consider as one of the most special. Sometimes you just can’t take someone’s word for it and you have to just forge ahead and follow your heart. I’m so glad I did.

Obviously there are hundreds of other things worth seeing in Berlin. For now I’ll have to settle for this small piece of the puzzle. But you can bet that I’ll be back to find more. Have you been to Berlin? What were your favorite things to do or see? I’m anxious to hear your recommendations!

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The post 10 Other Things That Make Berlin Special appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Deciding on a Berlin walking tour, our guide is pretty amazing. She was a university student working her way through school giving tours of East and West Berlin. Informative and helpful, she showed us the places in Berlin that I really needed to see before I even realized I needed to see them. It was a pretty emotional learning experience for me. I was so caught up with what I was seeing as I walked the streets of Berlin that I found myself lagging behind the group and at one point lost them. HA! I’ll tell you about that a little later.

But when I returned home after this amazing Berlin walking tour I felt the need to dig my head into the history books. OK, maybe not the books but I went online. [I am so thankful for the internet where you have access to information about anything and everything … right at your fingertips. Literally.]

And I’ve included some of what I learned here in this post. You’re welcome.

Stop #1 :: Hackescher Markt

Our Berlin walking tour started near Hackescher Markt which is a complex comprised of eight interlinked courtyards. It has residential apartments, offices, shops and restaurants and is one of the most visited locations in Berlin-Mitte (central).

We immediately headed over the bridge to Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. And we walked through an absolutely beautiful covered walkway.

And here is a bronze model of Museum Island.

Stop #2 :: Old National Gallery

The Old National Gallery is one of five museums are located on Museum Island.

During the division of Germany the 19th-century paintings that had survived the war were housed in the New Gallery starting in 1968. After the fall of the Berlin Wall the growing collections were united in their original building now called the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery). The building was closed for reparations on the damage the war had caused in 1998 as well as the addition of new rooms. The Old National Gallery re-opened in 2001 marking its 125th anniversary.

What remains are some of the columns, wrought with bullet holes, that reveal how violent a time it was and what Berlin has come through. It was surreal to see this.

Stop #3 :: Altes Museum

Also on Museum Island you will find internationally renowned Altes Museum, one of the most important buildings of the Neoclassical era.

The monumental eighteen ionic columns, the expansive atrium and inviting staircase, the rotunda adorned with antique sculptures and an explicit reference to Rome’s Pantheon :: such signs of architectural refinement had previously only ever been seen in buildings designed for royalty and nobility. Definitely a highlight on this Berlin walking tour.

Today the museum showcases its permanent exhibition on the art and culture of the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. Until 1845 it was called the Royal Museum. The building itself is stunning and is in a great location.

Stop #4 :: Berliner Dom

Last stop on Museum Island is this magnificent neorenaissance-style Berliner Dom [Cathedral] which is relatively new, inaugurated in 1905. There is a large open lawn with a fountain across the street that’s great for a picnic or just taking a break in the gorgeous surroundings.

Tip :: This Berlin walking tour did not include a trip up to the top of the dome. I really wish I had made time on our way back to go up. I hear the view from there is unmatched. So I definitely recommend you do it.

Stop #5 :: Deutsches Historisches Museum [DHM]

Back on the mainland, the next stop on our Berlin walking tour was the DHM which is comprised of two buildings :: the old building was constructed between 1695 and 1730 and is one of the oldest surviving structures in Berlin. The modern annex was built between 1998 and 2003, dedicated to the DHM’s temporary exhibitions.

I was lucky to get a great shot of the old and new with the Berliner Dom between in the background.

Stop #6 :: St Hedwig’s Cathedral

Located on the Bebelplabtz this was the seat of the Archbishop of Berlin built between 1747 to 1773 and the most important Catholic sacral building in the city. The church was Berlin’s only Catholic house of worship until 1854 and the oldest Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese.

The Church was an important resistance center during WWII :: Father Bernard Lichtenberg who headed the movement was assigned as pastor and referred to as the “gutter priest from Berlin” by SS second-in-command Reinhard Heydrich due to his work amongst the poor in 1920’s Berlin.

Lichtenberg was considered a nuisance for his public and outspoken denunciation of Nazi concentration camp conditions and openly addressed the treatment of his Jewish brothers and sisters in his sermons. Today he is remembered as one of the German heroes of the Holocaust and is buried in the Crypt. I wish our Berlin walking tour had brought us there.

Stop #7 :: Bebelplatz

Bebelplatz is a public square in the Mitte district best known for the infamous Nazi book burning ceremony of 1933 where 20,000 books were burned. The blacklisted authors included Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, Heinrich and Klaus Mann, Rosa Luxemburg, August Bebel, Bertha von Suttner and Stefan Zweig. Many of the vilified and persecuted writers had already left Germany and gone into exile when the book burning took place.

Bebelplatz was named after August Bebel, a founder of the Social Democratic Party in the 19th century.

A glass commemorative plate set into the ground reveals symbolic empty bookcases large enough to hold 20,000 books that were burned at the behest of the Nazis.

Stop #8 :: Deutscher Dom

What the locals call Bundestag aka “New Church” on the Gendarmenmarkt is located across from the French Cathedral built between 1701-1708. Deutsche Dom was destroyed in the bombing of WWII and rebuilt between 1977-1988. The dome was topped by a statue symbolizing the victorious virtue.

Such a magnificent piece of architecture.

Stop #9 :: Checkpoint Charlie

Our Berlin walking tour next brought us to Checkpoint Charlie which is one of the 3 crossing points [named A Alpha, B Bravo, C Charlie] from East to West Germany after the construction of the Berlin Wall and a symbol of the Cold War. By 1962 it became the only crossing point.

It was also the venue of a standoff between America and the Soviet Union with their tanks facing each other on either side of the checkpoint when an American diplomat was refused a visa soon after the building of the Wall. 

A replica of the original booth stands with a sign that says “You are now leaving the American Sector…” on the opposite side of the sign that says “You are now entering the American Sector…”

Stop #10 :: Berlin Wall

Constructed by the German Democratic Republic [GDR, East Germany] starting on 13 August 1961 the Wall cut off West Berlin [by land] from virtually all of surrounding East Germany and East Berlin until government officials opened it in November 1989. Between 1961 and 1989 the Wall prevented almost all such emigration.

The wall symbolized the lack of freedom under communism. It symbolized the Cold War and divide between the communist Soviet bloc and the western democratic, capitalist bloc. Berlin was on the frontline in the Cold War struggle between the superpowers.

It’s unbelievable to me that all this was going on in my lifetime and ongoing even after I graduated from high school. We didn’t really study much of this in school as I remember or perhaps I just wasn’t paying attention to politics back then. I do remember when the Wall came down but there was so much going on in my life that I just didn’t realize or feel its impact. I don’t have many regrets in life but I do regret not caring more about this when it was happening. I am thankful that this Berlin walking tour opened my eyes.

Stop #11 :: Topography of Terror

The Gestapo and SS headquarters was the building where people who were regarded as a threat to the Nazi regime were questioned, tortured and killed. Only the cellars survived the WWII bombings. In 1987 a group of students excavated the cellars of the Gestapo Headquarters with their bare hands and the objects they found there form the outdoor exhibition that is today known as the Topography of Terror. The museum aims to show the world how people were tortured to death without a fair trial by a totalitarian regime. There is also a covered exhibition complex and a library adjacent to the outdoor display. 

The Topography of Terror Museum is a monument to liberty and the aim is to illustrate that democracy and civil rights need to be defended on a daily basis. It chronicles the war crimes committed by the Nazi regime in a blatant abuse of power.

Stop #12 :: Hitler’s Bunker

It is surreal to say the least to find yourself standing on the spot where the final collapse of the Third Reich played out just a 3-minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate. It compelled me to dig deeper into this horrific time in history and subsequently found this easy-to-read account of that time. If you’re interested you will find some really great detailed information about Hitler and his Nazi regime here.

I reached down onto the ground and picked up a rock that will serve as a reminder to me that I am so blessed to live in a free country and never have to suffer under communism.

Stop #13 :: Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

This was the most awe-inspiring stop on our Berlin walking tour. Also known as the Holocaust Memorial :: a 19,000 square meter site covered with 2,711 concrete slabs, one for each page of the Talmud arranged in a grid pattern. Apparently the slabs are designed to produce an uneasy, confusing atmosphere. An attached underground “Place of Information” holds the names of all known Jewish Holocaust victims. The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe was inaugurated on May 10, 2005, sixty years after the end of World War II, and opened to the public on May 12 of the same year.

It was here that I was so entranced in the thought of these innocent people being slaughtered that I didn’t realize how much time had gone by. I was really emotional and the reason for the video. I couldn’t even imagine being in that environment at that time in history. And to think this occurred in my lifetime, not that long ago.

When I finally realized that I was no longer with the group I began walking toward where I “thought” we were supposed to meet up. HA! I was walking in the opposite direction. About 10 minutes later I see Roydio walking toward me with his hands up in the air. “Where were you?” “Right here,” I said. “I knew you’d come looking for me!”

Normally I would have been panic-stricken at the thought of being lost in a foreign city. Roydio certainly was. But that day all I had in my mind was the thought of this horrific event that was the demise of over 6,000,000 Jews. And to think some say the total persecutions at the hand of the Nazi’s comes closer to 17,000,000. I have the memory of what happened here engrained in my heart and I will never forget.

I said a prayer for all of the families who suffered under this evil. God help us to always remember so that it never happens again.

Stop #14 :: Pariser Platz

The Pariser Platz was a grand square located behind Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate with many important buildings surrounding it. It was laid between 1732 and 1735 and was simply called “the square” at first, before being renamed in honor of the services of the Prussian army in the defeat of Napoleon. Notable structures that flanked the square were the French and American Embassies, the Academy of Arts and the Aldon Hotel which was once the finest in Berlin at the time.

In divided Germany the square was an abandoned space that divided Berlin. Today, Pariser Platz is being restored to its former glory by the city government.

Pariser Platz is an important tourist meeting place in unified Berlin. Many walking tours start or end here. Visitors can rent bikes for touring and take horse cart rides around the city from here.

Stop #15 :: Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate flanking the square is an important monument, Berlin’s best-known landmark and a symbol with over two hundred years of history. After the Berlin bombings during WWII the Brandenburg Gate was severely damaged by bombing raids and artillery fire yet remained standing.

Brandenburg Gate as a symbol of unity

The Brandenburg Gate [Brandenburger Tor] is the only remaining gate of a series through which one formerly entered Berlin. Vehicles and pedestrians could travel freely through the gate until the Berlin Wall was built on August 13, 1961. The Wall was erected cutting off access from West Berlin.

However, it was here that on June 12, 1987 Ronald Regan issued his stern command to his cold war adversary admonishing him with the words: “Mr. Gorbachov :: tear down this wall!” The speech delivered to West Berliners was also audible on the east side of the Gate. When the Revolutions of 1989 occurred and the Wall fell the gate symbolized freedom and the desire to unify the city of Berlin.

How can I describe Berlin? Interesting. Beautiful. Horrific. Infamous. Monumental. Awe-Inspring. Tumultuous. Mind-blowing. Unforgettable.

I was surprised to have come away with such reverence and awe after experiencing Berlin for the first time. I came away with more questions than answers. It was like taking a course in university but never passing the exam for a lack of understanding. The walking tour really inspired in me the need to dig deeper into the throes of this city’s history. Some of what I learned is in this post but there is so much more…

“…traveling :: it changes you.”

Berlin is one of those cities in the world that is dichotomous. On the one hand I left awestruck and sad. And on the other hand I was glad to have gained more knowledge and empathy for those who suffered so much after visiting this iconic place. Does that make sense? This is one of the things about traveling :: it changes you. And your world expands as you travel and is as big as you want it to be.

Some of the places I’ve traveled have touched me deep down in my soul. Berlin definitely is one of those places for me. If you get the chance to visit Berlin I highly recommend it. Perhaps it will change you too…

Read Also ::

10 Other Things That Make Berlin Special

The post 15 Must-See Places on Berlin Walking Tour appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Vienna was spectacular!

Vienna exceeded all of my expectations holding all of the old-world charm I had hoped for. Yet this is a city of contradictions with it’s unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture. And although I crammed a lot into this three-day booking, the time passed much too quickly and I found myself wishing I could stay longer! Vienna, you are beautiful and I’ll definitely make it a point to return…

Read more ::

10 Absolutely Incredible Sites in Prague

15 Must-See Places on Berlin Walking Tour

My Favorite Travel Products :: Top 50

The post Vienna :: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

After researching several boutique hotels + Bed n Breakfasts both of which I really enjoy, I opted for staying in an Airbnb in Vienna.

Surprise #1 About Vienna :: Our Airbnb was over the top

“… she took us for a ride up the elevator to the third floor (whaaaat? an elevator? in Europe??)”

OMG I was absolutely blown away by the Airbnb Roydio found for us in Vienna! Christiane met us at the front door + took us for a ride up the elevator to the third floor (whaaaat? an elevator? in Europe??). Then she gave us the grand tour. And I do mean GRAND!

The first thing I noticed about the apartment which appears to be normally used as a training/conference center (this is a first for me!) a conference-type living room with a full-sized conference room. The bedroom is located behind pocket doors + there are two full bathrooms. 

But the most amazing feature of this Airbnb is the huge windows to let in TONS of light + the most MAGNIFICENT view! 

Yes! This is what you see when you look out our windows! This definitely was one of the most magnificent views outside my window that I’ve ever seen + it was the first thing that surprised me about Vienna :: WOW!

When you enter you find a good-sized open kitchen area, with all the sparkling water + local Ottakringer Lager you can drink – nice perk!

This place is new. It is clean. But the best feature for sure was its location, Location, LOCATION!

#1 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: our Airbnb

AirBnB Vienna: https://bit.ly/2QKHVcu
Otxakringer Lager: http://www.thebeerstore.ca/beers/ottakringer-wienerorigin

Surprise #2 About Vienna :: Stephansplatz, such a lively square!

Located smack in the center of Vienna, Stephansplatz is a lively square that actually incorporates residences + businesses outside the main square area. You can imagine my surprise when I realized that one of the most exuberant things about Vienna was right there outside my door!

Food stalls + shops galore line the square where you can wander for hours. And actually this is another thing that surprised me about Vienna :: the food wasn’t as boring as I’d remembered from my visits [to Austria] as a child. As a matter of fact it was rather tasty + special!

“We ate standing at a bar-height table…”

We stopped at what seemed like a very popular stand + ordered a sausage dish that was delicious.  We ate standing at a bar-height table as everyone else did. It was quite crowded so I was pleased when a table opened up just in time.

So yea, the #2 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: Stephansplatz. And the fact that it was right outside my door was more than I had ever imagined.

Surprise #3 About Vienna :: St. Stephan’s Cathedral, a sight to behold!

The main highlight of Stephansplatz is St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

Stephansdom, as it is known in Vienna, is a Romanesque and Gothic medieval cathedral which stands on the ruins of two earlier churches dating back to the 1100’s. One of the tallest churches in the world, I heard its bells ring proudly throughout the day as wells as in the evening. A truly breathtaking sight to see. A beautiful sound to hear especially since it is located directly in front of our Airbnb apartment! Seriously? No better view to be had, for sure! Unbelievable…

Parts of the cathedral require an entrance fee but the main sanctuary is free to the public + definitely worth a look (and listen).

It was so relaxing to wander the square and take in all the sounds and smells of my surroundings. The thought “I’m in Vienna!” kept creeping into my mind. This is a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting and I am actually here.

#3 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: St. Stephan’s Cathedral. I just opened my window + there it stood, in its grandeur + splendor! Magnificent doesn’t even begin to describe it.

But there is so much more to this area that is worth mentioning!

The Streets of Vienna

Not too far from my apartment in the oldest square of Vienna “Hoher Markt” I found a wonderful cafe called Joma Cafe Brasserie Bar which came with outstanding reviews + where Roydio + I had breakfast of a soft-boiled egg, toast + egg-filled avocado as well as a latte + hot chocolate. It was all yummy + worth the price we paid.

On the next block over is the famous Anchor Clock representing  a typical art nouveau design. Everyday at 12 noon it does a “dance.” I wasn’t there at the right time so I’m including a video I found online so you can see what it does…

I don’t know but I think I may have developed an affinity for clocks over the years, but this was definitely one of the things that surprised me about Vienna. It was absolutely beautiful!

Rathaus :: Vienna City Hall

The Rathaus is the Vienna City Hall + on the list of the most beautiful buildings in Vienna. Apparently there is always a lot of construction going on inside the Rathaus + sure enough when I was there so I didn’t get to go inside. If you’re there at Christmastime, I hear their decorations compare to none. But I was there in May, so…

I did, however, stop to take some pictures of the outside + the beautiful archways that frame it. 

Surprise #4 About Vienna :: Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

They call them “fiakers” taken from the Parisian Rue de Saint Fiacre. Roydio + I took Fiaker Paul for a ride through Vienna’s historic City Center + were blessed with the perfect weather for it. We shared our two-horse carriage with an older couple from a different country. We didn’t recognize their language so we just smiled at each other. HA! 

You can easily find the fiaker stands in Stephansplatz, Michaelerplatz, Albertinaplatz, Petersplatz + Burgtheater/Volksgarten

“finding out where to get a Sachertorte was a close second!”

The driver spoke English + showed the four of us where Mozart + Sigmund Freud lived. He explained how old some of the buildings were + what their uses are. The highlight of the ride for me was seeing the Spanish Riding School. But finding out where to get a Sachertorte was a close second! The ride was a little bumpy so I wasn’t able to take good photos on our tour. Bummer. And the tour itself is rather pricey so I recommend doing the shorter. You can certainly see a lot of Vienna in 30 minutes!

The driver was kind enough to take our picture before we continued on our journey through Vienna on foot.

After our fiaker ride we spent some time going back + visiting some of the sites we passed that looked interesting. Although I’m glad we sprung for the carriage ride for the sheer sake of experiencing Vienna in this traditional way, I found that walking is still the best way to see everything in this beautiful city.

#4 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: the spectacular way to see it :: in a fiaker!

A little tidbit about Vienna

Vienna is known as Wien [pronounced VEEN] from whence you get the word WIENerschnitzel one of the city’s popular dishes. And for those who live in the US, no, they don’t serve hot dogs…. HA! Wienerschnitzel is actually fried breaded veal. 

Surprise #5 About Vienna :: Roman ruins at Michaelerplatz

I was pleasantly surprised to come across an archaeological excavation where remains of the Roman residential settlement for soldiers’ wives + children from back around 168AD were uncovered. And it apparently was also reputed to have been used as a brothel for those soldiers.

At the junction of two road routes which led across the Kohlmarkt + Michaelerplatz, four different buildings were discovered, inhabited until into the fifth century. A foundation stone was found west of the road junction indicating the existence here of a pillar-type commemorative tomb or monument.

“it’s a must-see for sure, especially if you’re a history buff”

What a find, this portion of the Wien Museum right in the middle of Michaelerplatz. Located directly in front of the palace complex of the Hofburg which is also one of the pick up locations for the “fiakers.” It’s a must-see for sure, especially if you’re a history buff.

#5 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: I definitely wasn’t expecting to find these amazing Roman ruins in the middle of town! And it was awesome to see some of these other places on our ride through town ::

Hofburg, Vienna seat of government

As of the 13th century Hofburg has been the documented seat of government for Vienna and was the former imperial palace. Today this is the residence + workplace of the President of Austria. It’s a beautiful grand building located across from Heroes Square, the Kaiser Apartments (renting for $87 and up), the Sisi Museum and Maria-Theresian Platz.

At the dome below the Kaiser Apartments, it appeared to be tradition for people to stand in the center + sing out loud because apparently the acoustics in the dome are magnificent. And it certainly was!

There were several men who took their place in the center of the dome + began singing their hearts out while I was there. It would probably have been considered rude of me to video tape their performances so I decided against it. But it sure was fun to see and hear! And it seriously ranks as one of the things that surprised me about Vienna. I know, I’m quirky like that. But these types of little unexpected experiences is what make traveling so special to me.

Heroes Square also known as Heidenplatz is most notably the place where Adolf Hitler announced the annexation of Austria to Nazi Germany in 1938. So many historical places in such close proximity to each other. It made me just stop and think about how grateful I am for the freedoms we enjoy. 

Viennese cafes and coffeehouses

Famous for their cafes + coffee houses I made it a point to keep an eye out for all the cute little Viennese places on my way to here or there. It was fun just strolling down the streets of Vienna + happening upon opportunities to enjoy a cup of coffee, some sparking water + perhaps a light lunch or snack.

“the famous Cafe Mozart, one of the oldest traditional Viennese coffee houses in Vienna”

As I trekked across town I found the main Tourist office + with info and maps in hand decided to go across the street to the famous Cafe Mozart, one of the oldest traditional Viennese coffee houses in Vienna, to strategize plans for the next couple of days. Located in the heart of the city this 200 year old coffee house was highly recommended in all the reviews we read. Roydio + I chose seating outside on the patio + ordered an espresso + lemonade to discuss our plans. Seriously, our drinks were wonderful but not worth the 11.50 Eu we paid (hence no pastry). I guess sometimes you just have to pay the standard fare for touristy places. Buy hey, I can now say “I’ve been to Cafe Mozart.”

Hop On Hop Off Bus Vienna

“I highly recommend it!”

Throughout my travels I usually try to find a HOHO bus which is a great mode of transportation. Buy a one-day pass for a great way to see everything the city has to offer + then go back to the places that interest you. I highly recommend it. You can hop on + hop off wherever you think you’d like to spend more time. But this time I took it from beginning to end just to see an overview of the city because I planned to do a lot of walking here.

If the day is beautiful + warm you’ll have an unobstructed view sitting outside on top. If it’s too chilly or if it rains, inside provides shelter from the elements. Either way, it’s a great way to see the entire city because there is a lot to see!

I saw so many special places on this HOHO bus ride including the Danube River, St Francis of Assisi Church, the Millennium Tower and the Donauturm. Happy to have had such a nice day in which to enjoy the ride. Such a great way to see so much.

Surprise #6 About Vienna :: Schoenbrunn Palace, one of the best

The idea to see the Schoenbrunn Palace actually came from my granddaughter Samy who recently visited there. Upon arrival I found out that the busiest months to visit Schoenbrunn are April to September + the busiest times are 10am-12pm on the weekend. And wouldn’t you know it :: I found myself there in May on a Saturday at 10am… HA!

“…research ahead for this one”

The line for tickets kept me waiting the better part of 2 hours. The time slot I was given was 3:30pm so yea my timing was the worst possible. Too bad this is one place I did not research ahead before visiting. But now I’ve experienced it for you so you don’t have to! I’ve placed some “tips” at the bottom of this post regarding what you can expect when you come to Schoenbrunn.

Schoenbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is my goal in life to visit as many of the UNESCO sites as possible; so far I’ve seen maybe 20+.  Having known better but much to my chagrin I was not allowed to take photographs inside the palace. As a matter of fact they took my purse + emptied my pockets prior to gaining entrance. But let me just say I’ve been to a lot of palaces around the world including what many people consider to be the most beautiful, the Forbidden City in China, but Schoenbrunn must be in the top ten. Go see it!

The grounds of the Schoenbrunn are unbelievably grand much like that of the Palace of Versailles but smaller in scale in which you can spend the better part of the day wandering the grounds. In fact that is exactly what you will do if you don’t book your tickets + a time slot ahead of time (again, check my “tips” at the bottom of this post).
https://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/

#6 thing that surprised me about Vienna :: Schoenbrunn Palace was magnificent!

Surprise #7 About Vienna :: Glorietta, the best view in Vienna

“On this beautifully tree-lined path you will run across gardens and waterfalls and statues and fountains…”

I did exactly that: wandered the grounds while waiting for my time slot. I must say it wasn’t the worst way to kill time. The gardens were magnificent! Although there is a tram (for a fee) that takes you to the panoramic terrace called the Glorietta, knowing I had a lot of time I opted to just take the leisurely stroll up the hill. On this beautifully tree-lined path you will run across gardens and waterfalls and statues and fountains… I would highly recommend you not miss the opportunity to experience this peaceful journey on your way to the highest point of this expansive property.

Once I arrived at the Glorietta, I was awestruck at the gorgeous view! From this vantage point you can see the palace in all its glory. The massive surroundings as well as the city of Vienna behind it make a memory in your mind that will last a lifetime.

#7 thing that surprised me in Vienna :: the amazing view of the entire town from the Glorietta! I wished we could have stayed up there + enjoyed the view for a lot longer than we did.

It would have been nice to have brought a picnic lunch + sat on the grass to enjoy it at my leisure as others were doing. They obviously did their research!

There is a restaurant + swimming pool (for a fee) around the back side of the Glorietta which gives the perfect location for respite before heading back down to the Palace. On Sundays there is a brunch with live music.

“watching the Royal Wedding was so surreal”

It just so happens that I was at Schoenbrunn on the day the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry + Meghan Markle was taking place so during our lunch there I watched a portion of the ceremony on my phone. I have to say it was kind of surreal being at a palace in Vienna while watching the Royals in Windsor. It made me feel as though we were sort of connected…

Back at the apartment

We spent our last evening in Vienna enjoying the nighttime activities in Stephansplatz + ended up at one of the food stands to order dinner. We found what looked like a delicious local dish made with pork + crushed potatoes with onions called “Greste Krumpian.” We then walked over to our favorite bakery Aida Cafe/Konditorei for dessert. We brought our dinner back to our apartment + enjoyed the magnificent view from our amazing Airbnb one last night. 

Of all the things that surprised me about Vienna, the ambiance was evident everywhere we went. From the history to the architecture to the food + the coffee shops :: Vienna was a spectacular find.

Is it time to leave already?

Vienna exceeded all of my expectations… holding all of the old-world charm I had hoped for. Yet this is a city of contradictions with it’s unique blend of imperial traditions + stunning modern architecture. And although we crammed a lot into this three-day booking, the time passed much too quickly + I found myself wishing we could stay longer! Vienna, you are beautiful and I’ll definitely make it a point to return…

TIPS for Schoenbrunn:

1. Plan to visit during the off-season prior to April or after September
2. Plan to arrive on a weekday either early in the morning or later in the afternoon
3. Buy your tickets online; book your time slot before you arrive
4. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beautiful grassy field
5. Bring bottled water. You will need it walking around the vast grounds
6. Know that they will take your bag/purse before entering the palace so be sure not to bring valuables
7. Arrive on Sunday to enjoy brunch in the Glorietta as well as live music ranging from the classics to jazz

TIPS for Vienna:

1. Don’t expect everyone to speak English
2. You’ll have to ask for the bill
3. Stores usually close early
4. There are no non-smoking areas
5. Be sure to carry change (public restrooms charge)
6. Subway: don’t sit where it says “blind,” “pregnant,” “elderly”
7. Tipping: 10% is suitable
8. Let little old ladies cut the line in front of you; it’s expected
9. Don’t forget to partake in a Sachertorte

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