Blogging
From Abroad

In an effort to see more of Vienna and conquer the public transit, I spent an entire morning inside the “Ring” roaming around and figuring out the main sights. I am still finding myself either going the wrong way on a route, or even getting off at the wrong stop. It is kind of funny sometimes, I want to get off a particular station but miss the chance to press the button to get off there and so I have to ride until the train stops again, of course always way out of my way. So, these days I allow myself about 45 min to an hour to get to my destination. My friend Hannes has been extremely helpful with directions, he knows the city well and his English is excellent.

My first stop downtown yesterday was at the famous Stephansdom cathedral. Last I saw it was at night, and to see it in day is breathtaking. Having survived multiple world wars (not without repair), it is such an icon in the middle of the city. It is so tall, they are constantly having to clean it, we think because of the soot in the air from cars and buses. When they finish on one side, they have to move to another.

Opposite the grand Stephansdom, is a starkly different building, the Haas Haus. Built in 1985 by a renowned architect, it definitely embodies the modern element that shows throughout the city. It has a shopping boutique on the ground floor and the rest is a hotel. From where I took the picture, the Stephansdom in directly to my right. Pretty neat building.

Next I wandered into the museum quarter. They say it is the biggest of its kind in world, largest concentration of museums in one area. It will take me weeks, if not months to see all the museums I want there. I decided on the Natural History Museum because admission was only 3.50 EUR for students, although I did think it strange they charge admission to begin with, in my opinion it should be free to the public. The museum had the largest collection of animal specimens I have ever seen, from walruses to Kiwis (small flightless birds indigenous to New Zealand).

Even at a museum, I have to bring up the topic of food again. I ate at the Cafe Nautilus and it was scrumptious! Even though I ordered simple, of only a grilled ham and cheese and salad. For the record, during my stay here in Vienna, I have yet to taste something I did not like. I know I will harp on this throughout my whole stay, so just bear with me. I love good food, and it appears as thought I came to the right place!