The ninth stop on my trip placed me within a city that loves to preserve it’s rich cultural history and architecture, yet strives to develop as a modern metropolis: Vienna (Wien), Austria. Nearly all of the historical sites to see within Vienna are located in the city center, surrounded by a vast boulevard commonly referred to as the Ring. Here you will find Stephensdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral), with it’s massive 446 foot Gothic tower and black, yellow and green tiled roof. A step inside reveals yet again another wonderful piece of work with greatly detailed columns and statues (free to enter by the way). The other key sites within the Ring include the Hofburg (Imperial Palace), a massive palace that show cases the talents of the Lipazzaner Horses, and Hofbibliothek (Library). Definitely worth at least a stop by. From there you can visit many of the museums all located within close proximity to Museumstrasse. Just out from there is the Rathhaus (City Hall), that showcases much of the history and future plans of Vienna within it’s exhibitions. One last stop before we venture out from the city center is a must see in my book. It just so happens to be one of those buildings I studied in college and loved seeing it in person, Karlskirche (St. Charles Church). A wonderful construction that pieces various styles together, tall spires at the front, with a Baroque influenced interior and an atypical oval dome. It’s of course free to get in if you plan your entry just right (behind a large group), otherwise a fee of 5 euro or so will grant you access as well.

Once I started to wonder outside the city is when I really started to enjoy myself. The architecture is great, but head north towards the Danube River to escape the bustling inner city and catch a glimpse of the surrounding mountains and the roaring river. Depending on where I’m at, I tend to find more joy out of exploring the lesser known areas of a city that may present an element of nature, allowing you to just get lost inside yourself. Which takes us to the next stop and my favorite site of Vienna.

A stop at the Schloss Schonbrunn (Schonbrunn Palace), the imperial summer getaway, makes you wonder what their permanent residence must have looked like. A must in my book, you have to get away to see this palace in the southwest of the city. The actual building itself is quite impressive, but it’s the royal grounds that make it worth the trip. The Vienna Zoo is actually located within the palace gardens, as well as a vast amount of trees, sculptures and fountains that decorate this forest size green space. I hiked up to a structure known as the Gloriette, which provided great views back towards the palace and over the western part of the city. It was easy to get lost in the snow covered forested area (a favorite of mine if you can’t tell by now). Vienna as a city is quite nice, a tasteful mix of preserved buildings and modern facilities. The prices are more on the expensive side but nothing outrageous. My advice, explore outside the city center and get a different taste of Vienna.

Yes, it’s true the Vienna pics are up with the report to follow shortly.  There are some great ones so take a peak.  I also have random pics popping up all the time on the sidebar to the left, maybe something that will catch your eye.  Some of you may have forgotten to check your calendars (I understand it can be busy during the week) but yesterday was Thursday… need I say more?  New beard pic is up, with more emotion following a recent request.  I’ve already been told I look creepy, psycho, or maybe even serial killer status… all of which are acceptable answers.  I will undoubtedly make the next one even more interesting, possibly a new pose from here on out.

I’m working on a collection of videos highlighting the pure awesomeness and utter natural beauty of the Austrian/Switzerland wilderness.  I only hope to capture a fraction of the overwhelming joy I was forced to succumb to during the filming process.  Keep your eyes peeled for that guy.   I’m obviously loving my stay in Salzburg, then head for a quick stop in Innsbruck en route to Zurich, Switzerland.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Prague photos and I think one or two videos will be up sometime soon, there are some good ones.  My commentary on the city should follow shortly there after.

I’m slowly working my way into the Alps and am looking for a cheap spot to possibly get my ski on, we’ll see if it fits into the budget.  Before you know it I will be in Italy and then over into Spain!  I want to thank you all again for your comments and support, it’s great to hear from friendly faces.