Today, when we woke up, it was a wet and dreary day. We got dressed and went downstairs to have a quick breakfast since it was included in the room rate. Breakfast consisted of assorted breads, cereals, meats, and juice, but it was enough to get the day started.
Jay and I decided that we would do one of the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours today. The hotel is just a block from the tram stop, but first we had to buy tram tickets. To do that, we needed to find a tobacco shop. It took us about twenty minutes of walking in the rain to find one. Then we had to walk back to the tram stop.
We asked someone waiting there which direction would take us to the city center. We got on the correct tram, and 15 minutes later we were getting off near the Opera House. We were able to buy the tour bus tickets there, and then we got on the bus.
We rode the complete circuit once before deciding to hop off anywhere. The second time around, we got off at the palace. We took a tour of the state apartments. It was very interesting reading and learning about Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph.
Across the road from the palace are two museums. One is an art museum, and the other is the National Museum of Natural Science. We went into the latter. It was full of examples of every kind of bird, reptile, and animal imaginable. There were also rooms filled with rocks and minerals gathered from all over the world.
After touring the palace, we got back on the bus. It was still raining and getting colder. I think the temperature was around 50°F, which, when you live in Florida, feels cold. We rode the complete circuit two or three more times before deciding to get off again at the Opera House.
We walked around for a while and then found a restaurant to eat a late lunch or early supper. Both Jay and I had roasted chicken. We walked around some more so Jay could take pictures. I do not know how they are going to turn out since it was raining.
We happened upon the Hotel Sacher. While preparing for our trip, I had read about things to do in Vienna, and one of the recommendations was to try the world-famous Sacher Torte. So, of course, I knew I had to buy one. It was expensive, but hey, when in Vienna! I purchased the smallest one they had, which was about four inches in diameter and cost 11.50 euros. We now had dessert to take back to the hotel.
After walking around some more, we got back on the D tram and returned to our hotel. Jay wanted to explore the neighborhood around the hotel, so yes, that meant more walking in the rain and cold. Finally, I convinced him that I am getting older and that the rain was affecting my arthritis, and that we should head back to the hotel.
Back at the hotel, after taking pictures of the torte, it was time to eat it. I did not have a knife to cut it, so I used the only thing I could think of that might work — dental floss. Surprisingly, it worked! I was able to cut the cake with the dental floss, and Jay and I tried it. It was very sweet, but delicious. I love chocolate.
Well, that about ends our adventures for today. Tomorrow, we check out of this hotel, pick up our car, and hit the road.
