Vienna-con't

A few addendums: David's grandfather, Michael, fought in the Austrian army under Franz Joseph ( and it's his royal
home that we just visited) .  Michael also got to meet Franz Joseph....the story goes that he won a mustache contest....
he was known for a  luxurious mustache and received a mustache cup ( with a special rim to keep it out  of his coffee).
Franz Joseph did meet with the local people and listened to their concerns.  So, guess I married into a family that
hobnobs with the Royalty, after all:)

And, we must be doing a pretty good job of blending in with the local Austrians, as we were given a German menu and the
waitress started her conversation in German....she was surprised that we needed English menues.

Yesterday, we strolled down to the museum Quarter and visited the Kunsthistorisches museum ( Fine arts) ..built in .1871-1891, It is spectacular- from the 
entrance to the rotunda to the marble pillars- not to mention painting of the greatest artists. .....very large building with several galleries...couldn't do justice to all of it.  We spent about 2 hours getting " cultured" then headed to cute Italian restaurant for lunch ( guess
we've had enough German food ). Waiter even brought me a free dessert cause he wanted me to try it!
Next was the Natschmarket- a semi enclosed marketplace with everything from fruits & veggies to meat, fish, wine, cheese,
scarves, crafts etc,,,,.fun to stroll...many, many cafes for people to sit and visit and watch the world go by.
Popped into St Stephan's again to see it in daylight...windows are not ornate stained glass, but marble is beautiful- various
colors and altars are filled with gold- a virtual gold mine. 
Stopped for a wine at our previous spot- the Nite Dive...turns out the owner taught diving for many years, all over the world-
Asia, the Maldives, Egypt, Red Sea...interesting to chat with him.  We got talking about wines and he brought us a glass of
the "new " wine- not quite finished fermenting yet...it has potential.  And, he said they have their own Octoberfest in Vienna....
any reason to party:)
Tuckered out- back to Hilton to use sauna and relax.  This vacation stuff will kill ya:)
We thoroughly enjoyed Vienna- so much to do and see and lots of reasons to just "be"......

We're at the airport now, awaiting our flight to Washington.....looks like we're on schedule, so far.