Vienna: Music and More

Vienna is famed for its music and there are many concerts to experience.

We attended an evening of music where we served champagne at intermission.

How wonderfully urbane.

But, Vienna is also a city filled with public art.

This photo was taken in a common park.

 

Dachau concentration camp

 

        Not far from Munich Germany is what remains of Dachau. Many of the buildings which held prisoners are gone. The German government has saved this the building above which was used to house people before they were killed. Other buildings include a Jewish Memorial and a building housing the crematorium. A modern building has books on history and visitors center.

            I had no reason to go inside so I sat in the courtyard. An older woman was sitting near me. We being the only ones there and stuck up a conversation. My German is rusty, but her English was good. She knew I was an American.

            She told me that she was near 100 ears old, a German, and never had been to Dachau. She never wanted to see a place that revealed the terrible side of people.  I said that it is aa good reminder of what people can do to people. She said she was glad she came. 

            We had a lovely conversation.

Traveling in Europe and Great Britain by Train

After Breakfast you hop on  train in Rome and at 200 KPH you are in Florence for lunch. The train from Barcelona to Madrid is a breeze. Get on one at London  Kings Cross (see Harry Potter) dine on the train and in come to Edinburgh. Paris to Brussels or Amsterdam does not take long.

I love to drive myself. I have driven on the left side of the road in three countries.  I have driven in twelve countries (not counting home). Let me say that speeding through the Alps is fun, but you don't see much. It is eyes on the road. Both the train and the car give you different sights. But, driving  is not as good as riding the train for the driver. I have to listen for my passenger to tell me what they saw.

The benefit of driving is it is slower and allows you to stop when you like. You will need an International Driver's License which is easy to get at any AAA office,

The photo above was taken on a train though Northern Italy. It is a sunflower field. You could see it both ways, train or car, whichever you prefer. 

 

Alcazar Seville Spain

 

This photo of the Alcazar in the palace at Seville could be mistaken for one in the Alhambra.

The Alhambra, high on a hill in Granada, is the most famous and recognizable. 

In the center of Seville stands another palace with much the same architecture. 

While the Alhambra requires advance reservations or a paid guided tour,

Seville's has just a short wait. You can get a guided tour, as well. 

The Moorish influence is nearly everywhere in Spain. 

 

Red tile roof in Budapest

 

Budapest is a beautiful city which sits on both sides of the Danube.

An architectural note is the presence of red roof tiles on many buildings.

Here is an example. 

Giant Pandas

The Edinburgh Zoo had two Giant Pandas when we were there.

They have returned to China, but it was fun watching an animal rarely seen.

 

Cortina and the Olympics - One year away

Cortina in the Dolomites has played host to the Winter Olympics before.

On a visit to that city you can see the venues. We visited a few years back.

Along with Milan, Cortina welcomes you in 2026.

Nice city, wonderful geography.