We arrived in Budapest and found out we have a view room over looking the Danube! Then we walked around, hiked up to the royal castle that is now an art museum (you could take a funicular to the top instead), walked across the famous Széchenyi "Chain" bridge, but we didn't place a lock on it. Then it was on to a dinner evening cruise of the Danube River with all of the flavor of paprikesh sauces. We even went off our vegetarian diet to sample small bites of the local dishes. But we didn't take small bites of the yummy chocolate creme dessert.
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We had a wonderful tour of Schönbrunn palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs, especially known for Maria Teresia and her reign. Read more Two baroque churches and an al fresco cafe lunch, and we are off to Budapest. Side note: Asparagus was the flavor of Vienna, so we had a cup of yummy soup and it was in the salad too. Everywhere we went, the restaurants were featuring this tasty spring veggie. We did not leave any daylight on the table: 9 miles of walking and awesome sightseeing. First, it was off to see a training session of the Lipizzaner stallions. The trainers, all of whom were men except one, pranced the horses around a ring, sometimes in figure eights. They trotted, cantered, high stepped and side stepped, but they didn't rear up or do any jumps or stunts. It was a bit disappointing and it isn't worth the money. We left after one hour of a two-hour ticket. But I can cross it off my bucket list. Then it was off to the Votive Church, which was under renovation and was being set up for a comedy and light show later that evening. We thought it a bit sacrilegious along with the big ads on the sides of the building, but maybe that's what pays for the renovations. Then we had the three jewels of the day: the history museum, which had many Greek and Roman statues and artifacts, even one of the seven wonders of the world --temple of Artemis; it also contained musical instruments thoughout history, including ones played by Mozart, Strauss and Schubert. The next museum held the Kaisers' riches and jewels, which had crowns, robes, church items, reliquaries, armor, table decorations and more, all in gold and encrusted with huge gems. There was even a box carved out of solid emerald; and finally the art museum that had entire rooms filled with Dutch masters, Venetian artists, such as Titian and Tintoretto; one full of Dürers, and even Rubens. We didn't see a quarter of the masterpieces it held. It is one to put on the list to go back to if we ever get the chance. Then we met with our guided tour and had dinner, quite a full day. Black forest cake, a card and a night at the opera watching Turandot completed Tom's birthday away from home, providing a third celebration tied to our trip along with our retirements and anniversary.
cluck on a picture to enlarge We scored the last two opera tickets left to see Dudamel conduct Turindot for tonight's opening, not the best seats but only 17 euros each! WE had fun visiting with some very loyal opera fans, who travel all over to see various opera houses and performances. They new all of the singer-actors as well as the conductors. They were not happy with Dudamel at all, but I was happy I could see him, barely. However, I was surprised that he had cut his wild curly hair. Another scroe was that we were able to get tickets for the Lipizzaner stallion training for tomorrow morning. Usually, you have to apply in advance. So happy.
For lunch, we ducked down a side street to a local cafe and had savory vegetable strudel with garlic sour cream. Yum But a bit on the heavy side, which we find is true of most of the food here.. Then we walked around, admiring the beauty, but also the bulk, of the buildings. Everything is on such a grand scale. The flowers are really blooming: tulips, lilacs, fields of mustard. But it is a very blustery, cold day. The famous föhn winds supposedly cause many headaches, even migraines. Even though they didn't feel warm, they were warm enough to melt snow, so they earn their name. We had a smooth drive, followed by a great time walking around downtown Calgary in the Kensington district. We had delicious drunken basil fried rice noodles and red curry at a cute Thai place. Then we visited the pie store next door for a piece of key lime pie, piled high with whipped cream. Yum!
Pictures may not be the best from my phone, but we are in Calgary! Wish I could see some of our Canadian friends, but we have a plane to catch. Off to Calgary and then on to Vienna. I hope to keep everyone up using this page!
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katie k
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