|
|
Post by azvb on Jun 2, 2019 13:01:29 GMT -5
Spent one day in Vienna. We got a late start because we were exhausted from our Salzburg adventures. We did a scooter tour which was a blast. And our guide, Max, was extremely handsome. Here’s what we saw: Opera House. Majestic. They have a huge screen outside so us commoners can watch the production. We watched for about 5 minutes. We drove back by it later just as it was getting out. Lots of tuxedos, designer gowns, and REALLY nice cars with chauffeurs.  Schoenberg Palace. Ridiculously huge palace on probably a gazillion acres that include a zoo, mazes, fountains, etc, etc, etc. this is the Neptune Fountain.  Front yard.  St. Stephen Cathedral. Really cool.  And the Danube River, which was pretty underwhelming. If you’re into classical music and architecture, Vienna is your town. I’d take Salzburg any day. |
|
|
|
Post by hammer on Jun 2, 2019 13:09:14 GMT -5
Looks a lot like my front yard, but my house is a lot bigger  |
|
|
|
Post by azvb on Jun 2, 2019 13:15:02 GMT -5
Totally recreated this scene with our friends. I was Maria, of course. These gardens are soooo beautiful. Interesting. How does the real location look compared to your expectations? Sometimes, I've heard folks are disappointed that the real thing does not live up to their expectations. In other cases, they are realistic. What is your opinion? Wasn’t disappointed at all in Salzburg. Pictures don’t do it justice, and pictures are beautiful!!!!!! |
|
|
|
Post by Wolfgang on Jun 2, 2019 14:43:28 GMT -5
Looks a lot like my front yard, but my house is a lot bigger So, I'm booking a tour of hammer's front yard and estate. Are dogs allowed? No need to answer. He's coming along. |
|
|
|
Post by Wolfgang on Jun 2, 2019 14:48:11 GMT -5
I bet the Neptune Fountain smelled of chlorine. When I was in Rome with my family, we were looking for the Trevi Fountain. We were looking at our map and walking around in circles until we smelled chlorine. Just followed the smell and, eventually, the sounds of the water splashing in the fountain.  |
|
|
|
Post by azvb on Jun 2, 2019 15:06:59 GMT -5
We’ve been in Venice for a day and a half. First stop, St Marks square and Basillica. Famous for pigeons, Casino Royale & Italian Job scenes, and for occasionally flooding because it’s the lowest point in Venice.  Took a 20 minute boat ride to Murano for a glass blowing demo. It was amazing. I bought a glass nativity.  Then another 30 minutes past Murano to Burrano, a town known for lace and it’s beautifully painted houses.  |
|
|
|
Post by azvb on Jun 2, 2019 15:10:02 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by azvb on Jun 3, 2019 2:19:37 GMT -5
On our way to Florence. FYI, pretty sure there is no one in Japan or China right now, so now might be a good time to visit. LOTS of Asians everywhere we go.
|
|
|
|
Post by Wolfgang on Jun 3, 2019 12:23:42 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by hammer on Jun 3, 2019 16:50:21 GMT -5
Sort of like a bike versus a car ... you know who loses that battle. |
|
|
|
Post by hammer on Jun 3, 2019 19:34:47 GMT -5
Looks a lot like my front yard, but my house is a lot bigger So, I'm booking a tour of hammer's front yard and estate. Are dogs allowed? No need to answer. He's coming along. I do not want your dogs peeing in my flower beds!!! |
|
|
|
Post by Wolfgang on Jun 8, 2019 1:25:40 GMT -5
It’s been quiet lately so I’m assuming the Italians have Azvb locked up on some trumped up charges like that whassername girl from Seattle.
|
|
|
|
Post by azvb on Jun 8, 2019 11:22:30 GMT -5
We spent 1.5 days in Florence. Beautiful city. Famous for this, I guess? The Duomo.  I may have had the best meal of life there. A sampler platter of 5 pastas and 3 meat course. Unreal. Took a day trip to Siena. Might be my favorite town in Italy. Maybe you’ve heard of the horse race there. You gotta watch this. The town is divided up into districts. Everyone remains loyal to their districts. Kind of a Hunger Games thing without the killing. There is such a sense of community. Also stopped in Assisi. More beautiful old stuff. And Catholic Churches. Arrived in Rome. Thursday night. Did a nighttime Segway tour of the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Colesium, lots of squares, fountains, Angels and Demons stops. Was really fun, and I didn’t crash. This is my 3rd time in Rome, and I don’t need to come again. |
|
|
|
Post by azvb on Jun 8, 2019 11:34:17 GMT -5
The LDS Church recently completed a Temple in Rome. We went there yesterday. Really beautiful.   This morning we toured The Vatican, St Peters Square, Sistine Chapel. So. Many. People. The church is making $$$$$$$$$$$$$ From these tours. I apologize to any Catholics, but holy cow, so much money, and I’m sure lives spent building these cathedrals, squares, fountains, tapestries, sculptures, duomos, etc. I kept wondering today how many Roman slaves lost their lives building this stuff at the whim of a Pope. How much money was spent in the Vatican on areas no one ever saw except the Pope and maybe some Cardinals. Of course now we can all see it. For a price. Didn’t know Michaelangelo never used a model or “pre-built” his sculpters with plaster. He saw it all in his head. Also, working on the Sistine Chapel destroyed his eyesight. The man was a genius. One last day in Rome, then home on Monday. It’s been a great trip, but I am so ready to get home to my own bed. And Mexican Food. |
|
|
|
Post by azvb on Jun 8, 2019 11:36:33 GMT -5
Oh, and today is my birthday. Lots of gelato happening. And a pigeon pooped on me.
|
|
