Vienna, Austria

Mozart Statue

 Vienna has a long and storied history- once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and later the center of the Habsburg Empire.  The latter of which spawned their recognition as the "City of Music" as they hosted most of the well known classical musicians of that era.  Names we all know; Mozart, Beethoven, Shubert, Strauss, Brahms and more.

Hofburg Palace

But Austria has a dark past as well.  People hear Hitler and think Germany - but Hitler was actually born in Austria.  In 1938, before WW II officially started Hitler marched into Austria (to cheering crowds) and announced the annexation of Austria to Germany.  That speech was made from this very balcony at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna.  Its hard to escape the horrors of WW II in this part of the world as it permeates their history and in many ways their future.  There is a strong desire by many (not just Jewish folks) to keep this awful history alive so that it is never, ever repeated.  Understandable but still overwhelming.

Vienna Opera House

We focused our time on enjoying the grandeur and beauty of Vienna ... and of course, the music.  At least the music history.  There are folks all over the place hawking tickets for various classical music shows but we did not partake.  Instead we went to an international organ festival at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague.  I am sure a show in Vienna would have been wonderful but it all seemed so touristy.  

 

Vienna Opera House

I would however love to see the Vienna Opera Ball that occurs once a year, a tradition that started in the 1800s.  Over 300.00 euros will get you in the door but if you want to sit at a table that is another several hundred euros.  And if you want a box from which to watch the dancing the cost is more than 23,000 euros!  Needless to say it is an activity for the rich and famous.

The Votive Church

 Sadly, our experience with the Vienna Opera House was simply a tour.  It is considered by many to be the most beautiful Opera House in all of Europe.  And it is simply stunning😊.  Vienna has so much to offer that a week does not do the city justice.  But it does whet your appetite encouraging you to return for a more in depth look. Hopefully, our next trip to the Opera House will be to see the opera.  And maybe one day the Vienna Opera Ball!

Schonbrunn Palace

For this trip we are content with visiting palaces and cathedrals, as well as dabbling in the musical history.  The US (as wonderful as it is) does not have the same character or history as Europe.  There are no cathedrals that can match the splendor of European cathedrals.  Nor do we have palaces in the US.  The closest thing we have to that sort of opulence are the beautiful plantations of the south and even those are tainted.  Being a young country we understandably do not have that longevity.  However, in the end our collective histories are all interwoven.  As one man said to me when we told him we were Americans - "we are all essentially Europeans".  So true.  

The Plague Column (a memorial for those who died)

Vienna is a great city - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It is, in our view, a city worth visiting again and again.  Michael and I like to absorb a country over a period of time - to really try and get to know the place and the people.  Being a tourist in the traditional sense does not allow the type of exploration that we like.  But time is always limited in Europe due to the Schengen Visa restrictions.  So like it or not we have to keep moving to make the most of our time.