Sunday, March 22, 2015

Now That The Family's in Vienna...

We took a weekend trip to visit the gang.  We'd been in Vienna before on the ill-fated Viking River Cruise.  This trip was much better!  Vienna, in winter, is still beautiful.


On a whim, we all visited the butterfly house...took a while before we could take any pictures, because both the camera lenses were fogged over (hot for butterflies, but cold outside).  The butterflies fly free inside and they've got it pretty good, but the only way to get a picture is if one can catch them at lunch.


At the military museum, there is a very complete display and story of World War I.  A high point is this car:


This auto is where the "shot heard 'round the world" hit its mark.  The Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, were assassinated by sniper's bullets on June 28, 1914 in Sarajevo.  A bullet hole is still visible on the passenger's side of the car.

On a lighter note, Vienna constructs a very cool ice skating adventure in winter, complete with three rinks, wandering paths, and restaurants.  The SWW's stayed on more solid ground, but those who were younger and braver struck out:


Leo and Isaac didn't miss their chance to belly up to the bar.


Finally, we all took a hike up to the finest viewpoints in the area.  Here's the SWW's doing what they do best:  walking around.

Photo:  S. Woodahl