Rob Rid’s travels 8 June

 So…my techie adviser (aka Steve) has suggested that I create a new post each time so that you don’t need to trawl through everything to get the latest update. So here goes…

As forecast, it’s been a very damp day and coolish too-perfect for a trip on the underground to the city centre. Our focus was the Hofburg Complex, the seat of power since the 13th century and the most amazing collection of buildings I’ve ever seen. The Hapsburg Empire built and built and probably would have kept going if they hadn’t disappeared when the First World War broke out!

It’s impossible to put into words the absolute magnificence of the buildings that tower all around- the statues and frescoes, the constant vistas around every corner. Highlights were the timeline in the Hofberg Information Centre-handy for someone short on historical knowledge; a walking tour led by Geli which took us off the beaten track down small streets, thus avoiding some of the masses of umbrella yielding tourists; finding Vienna’s oldest Irish pub(closed😒); coffee at Cafe Hawelka - the original coffeehouse owned by the same couple for nearly a hundred years- full of old posters, the daily papers and original couches; the Natural History Museum (actually, the building was the highlight and the exhibits would have been if the rest of the world hadn’t decided a museum visit was a good way to escape the persistent rain too!). By 3 we were ready to head home for a nice cup of tea and to plan for future trips. 


Breakfast after an early bakery trip 



Hofberg Palace




Grumpy old fart…but I liked the way they’ve reproduced the painting in marble for the visually impaired to “see”









Specially for Ruby and Arlo!





Robyn in her happy place!







Comments

  1. DelwynJune 8, 2025 at 1:43 PM

    Loved the catchup thank you Rob and the map was a great idea for this geographicaly challenged oldie! This history and architecture must at times be quite overwhelming. Magnificent is the best dscription. Pastries, and looks like endless pastries. Heaven.😋. Hugs from Raglan.xx

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  2. Robyn RiddleJune 8, 2025 at 6:57 PM

    Chaz here. Keep the photos and impressions coming! what a good start to the trip.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JillJune 9, 2025 at 1:26 PM

    Looks wonderful Robs. I was going to suggest the same as techie Steve so pleased you’ve conquered that skill now. How nice to have a personal guide in Geli. Sounds like she really knows how to make the most of each day. It’s so good to have these regular updates and see it through your eyes and tummy 🤭😜

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