On train to Budapest

We just changed trains in Gyor. As we crossed over from Austria to
Hungary, it was as though we stepped back in time. We walked through
the first 2 cars of the train and the overwhelming stench of cigarette
smoke was unbearable. We did find seats in a nonsmoking car, but when
the conductor came through he made us pay 9 euro (about $14) more to
upgrade since these are reserved seats. Well worth it to avoid the
smoke filled cars.

Amy came back from the toilet with a frightful look on her face as I
was attempting to deal with the conductor. She advised against using
the restroom, but I could only hold out for so long. When I went in I
realized the full message she was trying to convey. I noticed a sign
on the door that said "please do not use toilet while train is parked
at station.". I discovered the reason why was, just as Amy had told
me, because the "waste" in the toilet empties directly beneath it onto
the railroad tracks!!! Huh? As a RR employee, I am so glad that our
lavs are emptied elsewhere. Ugghh

On another note, I'm fairly certain that I won't get off this train
without first coming down with a nasty case of tuberculosis. The guy
in the next aisle has not stopped hacking since we got onboard. Ick.

Blogging on train, take 2

>
>
>
> This morning we saw the museums, parliament, St. Stephans cathedral,
> the Demel chocolatier, and had lunch at the Oberlaa cafe, where we
> sat outside and enjoyed some Austrian fare.
>
> On the advice of Mercedes, the not so helpful concierge at the
> Hilton Vienna Executive lounge, we ran halfway across the city with
> luggage in tow only to discover that the ticket counter at that
> particular train station would be closed until June. This caused us
> to miss the only direct train to Budapest. Oh joy.
>
> And so began the adventure of dragging our luggage back across the
> city, while plotting the tortuous acts that we would like to subject
> Ms. Mercedes to. 3 subways and 1 tram later, we made it to the
> other train station and purchased our tickets to Hungary. The only
> concern is that we
> Will need to switch trains in Gyor, which is God knows where.
>
> Now that we're on the train, the stress level is going down & I have
> a feeling that the fresh macaroons will be just what we need to
> offset the turbulent chain of events that occurred today. Good
> thing we each bought a box of 6 at Oberlee. That should be just
> enough to have us smiling again.

Happy earth day from Vienna

After touring the city all morning, we are on the the train about to
depart Vienna en route to Budapest.

Springtime in Vienna

Today was a beautiful day! We started our day at the Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the former summer home of the Hapsburgs, the royal family of Austria. We toured the palace and gardens, climbed up to the Gloriette to take in the wonderful views of Vienna, and then I decided to tackle the maze in the Inngarten. It was a challenge, but I was up for it. I am pleased to report I conquered the maze and found my way to the observation tower!

After a beautiful afternoon in the gardens, we went to the Hundertwasser house and the KunstHausWien museum. Awesome modern art with an environmentalist bent! The exteriors and windows so vibrant and colorful. It was way cool! After a traditional Austrian dinner at a lovely cafe, I purchased some Austrian bio and free trade chocolate bars. I look forward to trying the exotic flavors :)

Off to Budapest tomorrow...

I am blogging

I am simulaneously typing while Amy is typing, but I'm using a crazy
German keyboard and I hate it. We've been sitting in the hospitalitz suite for a few hours now enjoying the free champagne. We've yet to see any of Vienna, but the Champagne sure is good!

Other Direction. I told you before.

For those concerned for our safety, that may or may not be many of you, we arrived in Vienna around 15:30 pm after a 4.5 hours train ride from Prague. Let me say I was impressed with the Super City train - finest European train I have been on thus far. Move over Thalys, here's to Super City.
Upon arrival, we hit the bankomat to get some euros and boarded the D tram to the Opera. We disembarked at the Opera in an effort to find the next transport to Stradtpark. The older gentlemen at the information station told us to take the 2 to Stradtpark. I don't know about you but to me that means ride the number to tram and get off at Stradtpark. So, we board the number 2 in route to Stradtpark, or so we thought...We must have been on this streetcar built during the Hapsburg empire for 30 minutes before asking for help. At that point, Stacie goes up to the tram conductor and says, "Excuse me, does this tram go to Stradtpark? The conductor replies, "other direction!" Alright, then... We sit for awhile and then Stacie goes back for more... "Excuse me, does this tram go to the Stradtpark?" To which the conductor replies, "Other direction, I told you before!" While Stac is in the back being subjected to this, I am thanking the conductor in German. What seemed like an hour goes by, before we get up and hop off the number 2. At this point, I'm forced to resort to asking the Vienna police for directions, only to find out that we are a 5 minute walk from our hotel.
Needless to say, we have arrived! And, we have been in the Executive Lounge having cocktails and appetizers ever since...

On the train to Vienna!