First Visit to the First District.

Tuesday morning I awakened Susan and asked her if she wanted to go for a walk. She just threw on some warm-ups thinking the walk would be around the neighborhood. Boy, was she mistaken. We got the word from Coach Weinberger that he would be working from home and we would have the day off. So with that news, we decided to jump on the U Bahn and visit the First District.

Vienna's first district is the cultural center of old Vienna. The Emperor had the defensive walls torn down, allowing a "Ring" to form around the Imperial Palace. In this historic area can be found: the Opera House, St. Stephan's church, the Museum Quarter, and many other government and cultural treasures. Armed with the tourist book given to me by Lynsey and Andrew, we exited the U Bahn subway near the Opera and sought adventure.

Before leaving the Subway however, I heard the strains of orchestra music. I looked around and discovered the ultimate; The Opera TOILET! Who wouldn't want to be serenaded by Mozart's greatest hits as they created their own masterpiece? I deposited the coins and entered a WC complete with the standard expected equipment AND a piano. Thousands of pictures of the opera, performers, and composers adorned the walls as familiar strains of orchestral bliss cascaded from the strategically placed speakers.

Opera Toilet: MIT MUSIK!

Although no cultural experience could match the trip to the Opera Toilet, we vowed to continue our trip through the streets of Vienna. Upon exit from the Subway station we ascended into a glorious Austrian day. A bright, clear, robin's egg blue sky; calm and just warm enough for a light jacket met us. A vibrant combination of sounds and sights greeted us from the first step out of the station and came in a steady stream as we strolled. The steeple of the old St Stephan's church attracted us even as McDonald's and Burger King signs competed with more unfamiliar European businesses along the canyons of buildings that adorn the "Ring". Outdoor cafes that were in the sunlight got the most business from those having sweets, coffee, and conversations. Workmen scurried around scaffolds of renovation projects that included the church. School groups are herded along by harried teachers. Men in Baroque costumes hawk concert tickets for the night's various performances (little do they know, I have ALREADY been serenaded in the Opera toilet). Horsedrawn carriages await to clip-clop their way along, carrying tourists from all points of the globe. Street after street beckoned us and soon, I had no clue where we started or where to go next. My answer? Eat! We ducked into a Nordsee (similar to a high end Long John Silver's) where we ate and consulted the Fodor's Guide to Austria. After obtaining our bearings, we realized that we were near the Hofburg. The Imperial Palace. (Not to be confused with Schonbrunn, which is the SUMMER palace)

The Hofburg. (Cars actually drive through the entrance in the center)

Part of the original Palace defense. This remains intact. A narrow tunnel at the base of the original wall.

We wondered around the palace courtyard and out the entrance through which we could see cars pass. Through the arched doors we passed. As we walked through, massive doors eight inches thick and reinforced with iron sat on huge hinges. I realized that these doors were NOT for show and that they actually were designed to provided defense for the inhabitants against invaders.

Through the palace gates, we encountered an large park complete with a panoramic view of virtually dozens of structures, buildings, and statues. Each amazing in it's own right. I was overwhelmed and realized that many more trips would be needed to do each site the justice that it historically deserved. So I will close for now and continue the next blog with the remainder of our day which included a trip to (and tour of) the historic city of Baden. Along with the tour, came the wonderful hospitality and dining experience at a traditional Austrian restaurant owned by the family of one of our players.

That is it's own story.

Pics of the First Visit to the First District.

" 'Stat u" standin' in front of that statue?

One of Hercules' feats depicted at the Hofburg.

Here, he is either killing a huge snake or waiting for a breaking ball thrown by Neptune.

Just outside the Palace gates.

The most beautiful sight in Vienna was actually imported from Oklahoma.

"Go Rangers Go!"

"Kick their a**!"

" Do it now!"

" Do it quickly!"

Time to prepare for the Hall Red Lions. See you at the game Saturday at 2 pm.

Let's talk real soon.