A Walk Around the Ring.

Statue outside the entrance to the Rathaus (Parliament) for the national government.

Map of the U Bahn system. The perimeter of the Ring is basically formed by the Green and Purple lines and intersected by the light blue and Red.

In the mid-1800s, Emperor Franz Josef decided that the walls that had protected the Hofburg and the present-day First District of Vienna were now out-dated and more of a hinderance to the populace, commerce, etc. So he ordered the walls removed. Where the walls protecting the Imperial Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral once were, is now a nearly 200 foot wide street that "rings" the inner city. The term is somewhat misleading for it is more of a hexagon (?) than a ring. One can see an U Bahn map and see how the subway lines U2 (the purple line) and U4 (the green line) form an outer perimeter that is for all intents and purposes the best way for one to see an ariel view of it. The center of the ring is intersected by the U1 and U3 lines and the middle is the Stephansplatz station.

Part of the amazing architecture around the Ring. Thanks to the team's resident law student, Clemens Burian, I have been informed thatthis is the Rathaus for the state government.

Today, Susan and I exited the U Bahn at the Volkstheater on the west side of the Ring with the goal of walking around the entire thing. The day was somewhat overcast and threatening rain. The temperature was ALMOST 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Susan wore a light jacket that she kept putting on and taking off as the comfort level changed with the whim of the sun as it played "peek-a-boo". As we ascended the steps from our underground conveyance, we had a decision, right or left? In unison, we vocally chose "right" and headed towards the Volksgarten. There we were already sidetracked by a large group of people, tents, and temporary structures. It seems that "Green Expo 2011" was in full swing and so we immediately detoured to take in the breath-taking sights and sounds of what appeared to be a carnival devoted to recycling, sun, and wind power. All very gripping I'm sure, but it wasn't long till we were distracted by the beauty of one of the many parks in Vienna. Near the Volksgarten, and to the exact opposite way of our intended beginning direction, stands a park with a mini-Parthenon like in Greece. Behind it sprawled rows of roses, shrubs, fountains, manicured grass, encased within a protective wall of centuries-old trees. Although pictures can't really do the place justice, we took some to help us remember the walk.

A mini-Parthenon near the Volksgarten

A park near the Volksgarten.

More pics of the park on the walk around the Ring.

Susan and I; rose bushes in various stages of bloom are visible along the outer edge of the park.

Of course, we had to "stop and smell the roses"and just sit and enjoy the surroundings. The city of Vienna has committed to having an abundance of greenery, flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, etc in an abundance of city parks. It is one of the many pluses of this city. People in Vienna take advantage of these parks and can always be seen enjoying the many aspects of them.

Emporer Franz Joseph; outside another unidentified large, impressive building.

We emerged near the Rathaus (hmm, fitting name for the Parliment building which houses the political and government for the nation?). Again the architecture is incredible and we had to stop and photograph what we could.

Susan; outside the Rathaus (Parliament)

The streets of the Ring change names every so often but if you stay on course, it will take you around the First District. As we walked, we could glimpse the towering steeple of St. Stephens frequently as it appeared between the numerous tall buildings. Names like Burgring, Openring, and Schubertring denote various sections. One section is called Parkring. I commented to Susan that they had lots of signs for Parking. She corrected me and said that says ParkRING, not Parking. Duh.

Another statue; another impressive building.

We passed the Stadtpark, another amazing city park. We plan to visit it soon but for this day, the goal was to finish the ring walk. At nearly 200 feet wide, the walk is often divided into wide asphalt walk/drive ways. They are marked with a picture of a man walking or a bicycle. These paths are shared and without warning, the pedestrian part becomes the bicycling part. The bicyclists are kind of scary when they zip past you. And if you hear a bell, jump to the side, one is about to overtake you.

Franz Joseph points the way. (We went the other)

As we walked, we got caught in a short rain shower. We scurried under the massive arches of the Heroes gate to the Heldenplatz to wait out the rain. A few minutes later, it has passed and we continued on our journey.

Across the street from the University of Vienna. More sculpture.

We ended our journey where it began, at the Volkstheater. The walk had taken about two leisurely hours filled with stops, pictures, wanderings, and bicycle dodging. The actual distance is about 3 miles. There is a tram that one could pay 1.80 euro and see it from the comfort of a fine mode of transportation, but we used the amazing sights as a great way to walk around. We finished the trip with a stop for a meal at Vapiano and then returned to the Villa. Another good day in Vienna.

Monday evening, we ride a train from Wein Meidling to Cracow, Poland. From there, on Tuesday morning, we will be catching a bus to the Auschwitz/Birkenau Concentration Camps. We will tour the camps and return to Cracow for the evening. I am both excited and intimidated by the prospect to actually visit something so historical and terrible. I hope to relate out experiences soon.