Did you know that the Romans established a city in Vienna Austria? Well they did in 15 BC. I got to see the remnants of their drainage system for their baths and I also saw remains of Roman built walls. Actually, the original city was occupied by the Celtic people but after that the Romans. Later, a family called the Hapsburgs ruled the land in 1400 AD. I learned that it was the most important cultural center in Europe due to its strategic geographic location. People of many cultures passed through Vienna so art, science, music etc all flourished. Vienna was the home of all the important royalty in the empire and they all had palaces right in the center of Vienna. I was able to visit the stately palaces and cathedrals and learn all about the customs of the past. Our tour guide made history an interesting story for us rather than bombard us with facts and figures. She was witty and she not only centered on Vienna but made worldly connections to this area. I knew about all the muscians coming to Vienna but I did not realize the status of the opera house and the smaller concert halls. Burgtheater is one of the most famous of all the German speaking theaters. We have the good fortune to attend a concert tonight and we will hear Mozart and Dvorak. Of course all of the Strauss waltz pieces are played in various places that we visit. The Blue Danube was always a favorite of mine.
Vienna certainly has a rich history and been the capital of the region whether it be the Roman Empire, the Austria Hungarian Empire or Austria itself! Vienna is proud of its tolerance of diverse cultures and I can tell you honestly, everyone I spoke with about American politics is rooting for Obama for president. One very intelligent older man shared with us that America has always been a place that they looked up to , that is until the presidency of George Bush.
I am posting St. Stephens Cathedral (1147)which was once the tallest building in the world and is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna, and the famous Opra House.
I want to say that our gracious hosts arranged for all of us to have a meal at the Museum Modern Art -Furangewandte Kunst in Wein. We had a harvest meal consisting of beef, potatoes, squash , soup, horseradish with apple and a traditional plum dumpling dessert!!
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2 comments:
What an experience you're having! Such culture both ancient and new. How about those Roman walls! Amazing and humbling. Are people curious about us? Other than the Bush connection... Will you post a picture of the bride and groom please?
Keep the history lessons coming out way.
Kathy
By the way, you're missing your breakfast duty.
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