Aaah Vienna , Austria
Austria, Tuesday 19th until Sunday 24th June
After leaving the Czech Republic we headed down the main motorway towards the Danube. It was a bright and sunny day and the fields and forests looked green and lush, with wildflowers blooming on the roadsides as we drove to our next destination. We had picked out a camperstop we had used before 3 years ago which was situated next to the Danube river, unfortunately we got there a little later than others so all the riverfront views were taken and we had to park behind the first row of Motorhomes. Never mind, we parked up and took our chairs to the grassed area and sat with our drinks watching the mighty Danube flow by.
Wednesday morning we got a relatively early start (for us) and headed on the motorway towards Vienna. The morning started warm and this was confirmed by a sign by the road informing us it was 27 °c at 10 am and as we drove into the city the sky looked polluted and grey.
We found the Vienna south campsite and pulled in, while Ewout was getting the low down on the campsite we were approached by fellow Aussie travelers from Perth also traveling in a motor home. So more travelers’ tales, knowledge and anecdotes and as they are traveling in the direction we are planning we may catch up with them in the future.
You must understand the complicated process of picking a suitable campsite and it is usually left up to me (Jenny) to do the scouting and choosing. (which can sometimes lead to a bit of disagreement) As it was hot we found a nice shaded spot that would allow us shade for most of the day and was in a quiet part of the campsite not too far from the facilities. Our only concern was that we seemed to be in an area that was populated by a lot of family groups which we think may have been of Romany origin, but they were quiet, very clean and kept to themselves.
Our first day was spent having a quiet afternoon, we even had a nap in our chairs and spent some time deciding what our plan of attack for our visit to the city would be. At the campsite we met some other fellow Aussie’s on tour, Johann and Christine from Victoria and we ended up sharing our evening meal and some travelers tales until late into the evening. Johann offered to make us curry for the next night and we couldn’t resist the offer so we made a date.
Thursday we caught the bus to the train station, then the tram into the city. Our plan was to catch a tour so that we could get an overview of the sights. We went with the Old Timer Bus tour which is a nice open roofed way of seeing the town. After which we found a small run down pub where we had a nice meal and beer for a very good price. We wandered a bit before catching the tram and found ourselves near the Prater park and couldn’t resist the chance to have a ride on the old Ferris wheel with views over Vienna.
Back to the campsite we met again with Johann and Christine and spent another nice evening with them, enjoyed Johann’s curry and exchanged more travelers tales.
Friday we again caught the bus to the train station and then two metro trains to the Schonnbrunn Palace. We had an enjoyable visit in the Palace, and then caught the mini train through the gardens, stopping to take photos at the Gloriette.
Saturday we again headed into the city, we caught the tram to an unusual rural development called the Hundertwasserhaus is an apartment house in Vienna, Austria, built after the idea and concept of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. We were told it was very interesting by a Portugese couple the day before but were disappointed that you could not go inside and see more of it. Next stop was an Ice-cream salon which is another must do in Vienna. Here Ewout left us, he decided he would like to check out the Vienna festival, where lots of activities, bands and entertainment are put on for free for a 3 day event. Astrid and I meanwhile enjoyed an icecream sunday and then found our way via the metro to the Albertina Gallery to enjoy some culture.
We all made it back to the campground safe and sound and had quiet night in before heading to bed.
