[TRAVEL LOG] SUNDAY IN VIENNA

How many engineers does it take to split a lunch bill?  Apparently it takes eight.  Ten minutes after receiving our check at a pizzeria in Vienna today, we were able to determine that the unaccounted for 10 Euros was due to a “table charge”.  This was that illusive included tax we had always been told about.  Each table that we took up in the outdoor portion of the café cost 2.50 Euros.  Reassured in our ability to count, we realized we needed to work on reading receipts.  Despite the simple task of splitting a single bill, I don’t think any of us would object in saying that we really appreciate American restaurants which are willing to accommodate individual checks in large groups!

So yes… today was a day trip to the capital of Austria… Vienna!  Or Wien, as recited in its true German form.  Most people would know this as the hometown of Sigmund Freud or the originators of the infamous Wiener Schnitzel (Viennese Veal Cutlet).  It is the largest city in Austria and contains almost 25% of its population at just fewer than 1.75 million people.  Throughout history, this city has been a cultural epicenter in Europe, particularly in academics and music.  Today, concerts and operas take place on a regular basis.  It is also known for its large traditional balls (i.e. balls that take place in ballrooms).  The city is sprawling and contains innumerable historic squares and buildings.  Today, this is considered by many the top city when considering culture, markets, and infrastructure.  Urban planners today use Vienna often in their studies.

Our trip to Vienna began this morning at 8:45am when the Westbahn train line took off from Linz station.  This is a new train line in Austria that connects major cities in a single route between Salzburg and Vienna.  The brilliance of this line is its affordability and accommodations.  We purchased no ticket, but rather paid on the train after it set in motion.  The tickets were under half the price of a regular OEBB ticket and the cabins were much nicer.  The trains even had free wi-fi!  This is unheard of in most of Europe.

Vienna Train Station

Walking to the Inner City Ring

 We arrived in Vienna around 10:30am and we stayed until a train later in the day brought us back to Linz at 5:40pm.  Much of the day was simply spent walking.  We walked all over the city.  It contained numerous museums, but the largest and most affordable museum was simply the city itself.  Each street corner contained a new building, statue, fountain, or courtyard.  Horse drawn carriages brought tourists around the inner city and men in fancy outfits advertised for operas and concerts to be held that evening.

One of our first stops was the St. Stephan Cathedral which was built in the 1300’s.  The cathedral was massive, and its roof was of particular interest.  It bore many colored shingles to form the image of the city’s crest.  Amidst the spires and entrances were ornate carvings and figures.  Again, I was shocked at the level of detail that went into such masterpieces back in those medieval days.  We finished our visit with a trip up the old bell tower.  The view was spectacular.  We also learned that the Vienna fire department used to keep watch over the city from this tower chamber.  …a great use of resources!

St. Stephan Cathedral

Former location of the old 20,130 kg bell destroyed in WWII

We had lunch after this, sharing a few pizzas.  In Europe, when someone orders pizza, it is expected that they eat the entire pizza.  Granted, the pizzas are much thinner, but the amount still seems like a lot.  When we told the waiter we wanted to split them, he looked at us as if we had three heads each.  Some American concepts don’t quite fit into other cultures. 

Dan and I demonstrating a proper "Prost"

 We enjoyed the meal and the weather.  It was in the high 60s for most of the day with bright sunshine.  For this reason, we walked through the park and along the river.  I think the entire town of Vienna was out lounging in the lawns or along the river front.  Beers, ice-cream, and lemonade all seemed to be the popular foods and drinks.  Nobody was in a hurry and most folks were just relaxing or reading books.  One of the guys in our group asked a question which prompted some reflection on culture… “People go at a much different pace here, don’t they?”  I couldn’t agree more with this.  After having been in the German/Austrian states for an extended period of time last year, I noticed this clearly.  Nowhere in any American city would one see so many people lounging, reading, and relaxing.  We saw very few people with headphones, iPods, or electronics.  It was simply them, their company, and the sun.  I’ll have to share more on this in one of my future reflections.

All in all, the day was well spent.  It was nice to return a bit earlier so we could relax after a long day of walking in the sun.  Tomorrow we’re up bright and early for a session downtown and another company visit.