Tuesday September 29, 2009 Paris, France

Day 32 of 26

Paris, France and Vaux-le-Vicomte

The Hotel de la Bretonnerie is very quiet. My room is on the back of the hotel away from the busy street with a courtyard - very quiet. I slept so well. Woke up about 8, got dressed. Checked email - Al won't be ready for coffee - and I need to go to catch my train to Vaux le Vicomte anyway. Never done this via train so I am hoping the day goes okay.

I walked to Hotel de Ville and took the Metro to Gare de Lyon, only about 3 stops away. Then it became very confusing. It was not clear how to get to Melun. So I went into an information counter and she told me to go to another platform - Quay 17 - and that train went to Melun. I walked there (to the yellow platforms) and the train was getting ready to leave - but I didn't have a ticket. So I found a machine to buy a ticket and - AARRGH - the stupid thing won't take US credit cards - you have to have a card with "a chip" in it. Which I don't have. So I checked my "coins" and had just enough to get the ticket - 14.5 euros for a roundtrip ticket.

But by then the train had gone. So now to find another train to Melun. I asked a conductor and he told me to go back to the blue platforms. I realized when I got there that the conductor was reading the "arrivee" charts rather than the "depart" charts. So I need to start over. I studied the charts and finally figured it out. But I had missed the 9:05 am train and the next one was at 12:35. Geez - I don't want to wait that long. So I kept studying the chart and figured out that there was another train that stopped in Melun that left at 10:35. Just to make sure I stopped a lady information person and confirmed this with her. I took a seat and people-watched for an hour.

They posted the quay on the departure board and I went to the train, but then didn't know how to "validate" my ticket. There was a yellow box but that was for "big" tickets and I had a little one. I found the information person again and in french she explained to me that I needed to find the 'gris' box (gray). OK - I can do this. And lo and behold I found it, validated my ticket and got on the train and took my seat. While we were waiting to leave a couple came on asking another lady how to validate her tickets. The woman told her - do nothing and speak german if you are questioned! I offered my help to the couple, they were appreciative, they left the train, validated their tickets and returned. She appreciated my help.

We left Paris Gare de Lyon right on time and the 25 minute ride to Melun was smooth. Countryside, outskirts of Paris, trees, small villages. Beautiful countryside. It's France! Got off in Melun, the first stop, and went to find the Cafe de la Gare, where the ChateauxBus leaves. Unfornately, the bus only operates on Saturday and Sunday. I waited a while to make sure it wasn't coming, but it didn't. So I got a taxi - it cost 20 euros to get there (about $30). The driver was a Portugese man who had moved to France in the mid '60's. He spoke good English. He offered to come back to pick me up at the end of my tour since transportation from the chateau is an issue.

Vaux le Vicomte needs to advertise more and become tourist friendly. It is a difficult place to get to. But it is the most beautiful and peaceful place. I was so excited when we turned down the small lane leading to the chateau. It is lined with tall french maple trees (they look like sycamore with the colorful bark). The taxi pulled up in front of the chateau and I had arrived. I paid the driver and set a time to meet for the return to the train in Melun. I walked to the middle of the chateau entrance and took it all in - and took pictures. Also got pictures of the tree lined lane that is so beautiful.

I went in and got a "Tour Simple" ticket for the house and gardens. I snapped pictures all along the way. I first went through the stables, where I had never been before. The moat was filled surrounding the chateau. I went in through the front door and bought a book on the chateau and an audio tour. The tour was informative and I learned things I didn't know. Such a magnificent chateau. I got to go for a visit to the dome where I had never been. The superstructure holding it up is incredible. The view breathtaking from the top. The chateau had a lot of displays and commentary about Nicolas Fouquet and how he had been betrayed and lost everything.

Then to the gardens - magnificent. Words don't describe the beauty. Plots and containers of flowers, topiary boxwood. Beautifully sculptured boxwood in intrique designs. Fountains, pools - round, square, and rectangular. You want to the far end of the gardens and then you realize there is a long "water feature" that you didn't even know existed. I walked around the end of it and a group of young French schoolgirls approached me wanting to speak English. We talked - they in broken English, me in broken French. I took their picture. To the far side of the water and the structures were beautiful. I walked up the hill to the Herculese statue and took it all in.

I then started back so I could meet my driver. Such a beautiful peaceful place. Not many tourists as many people don't know about Vaux le Vicomte. A special place.

My taxi driver was about 10 minutes late but I had plenty of time to get the train back to Paris. It was 22 euros for the taxi ride (an expensive proposition!). I had to wait about 20 minutes for the train, but it arrived right on time and we were off to Paris Gare de Lyon. I slept most of the way - that was a lot of walking today.

On arrival I stopped in a small cafe and had a light lunch and a large beer. Too much but I was hungry. I decided to walk back to the hotel - went by the Bastille monument and enjoyed the people watching along the way. The french men are now wearing these tight jeans that seem to be in fashion. It was warm so I was in short sleeves. I wove my way through the Marais and went by the big synagogue. It is Yom Kippur and they were selling these yellow fruit looking things (looked like lemons) in white boxes and also reeds. I later asked Al what these were but he didn't know. There were tables and tables of these fruits and they were carefully inspecting them to get just the perfect ones.

I went back to the hotel to freshen up for my evening with Al Stewart. I went to his flat at pm and we had champagne and hors d'oeuvres and interesting chat. We caught up on is adventures in Egypt. A little before 9 we left and took the metro to Le Vagabond for dinner. I had melon and proscuitto, gigot d'agneau, and ile flottante. It was so good but I was stuffed. We decided to walk back to the Marais to walk off dinner and that was good. Al showed me where to go for coffee in the morning and then I went off to the hotel. I was pooped - a busy day in Paris. We agreed to touch base in the morning and maybe have coffee, but I was planning to "sleep in".

A great visit to Vaux le Vicomte. Fabulous.

Monday September 28, 2009 Prague, Czech Republic to Paris, France

Day 31 of 36

Prague, Czech Republic to Frankfurt, Germany to Paris, France

Flights 15 and 16 of 18

533 miles out of 22,121 miles to be travelled

I woke up about 6 am and forced myself to go back to sleep at least until the sun comes up. Finally got up about 7, dressed, and went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. It wasn't as crowded as during the weekend and I was the only one there for a while. Had my breakfast and then returned to the room to finish packing.

The hotel was not at all cooperative in helping me to arrange my transportation back to the Prague Airport. I asked the front desk to call the shuttle company and basically he refused! I was taken back. He tried to "sell" me on using the hotel car (at twice the price) instead of the shuttle. I don't think so! Nevertheless, I tried to call 3 times, all unsuccessful, and then noticed that you can order the shuttle online. So I did that. The order form took me 2 attempts but I made it and got a confirmation email shortly. Mission accomplished - where there is a will, there is a way!

Went to the lobby about 9:45 am to wait for the shuttle. They came shortly and we were off to the airport. The traffice was not as heavy and we were at the airport in about 20 minutes. I tried to get my customs form stamped for the Czech glass I bought but they told me I have to get it stamped at my departure point from the EU - that would be Paris. Oh well. So I checked in my big bag, went through security and to the Business Class Lounge at the Prague airport. Not too many people in there. No wi-fi so I worked on the book, had some coffee, and read.

The Lufthansa flight was right on time. We even left 15 minutes early - when they are ready to go, we go! They served us a meal in first class and I had 3 glasses of red wine (that later conked me out!). We arrived in Paris early. No customs since it was from an EU country, retrieved my bag, took the CDGTram to the RER station. Bought a 3 day pass that will get me into Paris, around Paris during my stay, and back to the airport on Thursday. Went downstairs and caught the train which happened to be a "semi-non-stop" train. We picked up people at a couple of stops and then went direct to Gare du Nord - then to Chatelet, my stop. I got off at Chatelet and had to change to the #1 line to Hotel de Ville - a short walk and onto the next train and I only had to go one stop.

I got off of the Metro at Hotel de Ville and left via the Rue Logue exit which was only 3 blocks from my hotel. A short walk and voila, I was at the Hotel de la Brettonerie, a small hotel right in the middle of the Marais. Checked in, and unpacked and laid down to rest my feet and that's when all of the wine kicked in - I zonked out for a while. I guess I was tired.

Got up and went out for a walk around the Marais. On a Monday night not too many people out and about. I stopped for a beer and a bite to eat - and later for a gelato treat, but I wasn't realy hungry since I'd had the meal on the Lufthansa flight and it was somewhat substantial. Enjoyed my walk - ended up at the Church of St. Eustause, a beautiful structure right by Les Halles. Walked back by the Pompidou Centre, to the hotel, and to bed about 11:30.

Ah Paris. I feel like I'm at home!

Sunday September 27, 2009 Prague, Czech Republic

Day 30 of 36

Prague, Czech Republic

I woke up a little before 8 am and went to breakfast in the hotel restaurant. A big breakfast to begin my day with lots of coffee to wake up.

The day is another beautiful one in Prague. I headed out a little after 9 am and headed back to one of the street bazaars that was just closing when I got there yesterday. The very first booth had these small witch puppets. When you clapped (the owner banged a piece of wood on a block) all of the puppets started jumping up and down and loudly cackling. It was a riot. I stood there and watched for a while and laughed. Really funny.

I roamed around for a while, took a rest on the wall by the astronomical clock and then headed to the Jewish Ghetto. There were an old synagogue and a new synagogue. Lots of tourists here, but I decided to forego the tour. I walked around the block that contained the Jewish cemetary - a large one. Took pictures of it through a small window from the street. Headed over to the river and paused to take in the scenery.

Walked down to a performance hall - beautiful building - and headed across the Vltava River. Went to the Senate where they have a beautiful garden with the "drippy" sculpture. It looks like eerie faces in the structure. Took a break there. A young gay couple was having an argument - they were very young.

Left the Senate and walked up the hill again to see if I could get into Prague Castle - and yes, the Pope was gone and the grounds were open. There was a HUGE line to get into the cathedral so I decided not to wait. The line was wrapped around the front and all of the way down one side. Too many people. Oh well, "A B C", I guess.

I walked down from the Castle a different way and then back to the Charles Bridge. Not quite as many people around today. I headed back to the Old Town Square and had a sausage on brochette with mustard and ketchup - it was good - a large beer - and another trdelnik. Yum. I took a seat on one of the benches and watched the crowds for a while. There have been a lot of lesbians visiting Prague - all holding hands. Why can't guys do that?

Headed back up one of the streets with shops and did some more window shopping. Then headed back to the hotel as my feet were killing me at this point - it was after 3 pm. Took a short nap and updated email, blog, and FaceBook. Made plans for my departure from Prague tomorrow morning and did some preliminary packing. Off to Paris tomorrow.

Saturday September 26, 2009 Prague, Czech Republic

Day 29 of 36

Prague, Czech Republic

I woke up about 7 and went back to sleep for a while. Got dressed and went to breakfast about 8. The breakfast is included with the room here at the K&K Fenix. Nice buffet.

Came back to the room and sorted clothes - where are my socks? Headed out about 9 to see the primary sights and then I may do a tour tomorrow to Karlstejn Castle. We'll see. I may be toured out so I'll play it by ear.

What an action packed day. I left the hotel a little after 9 am and the streets were PACKED with tourist groups - a lot of Germans and Italians. Since my hotel is so close to the Museum, I decided to start there. Mobs of people, so I took a few pictures and headed to the Opera, just up the street. Wove my way back through the city to the old Munical House and Powder Tower. When Tim and I stayed in Prague before, we stayed near here. It started out a bit cool, but the day was gorgeous and warmed up as the day went on.

I started strolling down Celetna and did some window shopping. I found a gorgeous Czech glass art object - multi-colored chunks twisted together symmetrically. Blue, pink, and white. They wouldn't do much bargaining on the price. I told her I would think about it and strolled a bit further and found a piece at half the price that I actually liked better. So after some negotiations, I bought it, they wrapped it up, gave me the customs papers so I can get the 19% tax back, and I was on my way. Didn't know I would be touring today with a shopping bag.

Got to the Old Town Hall - a beautiful cobble-stone square - and there was a market set up. Food, wine, beer, knic-knacs, etc. It was fun walking around. But at times the crowds were too much - I'd rather be places where it is quieter. I stuck around the square until the astrological clock chimed noon - the crowds were packed in the square. While I was in the square I got a couple of handouts for concerts tonight - may consider that.

Continued on along the old streets to the Charles Bridge - beautiful architecture, quaint streets, blue skies along the way. The bridge is under serious construction and at places it was difficult to move. But I finally reached the other side and continued on through the west side to St. Nicholas Church. There I discovered a treat that is unique to the Czech Republic - Trdelnik - it is like a donut that is made in a large sheet, then put in hot oil and it swells, but it is in a long roll, then they roll it in sugar, cinnamon, nuts, etc. IT WAS SO GOOD!

I headed for the long walk up the hill to the Prague Castle. Beautiful buildings but it was closed - not sure why. There was to be a concert at the cathedral at 1:30 but obviously this was changed. I noticed there were a lot of police and military around and they started "herding" the tourists to specific spots. I watched as they cleared the square - then a military guard came through with a band. They opened the gates to the Presidential Palace. One of the guards told me that the Pope was arriving this afternoon - but not until 4:15. It was only 1:30 - so I decided not to wait for that.

I headed back down a long stairway. Stopped by St. Nicholas Church and they are having a concert tonight too. Choices - choices - choices. A lot going on in this city this weekend.

Headed down a different street on the west side, instead of hitting the crowds on the Charles Bridge, and went to the Most Legii Bridge and walked across. This took me by the National Theatre. I walked down Narodni for a while and then headed in to find the monastery where the concert I want to go is - near the astrological clock. Couldn't find it so I'll come back early.

I stopped at a restaurant at Old Town Square and had a small salad and 2 beers. It was fun watching the people all around. You couldn't sit at this restaurant and just drink - you had to eat. Then went to the Thai Massage Center and inquired about a massage - my shoulders and feet need it. It was late afternoon by then, so I headed back to the hotel to refresh for the 5:30 concert. It had warmed up considerably so I put on short sleeves so I wouldn't get hot at the concert. Wove my way through the streets by the Estates Theatre near Wencelas Square and found a man selling tickets to the concert. Bought one and went in since it was about 5:15. The room was very small in this monastery but the ceiling was painted and gorgeous. The concert was excellent - an organ, violin, harp, and soprano. About an hour of performance and it was over. Totally enjoyed that.

I then went to the Thai Massage Center but they were booked until 8:30, so I went back to the Old Town Square. I couldn't resist having a baquette with chicken skewer (only 100 CZK or less than $6). I put mustard on it - and it was SO GOOD. Then I bought a draught beer for 35 CZK or about $2. Then I had to have another sweet treat - so I got another trdelnik. This one cost less and was better than the first!!!! May have to get another one of those tomorrow. (Only 1?)

I sat on a wall and watched people for a long while. Interesting. There were a lot of Italian girls - one named Flavia - made me think of Gelso. Then I strolled back to the Municipal House and then back to the main street and finally to the Thai Massage Center. I was early so they gave me some tea and had me rest my feet. It was finally my turn and I went in and changed and she started working on me - she stood on my legs, pulled me, kneeded me, stretched me, etc. It hurt so good. She kept saying "No pain, no gain!" and she would laugh.

I was pooped after that session so headed back to the hotel for the night. I should sleep good tonight. Updated email, FaceBook, Blog, etc., watched a little CNN, and then went to sleep.

I reviewed the city map and see that I missed a few sites today, so I'll do those tomorrow. Still things left to do. But this was a GREAT day.

Friday September 25, 2009 Vienna, Austria to Prague, Czech Republic

Day 28 of 36

Vienna, Austria to Prague, Czech Republic
Flight 14 of 18
Miles 172 of 22,121 total miles to be travelled

I woke up at 8 fully rested and I feel my knee may be a bit better although the muscles in my upper leg keeps wanting to cramp. Usually it is the lower leg. Maybe my dreaming of a mineral bath treatment helped!

Went to the concierge lounge for coffee and breakfast. I have gained weight on this trip so will need to take a few pounds off. A bit over 200 pounds - so I need to loose those same 10 pounds again to get my weight back where it should be!

Returned to the room and packed. Went out into Prague for a morning stroll. It was very cloudy and chilly. I had on short sleeves and decided to press on at a brisker pace. I went all through the Stadtpark, across the Ring from the Marriott. Nice park. Lots of people walking and enjoying the cooler weather. Headed around the edge of the Ring clockwise. Got to the Opera and decided I needed one more "treat" while in Vienna, so I went to the Sacher Hotel and sat at a sidewalk cafe and had a sacher torte and a latte. It was good. Fun watching the people go by too. Of course, this little treat was relatively expensive - over $10. But it was worth it.

If left the Sacher and turned in from the Ring and found myself by the stables where the Lippizaner stallions are kept. They were in their stalls and I watched them for a while. Left and went through a couple of churches and saw some ancient Roman ruins that had been unearthed. Strolled north east from here through a part of the inner Ring where I had never been. Many beautiful gold statues. And I stumbled across a glockenspiel clock high up on a building. I waited a while and watched the men turn. It chimed 1 pm while I was there. Not as impressive as the one in Munich, but elaborate nonetheless.

Wended my way through the streets back to the Marriott. retrieved my bags from the concierge and he got me a taxi to the CAT station. A short ride. I was able to check in my large bag here and the train was waiting and left as soon as I sat down. Less than a 20 minute ride from the city to the airport - an easy way to handle this commute.

I had a panic moment when I got off the train - I reached for my folder that has my cash and credit cards and it wasn't in my pocket - I thought at first I must have left it on the train when I put my euros in an envelope. But I had put it in my jacket pocket instead of my pants pocket - stupid me. Put it where it belonged and headed upstairs.

I already had my boarding pass, so went in and headed to the Business Class Lounge and got to go to the upgraded lounge since I'm a priority gold status-holder with the Star Alliance. Most likely last year for that!

Read a USA Today, had a lunch snack (it was good) and did email using their free wireless. I like it when they provide that.

My flight today leaves Vienna at 5 pm and I head to Prague - just a little over 100 miles and much less tha 1 hour flight. I'm sure it is a small plane.

We were a little late boarding but left right on time. A small plane but they still had business class. They even served a snack for a 35 minute flight! Smooth flight and we arrived in Prague on time.

My bag came out quickly, I loaded it on my luggage cart, and headed out to find an ATM. Got 3,000 czech kourny - about $150. That should last for my 3 days in Prague. I found an airport shuttle (should have taken a taxi) and we immediately loaded up for the drive into the city. The roads were relatively clear until we got close to the city and then everything came to a screeching halt. Rush hour on Friday evening, the driver reported. Oh well. I was the last to be let off at the Hotel K&K Fenix. It is centrally located just 1/2 block off of the main street leading to the National Museum (Vaclavske Namesti).

I checked in and unpacked my clothes for the stay. Not many clean clothes left but I have less than a week left on the road. I'll make it.

I wasn't very hungry but put along sleeved shirt on with a jacket since it was quite cool out here. Fall has arrived and the leaves are in colors already. I'm further north now than at any point on this trip. I walked over to Vaclavske Namesti and took a stroll around. Lots of people out. Several stalls with large "wursts" and "dogs" for sale, cooking on the sidewalk. Tim would be in heaven but I've finally gotten my stomach back in line so I'm not going to risk that.

I walked around a while and window shopped. Lots of beautiful glass. And I found a pair of shoes I liked (Tim would be shocked!). May go back and take a look tomorrow. My Prada's are starting to wear out. Headed over to the river side - lots of groups of brits here visiting. Stopped and got just a snack on the street and then headed back. Went for a sauna to relax. I noticed a Thai message place on the main street tonight and may go tomorrow for a massage or foot massage. My dogs are still a bit achey!

The hotel seems very quiet. The rooms are small but "adequate". Nothing fancy like in Vienna or Siem Reap.

Went to bed about 10. Dreams of all kinds of weird things during the night. But I rested.

Thursday September 24, 2009 Vienna, Austria

Day 27 of 36

Vienna, Austria

So I think the traveling has worn me down. I was pooped so slept late - until after 8:15! The room was dark with light blocking drapes so I just slept. Weird dreams last night. I keep waking up not knowing where I am, and wondering where Tim is. Oh well!

Went to the concierge lounge and had breakfast and read the paper and did a sudoku puzzle. Headed out for a stroll. Just not in the mood for an organized tour so today is going to be a laid back day - to enjoy the beautiful weather and do nothing - or whatever I want to do. I headed into the middle of the Ring to the cathedral - it is still under renovation and covered in scaffolding. Oh well - no good pictures here. Found an ATM and got some euro that should meet my needs for the rest of this trip. Headed to the far side of the Ring to the BurgerTheatre and the Parliament and City Hall - beautiful structures. I then headed back around the Ring to the Opera and went into one of the pastry shops. Yum these look good, but surprisingly they didn't have the choices I was hoping to see (but I did take a picture!).

Walked by the Sacher Hotel and looked in - they have opened a new dining area since I was here last year. No "goodies" on display except those that are boxed up so continued my stroll back toward the cathedral. A Conditorei shop was near and they had a great variety of goodies. I selected an erdbeer torte stuck (strawberry) - it was so good - with coffee. Enjoyed that and then headed back to the hotel by the cathedral. I passed a most gorgeous plant store enroute.

Checked out the hotel's fitness center and pool. May enjoy that later, but for now, I'm taking my book to the large park across the Ring from the Marriott and will sit in the park and read and do nothing. My left knee is acting up today so I need to take it easy. I'll sit in the sauna downstairs later to loosen it up.

The park across the street is fabulous. I sat and people-watched for a long time. A little boy with him Mom came by and wanted to pick up acorns and I helped him find some. There was an underground manhole cover with a hole in it and I showed him how to put the acorns in the hole and they disappeared. He squeeled with delight. I enjoyed the park. People were walking all around and some were sunning on the grass. It was so pleasant out. I did a few soduko puzzles and read some in my Grisham book.

Then back to the hotel and I started doing some writing on my book. Perhaps my writer's block may be broken soon. And it was! I wrote about 3 pages - or part of a chapter - in Murano Blue. I'll finish that chapter tomorrow morning.

Abotu 5:30 I went up to the concierge lounge for cocktails and snacks. It turned out to be dinner - it was so good. A pasta with a wonderful cream sauce and vegetables, and a chicken dish that was devine - pieces of chicken in a rich sauce. Of course they have sweets I had to sample. Had my share of scotch, watched CNN with others in the lounge and then returned to work on the book for a while, do email, blog, etc. And then I went to bed early about 9:30. I was beat today and my knee hurting didn't help. I dreamed about my knee during the night - should have had a "treatment" at one of the mineral spas in Budapest! Maybe they will have this in Prague?

A relaxing day "for me" today. No agenda - do what I want to do - enjoy the beautiful city - watch the people - enjoy the food - ENJOY LIFE!

Wednesday September 23, 2009 Budapest, Hungary to Vienna, Austria

Day 26 of 36

Budapest, Hungary to Vienna, Austria
Flight 13 of 18
133 miles of 22,121 total miles to be travelled

I had a lot to finish seeing today so I was up at 6 am. Showered and dressed and went to breakfast in the beautiful hotel atrium. I was the only one there for breakfast so early! Caught up on a little bit of CNN and headed out a little before 7.

Walked through the narrow pedestrian streets to the south. Down to the old Danube River bridge - traffic was getting very heavy. It was only about a 3o minute walk there. Budapest is a great walking city - easy to get around and things are not as far as they seem. Went across the bridge to the Gellert Hotel. To the right in the hotel building is an old thermal sauna - Gellert Pools. I went in and looked around. The architecture is the attraction. The people going there for their thermal treatments looked like they were all living in Our Lady of Hope (nursing home). The treatments were expensive and all a la carte - $20 - $30 per session. So I skipped that.

Then I realized that the Budapest version of the Statue of Liberty was just up the hill. So I started up in a beautiful natural park - winding, steeply sloping walkways and stairs. I made it half way and realized I had a long way to go and gave up. I'd already been there anyway. So I took in the view from one of the benches in the shade and then headed back down a different path. Back across the river and through winding streets to the hotel.

I finished packing and checked out and left my bags with the bellman. I headed off to the Victory Park where they have statues, museums, park, etc. I headed up Androssy Avenue - the Champs d'Elyssee of Budapest - smart shops, beautiful mansions, and past the Opera House - beautiful structure. It was about a 45 minute walk to the park so I walked on the shady side of the street.

My walk took me through the "mansion district" - old mansions that were magnificent. Many needed work - some were embassies. Not many people out walking. Went to the Victory statues, and then over to a museum that was in an old castle. Beautiful parkland with lakes and paths, and benches. I stumbled into another thermal sauna (something like Chevkinko) - looked at the menu and clientele - same as Bellert! Beautiful building though.

Walked back through a side street in the mansion district and marveled at the houses. Get back to the Opera and took a table at Callas Restaurant for lunch. Had a Hungarian beer (large of course), Hungarian grilled chicken breast with a wonderful sauce and rice. It was really yummy. And I was hungry from all of the walking. Then had rice pudding with "forest fruit sauce" - a sauce made of small berries. The rice pudding was done into a cake and cut. It was good. As I was paying my check, an elderly lady with a cane stumbled on the cobblestones at the Opera House and fell face down on the pavement and was knocked out. She was all bloody. I got the waiter over and asked him to call for help. Some other people attended to her but she was out. I left before help arrived but she was in good hands with the passersby and the restaurant personnel who volunteered to help.

Walked back to the Basilica for one last look around inside and out. To the hotel to retrieve my bags and I used their internet one last time in the lobby while I was waiting for the airport shutte to arrive. The shuttle driver arrived pretty much on time, but the traffic was unbelievable. We had to pick up at one other location and getting there took over 20 minutes - then we set out for the airport. It took well over an hour to get there.

Check-in was easy, as was security. I found out that Hungary is a part of the EU (but not on the euro) so it has open borders with other European countries. So no immigration check. Went to the Business Class Lounge - which was a teeny-weeny room tha was hot and crowded. Hungary is just going to have to "get with it"!

We loaded up on the Austrian Air flight - and the flight was uneventful. It was only 35 minutes but they served us a sandwich and sweet and drinks. On arrival in Vienna, I bought a roundtrip ticket for the CAT train that takes you right to Vienna in 16 minutes. My bag came out quickly, I had to wait about 20 minutes for the train to arrive and then was off to Vienna. I was able to get a taxi right away and it was a short ride to the Vienna Marriott. But it was almost $10 just for that!

The Marriott upgraded me to a suite with concierge level privileges. I was beat so went up the the lounge for a cocktail before they closed it for the evening. Brought a "double" back to the room and unpacked and sorted clothes - dirty - not dirty. Updated email, checked the stock market (not a good day), and then went to bed. I'm whipped from travelling. I'll get breakfast tomorrow in the executive lounge so will just sleep in for a change with no agenda.

Hard to believe that so much of this trip has happened already. I'm feeling so fortunate tonight.