For this entry, I’ll hit some highlights for the time before embarking on our cycling trip. The next few days will be an exploration of Vienna.
On Saturday, I explored the Upper Belvedere Palace and the gardens between the upper and lower palaces. My main objective was to view the largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s work. "The Kiss" was the main attraction and drew constant attention. I found it pleasing to gaze upon it at and angle that reflected the gold he used in the work.
The evening was capped by an exploration of side streets near Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. I enjoyed listening in on some experimental jazz at Porgy and Bess.
Sunday brought a trip to the University of Vienna Business Campus for a look at the architecture. The library was space age, something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The entire campus was a work of art. The food truck burrito was good, but rather bland.
I the evening, we had planned on listening to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Dates were crossed up, and we flowed with our freedom, finding a small jazz bar called the Drakon. This stop proved to be quite enjoyable and we stayed for about an hour to listen. The white couch near the rear was comfortable and all parties seemed to completely enjoy themselves.
Monday, I set my sites on the Sigmund Freud Museum. I wanted to learn a bit more about the man having read his book "Civilization and its Discontents" in college. The place where he and his family lived was under major renovation. The museum was being temporarily housed in another small building during the interim. What I read and saw was fascinating. I’d like to learn more about the man’s thoughts pertaining to the human condition.
Later, I wandered Vienna, finally finding a resting spot at the Burggarten. A nap ensued. What better way to spend a portion of a vacation?
Tuesday was a day to assemble the final pieces of the fellowship. Kelley arrived at about midnight.
The morning was spent showing Isaac the different local bicycles available for purchase. The afternoon found us on the street with tea / coffee and light fare. I purchased a new helmet.
We wandered in the evening, escaping the heat inside air conditioned tram cars.
Wednesday brought new bikes for both Isaac and Kelley. Both chose Hallvard brand bicycles from Sports Direct, a large sporting goods place two blocks away. Small purchases were made by all to enhance their machines. I bought a bungee-type cord for my rear rack.
The evening started with song around the piano in the hostel bar. Daisy, a young Brit, played Beatles hits. A request for "Let it Go" from the Frozen soundtrack brought people to a new level.
After light chat, a German youth suggested we play "Cereal Box", a game which one has to pick up a cardboard box with their teeth without touching the ground with anything other than their feet. After each round, those who were able to accomplish the feat were challenged again with picking up the same box, only that it was torn further down to reduce its size. At the end, a select few were sucking the bottom of the box right off the floor. Nothing in my body, but I’m horribly sore. It’s pretty interesting hanging with a younger crowd; there are times in which I feel my age a bit. :)
A small group of us walked the neighborhood streets until four in the morning. Tomorrow I’ll catch up with a nap.
Thursday was a day to finish setting up the bicycles. I installed my handlebar bag, adjusted the rear panniers on the rack and fixed the speaker mount to the front. Fresh batteries went into the front headlight and I bought a couple of new inner tubes. I do need another water bottle, but that will present itself in due time.
After breakfast, I leaned a new game called "Ninja". A group stands in a circle and, with one movement (and taking turns) tries to slap other people’s hands. It’s a real duel to the death. I tried to channel Bruce Lee, remembering his quote about water.
A long nap was followed by my push-up workout and a shower. Many people assembled for a quiz game in the evening. The team was on came very close to winning. I crossed up the founding date of Hostel Ruthensteiner by one year.
It started in 1968.
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