It is Amazing What 12 Hours of Sleep Can Do

Ahhhhh! Twelve hours later and I am a new person. This picture is the ceiling in my room.

Just Kidding.

It's a dome near the Lipizzaner stables here in Vienna. Pretty though, don't you think?

Tomorrow I will travel from Vienna to Cesky Krumlov. I will stay here. I am booked into the Attic apartment (#2).

Today though, I think I'll take Rick up on that offer of a bike ride up the Danube.

Here are two little boys playing with a remote control car in Heroes Square. I love how some things are the same wherever you go. Little boys love their toys...everywhere around the world it is the same.

I was so tired I didn't even mention the opera I went to yesterday. It was "The Elixer of Love". The opera house here allows you to buy standing room tickets 90 minutes prior to the performance. There are several wonderful things about standing room tickets. One is that they are cheap. 3.50 to be exact. Another is that you can come and go during the performance. Perhaps, like me, it is the first time you've ever seen an opera and don't know if you'll want to sit (or stand) through the whole three hours. This is a night shot of the Vienna Opera House at night. Really a beautiful building inside and out.

I was very blessed to find myself standing in line next to a Canadian lady (who teaches music across the border in Washington State) who has studied opera and was able to give me a thumbnail sketch of what it is all about.

I found it fascinating and would perhaps like to go again when I am not jetlagged and exhausted. Next time I would also like a seat.

After I left the opera I made my way via subway back to my little room. One old homeless looking fellow grabbed at me as I was walking through a subway station. I'm really not sure if he was actually grabbing me or just reaching out trying to get my attention. Either way, I backed off, looked him in the eye and said "NO!" and continued on my way. No worries. He was old and frail. I could have taken him. :-) If I weren't traveling alone I might be more open to such interaction, but I have to be careful.

When I emerged on my street I realized that I was a little hungry and that I hadn't eaten since lunch. I walked quite a way down the street to find somewhere open and found nothing. So, I turned around and took advantage of the only available eatery. That's right.

I ate a Happy Meal at McDonalds.

I can't believe it either.

More Later.