Hello 2012!

DAY 24***

So, we find ourselves in this beautiful city of Vienna for 2011's last stand - and to welcome in 2012. 

This morning we had wanted to take the city tram around the 'ring' as it is called - basically, trams that circle the city centre. So, past the Museums Quarter, through Maria Teresa Platz, and we encountered instead........

the Wiener Silverterlauf  or Vienna's annual New Year's Eve Run - a race which starts and finishes on the Ringstrasse.

Find out more here.

The trams had been stopped for the duration of the race, so we took the opportunity to follow the race route and came across Parliament House,  a good vantage point from which to watch the race participants, complete with costumes and good cheer!

This is a statue of Athena in front of Parliament House. Magnificent isn't she?

Note the emblem of Vienna on the bottom of this lamp post.













Following the race route, we came to the Rathaus (Town Hall) where they were setting up the stage for tonight's celebrations. The band sounded really good so it was great fun listening to them practice.





















The square in front of the Rathaus was filled with markets, but we just wandered by this time.












On our walk around, we followed the horse and carriage rides, which looked even more enticing than the ones in Salzburg. But, there would be time for one of those tomorrow so no matter.

Our journey did take us past the 'home' of the Vienna Boys' Choir i.e. a chapel where they practice. We did not have the chance to listen to them this trip, but perhaps next time?

Next time?!

We wandered through the Spanish Riding School headquarters - again, something to do next time we are in Vienna!





And back out to The Hofburg and Heroes' Square (so named by the Nazi's after Hitler annexed Austria from the porch of The Hofburg overlooking the square) - Heroes' Square was our main destination for NYE fireworks tonight!

Professor.....

And back to the Natural History Museum for DS....

Vienna's idea of a museum interior!

Amazing architecture and check out the gold-work...

DS with a Deinonychus - the real raptors in JP

The city closed down at around 3pm - and we mean CLOSED. Museums, shops, supermarkets, eateries - just the bare minimum of public infrastructure was left open (U-link underground train system, horse-&-carriage rides, trams, and only a few eating places). Vienna had obviously gone home to get the ammunition for NYE.

Back to The Altstadt for a nap, shower, and then back out for a late night dinner (restaurants opened up as usual that night). Ironically, here we were, 4 AUSTRALIANS eating INDIAN in VIENNA on NYE!!? Actually the food was quite reasonable and so then out to Heroes' Square for the fireworks.

Unlike Australia, where the fireworks all happen (officially) at a pre-set time(s), in Vienna this evening, every major square in town including the Rathaus, Heroes' Square, and near the giant ferris wheel, started letting off fireworks from early evening. Sporadically at first, then more frequently as midnight approached. There was a giant feeling of anticipation for midnight, and as the clock approached 11pm, then 11.30pm, then 11.45, 11.50 the pace of the city wide fireworks sped up......

our view of the fireworks at Heroes' Square

The professional view of Vienna's NYE fireworks near the giant ferris wheel totallycoolpix.com

We wish you & yours every happiness in this New Year 2012!