PART 3 – A little disappointed in Vienna as a city in that at first glance it looks like a huge open-air mall filled with high-end shops and restaurants. But after a subway ride from our hotel (and maybe a tram as well), we discover what the “old’ town has to offer. Belvedere Castle houses Vienna’s hometown native, Gustav Klimt’s original “The Kiss”. It is huge and magnificent. Up close it seems you can almost reach out and touch the gold leaf. Is that bullet-proof glass?

Of course, the Vienna Opera House is not to be missed. Every square inch is beautiful. “Madame Butterfly” was sold out on my birthday, but we had an amazing tour.

An unexpected treat was the State Hall of the Austrian National Library. This space is something you see in the movies but never in person – because you don’t think there is such a place!

Another surprise that my travel partner (granddaughter Kaitlynn) discovered online — a greenhouse like no other.

On my birthday, Kaitlynn treated me to Vienna’s national treat – sachertote at Sacher Cafe. It’s a yummy delight that almost puts you in a chocolate coma.

The Other Thing – My faithful followers know I couldn’t end a post without showing at least one photo of food. Stay tune for Part 2 Bohemia and Part 1 Prague.