Ah, what a nice city. (Actually, I´ve been on Zahoo.com and it´s a nice citz. Keyboards of the world, I don´t know.)

John and I are tucked into the very comfortable Pension Kraml, with large rooms and no elevator. We´re on the 4th floor. Needless to say, my quads are feeling very toned.

Also, I have marvelled at the Austrian habit of giving you a city map upon arrival. I know it´s their first chance, and it´s very nice, but how do they think I got there without a map?

Anyway, it´s the thought that counts.

Today, John and I woke up to a cold and rainy Vienna. It had rained all the day previously, and it continued today. This did not deter us, dear reader, as we set out towards the tourist information center to get guides, information and stamps (yes, that means more postcards for you commenty types. Cathy, I need your address, or should I just send it to the Notre-Vin winemaking facility?)

Our next stop was the Stephansdom. This gigantic Gothic church also encompasses Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The church was beautiful, and encompassed a good thumbnail sketch of Viennese Catholic religion. The handbook Vienna A - Z provided us with information on the inside of the cathedral.

We then proceeded to the Hofberg. The initial admittance price, €16 for the both of us, made me balk, but the amount was worthwhile. It included an audioguide that took us through the Imperial Silver Collection (lots of porcelain too!), a museum on the life of Empress Elisabeth and the Imperial Apartments. It took us about two hours to proceed to the exit, and then we were ready for the next step, another Viennese tradition, a coffee and cake.

Opting for location over authenticity, we walked into the Starbucks steps from the exit, relaxed, and watched the rain fall over the Imperial City.