First of all, happy birthday to John!

Today, prior to our departure to Munich (I know, hasty, but there was a little time accident) we went to the Kunsthistoriches Museum in Vienna.

I have been to a lot of art museums on this trip, but I think this was the best yet.

Why?

1. The musuem boasts an incredible collection of art in a gorgeous facility built a hundred years ago by the Habsburgs to house their art collection and display it to the general public. They have everything from van Dyck, to Titian to an extensive Egyptian collection.

2. The museum is comfortable to visit, quick to get into. Each room features plush couches with which to admire art and soothe sore feet, and it is easy to explore and relax into the experience.

3. The audioguides are very complete and come with a unique feature. A person can `bookmark´certain works that are their favourites, and the audioguide staff can create catalogues of their bookmarks as a memento, or large posters. All printed on high speed, high quality printers and they are reasonably priced.

Pretty cool, huh?

John and I explored the paintings and then took in a small portion of the Egyptian collection. I also created a customised catalogue, a worthwhile souvenir, especially as it may prove useful in Ecuador.

The museum is located in a beautiful imperial park, now open to the public. An enormous statue of Maria Theresia dominates the centre of the park, and you saw many people photographing the gardens and statuary, as well as the surrounding palaces.