Vienna - GCT Photo
We awoke refreshed and were ready to discover Vienna, Austria's legendary capital and a city renowned for its elegance and culture. Our explorations began with a tour along (and within) the Ringstrasse, one of Emperor Franz Joseph's many achievements.
In 1857, the emperor ordered the demolition of Vienna's ancient city walls which were impeding growth of the city. In their place he constructed an elegant 2.5-mile long boulevard, encircling the Inner Stadt (Old Town). Today, the ringstrasse showcases Neo-classical buildings that bring together all the greatest architectural styles for an exuberant celebration of all that seemed possible during the Industrial Revolution.
In 1857, the emperor ordered the demolition of Vienna's ancient city walls which were impeding growth of the city. In their place he constructed an elegant 2.5-mile long boulevard, encircling the Inner Stadt (Old Town). Today, the ringstrasse showcases Neo-classical buildings that bring together all the greatest architectural styles for an exuberant celebration of all that seemed possible during the Industrial Revolution.
 An explanation of the sights in St. Peter's Square with Glenda, Conrad and Joy looking on |  Viennese traffic signals project a very friendly image. |
 St. Peter's Cathedral |  Nancy and Huntley viewing St. Peter's Cathedral |
In the afternoon, some of us returned to the city for more exploration, while others rested on the boat or took the boat's bikes for a spin along the river.
John, Terri (me), Laura, Carol and Randall give the bikes a try
At 5 PM we gathered in the lounge for an interesting talk by Ahmad, a Syrian refuge who has settled in Vienna. This young man (currently 22, but only 18 when he made the perilous trek) told his story of an overcrowded boat on the Mediterranean, long walks, multiple examples of extortion and a few assists from kind strangers before finally being granted refugee status by Austria. The Austrian government provided German language lessons, temporary housing and assistance with employment and educational enrollment. Today he is a mechanical engineering student who is proud to be an Austrian.
 Ahmad's route |  Ahmad, our Syrian Refuge speaker |
Every evening we gather in the lounge for cocktail hour before dinner.
 A selection of wines in the lounge |  Kay and Huntley |
 Kay, Huntley, Carol and John enjoying some leisure time in the lounge |  Nikki and Gayle are becoming friends |
