Don't know street name..

Quiet day in the room today. Karen went to two Xmas markets today, a bit disappointing.

At 5 we took a taxi in to the center. We were left off in front of the restaurant we hoped to eat in. No res that is why we went early. Luckily they had about 3 tables. Restaurant is small and very popular. Fuhrich, Fuhrichgasse 6, 43 0 11 513 08 80.

A perfect venue for us. Varied menu, great wines, all reasonable, most expensive glass of wine was 4,8 E. Is aid wine was the best she had had in months.

I had prime boiled beef, smothered with carrots, sliced leeks, other veggies, a dish of creamed spinach, and two sauces, one a really nice horseradish, the other was a sour cream chive... There was a mound of cubed fried cheesy pots too. K had pork medallions with roasted pots and some broccoli. K had vanilla ice cream with a warm fresh raspberry sauce and I had a strudel. Two beers and 2 wines--72 E.
A really exceptional dinner with excellent friendly service.

Again the two markets I went to were disappointing. I was looking for local , hand made anything....it was all very commercial. I guess you need to hit the markets in the smaller towns to find that kind of good. More candy booths than you can count. Lights, decorations, and music all very festive. After the heat of SEAsia this puts us in the festive holiday spirit.

We attended at holiday trumpet and organ concert last night in the Maltreser church. Very old church with wooden benches..about 12 " deep. We were given a thin foam cushion, it did little to easy the discomfort of the narrow bench. Bob sat with about 6 " of his butt on the seat. Having said that, the music was lovely, and we are both glad we went

My fear at the concert was that I would fall off the bench and out into the aisle...

The music was nice, especially one "American" section.
The performers, 2 middle aged men both kept their top coats on and the organist hat a knit beanie hat on.

The lights were lovely, and many Austrians were out and rushing about. It is fun to see some of the grand old shops scattered amongst the glitzy new shops.

K is off this AM to see if she can visit the Russian Orthodox Church next door. It belongs to the Russian Embassy, also in this neighborhood.

We drank with 4 Russian nationals the past three nights in the club room. They love Putin with a passion and hate Obama and the US the drunker they got lol. It was everything I had to shut up and just listen you all know me hahaha. But I love idiots :))

When I mentioned that their leader was not for democracy but totalitarianism they all laughed and said yes they love it :( oh well :/ . Just letting u know what the eastern block is thinking....

Aloha!

No surprise there on how the Russians feel about Putin. Compared to Obama he looks like a strong leader and he gives the Russians something they have been missing for many years- pride! Even the French are leading and that is saying something!

HT, I had a conversation with a Russian woman who was visiting Seattle. She hates Putin (and, of course maintains that all Russians do). She said Putin was referred to as Putler (Putin + Hitler) by her fellow countrymen.

I was in Russia in Sept. and spoke to several people regarding how much support Putin actually has in Russia. It ranged from 80% from our female, college professor tour guide who thought Putin was doing a great job, especially for the Russians living in the Ukraine, to not more than 40% from an out of work ship's engineer who drove us to the airport. He was very much against Putin because of all of the money wasted on a military buildup at the expense of programs for the people in the country. I guess like in any country, including the US, the perceived support of the President depends on who you talk to.

We Both took a nap this afternoon...why...

We had a 6PM res at restaurant Primi (upside down i's). Res necessary. We saw many turn red away...

Contrary to TA reviews, we found everything about this modern hip place run by Slovaks to be spot on. Only small issue food travels quite a distance from the kitchen and could arrive warmer.

Our waiter was charming, friendly and eager to please. Bread , part of 2.5E cover, was delicious... I did miss damask napkins, so Vienna.

Two pasta dishes, a shared Caesar salad and 2 merriangue and strawberry with mascarpone desserts... 63 E.

We loved it. Res reqrd.

It's over. All good things must come to an end.

We fly home early this afternoon on Luftansa via Munich.

Vienna is a grand old city with magnificent buildings and an old world charm. The younger generation is making many changes, especially when it comes to food and shopping.

Italy, here we come in mid-April.

He forgot Panama in January . Our extra bag only cost 75€ , and all done with a friendly smile. Cheaper than the $900 Eva air wanted to charge.

Our flights home were all as scheduled. The transfer in
Munichp was a bit tight if we had had to walk it, but
Lufthansa provided us with a buggy ride. That is one massive airport now. I think we came in at one end ,thru immigration,security and way down to the opposite end to leave. Planes were comfortable, and I had a turkey with snitzle that was actually edible. Good to be home.

Welcome home!

Welcome home. Stay warm up there in the north! We're having temps in the high 60s-low 70s in central NC....

Welcome home, Bob and Karen. It was a delight to meet up in Bangkok! I'm glad I got to read about the rest of your trip.

When is the big move to New Hampshire?

We had. 80 degrees this week in Houston.

We move on Jan 6... If they get the house finished. For those of you who follow the Boston Fodors camel...his stable is moving with us. Carol Simpson ,this years winner knows of his move , as he is boarding at our house this year.

Welcome home. Take good care of the camel. Maybe he would like a meal at NYAJ's.

Yes, please take good care of the camel! Will there be a NH GTG in the works for 2016? Would love to pencil something in; just noting trips on my 2016 calendar.

Glad you made it home safe and sound. We leave for Bangkok this afternnon, from Chicago. I'm ready!!!

Carol

I will check with Benita after the holidays and see what she is thinking of.

Ta Maine GTG is going to happen in Portland. Date to be determined.