Mozart & Horses

Sunday, 11th September

Still no luggage (which means no presents for anyone from England!) although British Airways say the case has arrived in Vienna and delivery has been initiated. Here's hoping it arrives before we leave on Wednesday morning.

Yesterday evening we attended a concert at the Golden Hall, scene of the New Year's Day concerts. Such an ornate setting to be able to sit back and listen to Mozart. The orchestra were dressed in period costume - brocade frock coats with matching vests, knee breeches and wigs. Two opera singers also performed and, of course, the concert finished with the obligatory Blue Danube and Radesky March (Strauss, not Mozart).

This morning it was off to the Spanish Riding School, after spending half an hour with a very nice receptionist trying to track my luggage. This attraction was well worth a visit - and the Euros. Another magnificent building especially constructions many years ago simply to be a winter riding school. The performance was wonderful, it was simply amazing to watch the stallions, and riders, perform. There were no apparent commands, but the horses seemed to know exactly what was expected. The above ground work (jumping) was truly spectacular, considering the riders don't use stirrups for this work.

Following the show, we joined the thousands of people wandering the city centre, enjoying the very warm sunshine and lunch. Cat very quickly wrapped himself around some prawns and a beer! An icecream each was a welcome treat, although we had to eat it very quickly. There are just so many chocolate shops here, as well as shops/cafes selling the most wonderful looking cakes. It is amazing how the locals stay so slim! The Austrian women (and men) are very stylish and certainly dress up more just to wander the streets, etc. than Australians do.

It has been a very pleasant day.