Home

I've been home a few days now.  The flight was okay.  On both flights I had an open seat next to me, which was nice.  I sat by the window between Graz and Frankfurt.  The Frankfurt-Chicago leg was okay, although a kid in the row in front of me threw up all over himself at one point.  And when the customs agent yelled "US CITIZENS, AGAINST THE WALL!" I knew I was 'home'...

In which we visit Kunsthaus Wien

This is the Kunsthaus, an art museum designed by Hunderwasser, a famous artist and architect, that also houses many of his paintings.

Characteristic of his architectural style are mosaics, bright colors, and curves.  The floors are waving and quite fun to walk on.

This is a fountain by another artist that has little jets of water shooting water uphill towards the top.

Unfortunately, photography was forbidden in the museum proper.  The temporary exhibit featured photographs by Linda McCartney, which was quite interesting.

Oh now you're autorotating photos again, Blogspot.  Finicky bastard.

This is the Hundertwasserhaus, an apartment building.  The use of green roofs and incorporating trees into the building are also characteristic for Hundertwasser.

On the way to the tram stop we saw a shop with Queen and Corgie bobbleheads.  Alas, it was Sunday so this shop was not open.

We made a quick stop to look at the Donaukanal.

In which we find interesting statues

After the cathedral, we headed down the Kärntner Straße, which is the major shopping street.

This shop featured petit pointe embroidery, advertised as 225 stitches per square centimeter.

The Swarovski shop had some impressive hats.

This is Hotel Sacher, the original maker of the famous Sachertorte.

This is the opera.  Advertisements for the performances played during the day.  Some of my students were able to get tickets.  It is apparently quite affordable if you're willing to sit behind a pillar.

Still the opera.

I really liked these eagles.

This is the Heldenplatz.  To the right, the Nationalbibliothek.

This is Marie-Theriesien-Platz, which features a giant statue of Marie Theresia.  This square is located between the Art History Museum and the Natural History Museum.

I still liked these eagles.

The other side of the Heldenplatz.