2009 - Netherlands, Germany and Austria Cycle Tour - Greg

Just my luck, I got a brat of kid behind me who decided that because he couldn’t sleep, neither should the person in front of him – ME! He kept banging the back of my seat from the minute I sat down and his useless father did nothing to stop him despite my protests.

Had a great visit to Schonbrunn Palace today. Such luxury. I go home today. However, I could have continued my journey further into Slovakia and possible even Hungary.  I have just had enough of airports, big cities, the hassle of getting the bike on and off trains and waiting and waiting, for the time being. If I come again it will be with Besi and with bikes that go easily into a bag. Well, it feels great to be on a Flying Kangaroo again. Europe is getting too expensive and also a bit grubby, noisy and very busy. Schonbrunn Palace  - built 1569-1696, gardens made in 1695 Front view Rear view Four-storey mobile hedge trimmer Mozart Memorial

Raining this morning so no cycling. Walked though the museum quarter and Royal Apartments area. The sun did come out but only very briefly. Had a hotel breakfast for €10 and it was very nice and managed to pick up lunch on the way.  Made my way via the backstreets for a wander and ended up at State Park before I knew it – amazing distance covered without realising it. Also came to realise that I’ve felt the best I’ve been for the whole trip.    MUMOK - Museum Moderner Kunst - Museum of Modern Art Unusual tunnel in the Museum quarter Horse and carriage rides for the tourists Note the horse poo catcher Roman ruins in Vienna Entrance to Imperial Apartments Imperial Apartments Stables for the Spanish Riding School horses in Vienna Closer look at the stables Vienna Opera House Old and new - the church had a great coloured tiled roof Johann Strauss memorial in State Park State Park admin building Mariahilfer Strasse, near our hotel

Graham left this morning. I had a great day enjoying the city of Vienna on my own. I went out early and got coffee and bread for breaky and consumed it in a nice park in front of a huge old building. Then rode to Vienna Mitte Rail Station where I would need to catch the train to the airport. Got there in the end so now I know the way. Didn’t need to go via backstreets or alleged shortcuts which would actually take twice as long and stress me out, but went along a nice bike track along Opera Ring Road. I then went out to the other Kunst Haus and Visitor’s Centre – fascinating and got some great photos. Next up was Donau City (Donaustadt) across the river and had a good look around. Some great architecture and another chance to get some more great photos. Went back to the hotel a different way so saw a little more of Vienna. Tuna salad and yoghurt for dinner – very healthy for both me and the wallet – only €6! Fresh food markets State Park Helmet for size comparison A development by th...

Not sure what we did today, but I made the decision to go home regardless of cost. Contacted Besi who contacted QANTAS and changed my departure date. National Theatre Federal Parliament building Amusement park A housing development, Simmering Vienna, made from old gas storage tanks Next door to Simmering Vienna - strange angles on those buildings Contemplation Time Belvedere - a Baroque Palace built for Prince Eugene in 1697