Day 11 - Oct. 24 - Slow Day in Vienna

The weather was somewhat better Friday - at least it was dry. Only needed a jacket for strolling about.

Unfortunately, I had almost finished my report of the day, and it suddenly vanished. So, I am starting over this morning. I can't write off-line, so the time I can spend on the "Blog" is limited to times we can visit the cafe.

We took Tram #0 to Wien Mitte, the modern shopping center to do some grocery shopping at the large Interspar (grocery store). Since we hadn't had breakfast, we decided to have an early lunch first, and set out walking toward the Burg Ring. Stopped into another shopping mall and bought an atlas and newpaper. Ron had the shopping trolley (with wheels), so we didn't want to go too far. However, we had decided we wanted Italian, and nothing else would do. As we walked along Wollzeilestrasse, we saw a beautiful shop selling hats, gloves, and earmuffs. I was not happy with my earmuffs, so we went in to look for a new pair. The proprietor showed us a quite a selection ranging from mink to fox to rabbit. I didn't want to spend over $100 for something I so seldom use, and chose one of the less expensive ones. I am happy with it, as it is much lighter and easier to put on. Ron also got a new pair of warm gloves. We asked the owner if he could recommend an Italian restaurant in the neighborhood.  He directed us a few blocks further to Da Capo, which had a very nice ambiance. We enjoyed our meals - Ron had minestrone and salad. I had a creamy, delicious penne al Gorgonzola.

Minestrone

Interior - Da Capo

Penne al Gorgonzola

We walkd back to Wien Mitte, and did our shopping. We won't go back to Interspar, as it is too crowded and difficult to maneuver around without running into other shoppers.

One of many flower stands

Took the tram back to Radetzkeyplatz. Ron slowly pulled the filled cart up the stairs to our apartment.

I figured out how to use the small washing machine. The cycles ranged from 3-hours to 12-hours. I can't even imagine why you would want to wash that long. I chose the 3-hour cycle. I cooked chicken breasts to have them ready for a recipe for Saturday's dinner.

Went back to the cafe. Ron feels when we are there at busy times we need to have something to eat while using their Internet so long. So Ron ordered a cream of pumpkin soup and I had a small chicken leg served with sliced potato. The soup was so good that he ordered a second bowl. There was a pleasant surprise that evening. A young man sang (a capella) "Granada" and a couple operatic songs. He really had a powerful voice, and received a lot of applause from the cafe customers.

Singer in Garage 01 Cafe (my head in foreground)

A very leisurely day. Ron reminds me that is why we're here - to relax and "live like a local".


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