Vienna Day 2

Vienna Day 2 started off with sleeping in a bit...for our jet lagged family and for us, who had a long and tiring day and a late night visiting. We met our family at their hotel and then walked to a nearby restaurant at the recommendation of their concierge. We had been anticipating something brunch-ish, but it turned out to be decidedly lunch-ish. But it was charming and delicious and everyone was happy.

After that, we continued on to Stephansplatz to look at Stephandsom, which had some unusual sculptures scattered throughout the cathedral. These things weren't there last time, and the juxtaposition of the quirky sculptures and ornate architecture, frescoes, and stained glass was an interesting change of pace. It wasn't long before someone had to go to the bathroom...it feels like at least a quarter of our time roaming around European cities is spending finding a toilet for a child who HAS to pee! We decided we should stop at a cafe to have some pastries and coffee (and pee).

The girls, particularly Orla and Carys, love putting keychains on their backpacks and for the past few years, have bought them as souvenirs. I love the Slovan one on Carys's backpack and just noticed the Babybel one she acquired as well!! 

These were pictures from the museum yesterday that I wanted to include on the blog, too.  

It was a very traditional Viennese cafe and the desserts and coffees were great. The adults got caught up in their conversations and next thing you know, quite awhile had passed. We set out again and did some more wandering through gardens and around the Ringstrasse. It was lovely and we found ourselves in another big square with an enormous ice skating rink and tons of food stands. There were lights on the trees and it felt very festive. All 4 girl cousins decided that next Friday when we are back in Vienna, ice skating there is a must! (This should be interesting because our 3 are not exactly proficient skaters...but they are enthusiastic and that's half the battle! ;p) We got a light bite to eat before the evening trek -- U-Bahn to hotel (luggage gathering) to metro to train to Bratislava. At the Bratislava train station we parted ways -- the girls and I hopped on a bus home, Doug and his family hopped in Ubers with luggage to head to their apartment. Once Doug got everyone settled, he took a tram back home. It was a long day for everyone, but we had so much fun!