Vienna and Bratislava, Slovakia with Michael

We were able to stay in Vienna with our friend, Michael, who we taught with in Venezuela. He is now teaching art in an international school here. We enjoyed getting to know his nice neighborhood and taking in a few of the sites in Vienna. Michael also arranged a fun-filled 24 hour jaunt for us to nearby Bratislava to see a concert by the Balkan Beats, a fun gypsy, jazz fusion group. Although Vienna is biggish, it was easy to get around, even on bike. There are bike paths all throughout the city.

Arrived in Michaels neighborhood a little early, so found a nice local spot to have some beers while we waited for him to get home.

Michael cooking up some breakfast for us.

In the old city of Vienna

There was a harvest festival in town...dancing groups did some foot slapping and hat swapping.

Arrived in Bratislava via a 1 hour train ride from Vienna

In front of Michaels Gate tower

Bratislava was a lovely old town, but parts were a bit run-down and sadly, too much graffiti...or better described as tagging of buildings.

At the club where we saw the band, Balkan Beats

Huge plate traditional dumplings...very filling, but tasty!

There was also a cultural celebration going on in Bratislava - very involved, intricate lace weaving

Traditional art form - wire work

We stayed in a neat hostel in this part of town.

Our hostel was right next door to the KGB Club bar.

Klimt

Museum furniture pieces in Vienna

Having coffee at an old, well-known cafe

At the Schonnenberg Castle - summer residence of the last emperor of Vienna

The Gurtl/ girdle (yes...the undergarment that holds is all in!) was a main bike path that circled the city. You could pretty much get anywhere via the Gurtl