OMG... Vienna and cakes..

I'd always been told about the pastries and cakes here.. And now can see why folk are so passionate about it. We visited one of the oldest.. And most prestigious bakeries ( gahhhh to call it a bakery is an absolute insult) the place was a masterpiece in beauty and class... And the sweet spicy aromas it emitted... Sigh...

The kitchen was open for visitors to watch them prepare the famous Sacha Torte and Apple Strudel. So yum...

Spanish Riding School, Vienna

Far out.. Blow my mind.. Although we had planned to come to just the training in the morning, when we arrived we were told the training was stopped for the summer season.. But we had the opportunity to watch a performance.

I don't know how powerful it was for a non rider but I was moved to tears with admiration and emotion as I watched.

The Lipizzaner Stallions have been part of Vienna since the 1500s. They are traditionally bred white, but different colours are now being accepted.

Unbelievably beautiful and disciplined horsemanship. Their poise and precision makes you weep. All of the performances are done to music.. Opera of course, but it doesn't seem strange or put on.. Even with the enormous chandeliers hanging overhead.

Every Horse Riders dream..

Just a little excited to have been to the Viennese Spanish Horse Riding Academy  today. 

Such a shame we couldn't take photos.. But I did sneaky click some.. At least I didnt openly do it or have flash on like some others. I wished I had the brass to take my camera out with my zoom etc.. But felt too guilty.

Lilly was beside herself the whole time.