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.

The Venison Hind.. And mummified hand

We were told we MUST go to this really old pub tucked away behind the market square and check out the snug on the first floor.. Snug.. What a funny concept and name.. But very appropriate. 

Again, a scene from a western.. We walk through the door to be greeted by a burly barman and a wizerned old man nursing a pint beside the fireplace.(you honestly couldnt make this stuff up)

The old guy said something, but hhe country accent was so thick, I'm afriad I had to dmile and nod, to which he lsughed so much he ended up hacking and coughing up a lung.. Or something..

We ducked our heads and climbed yhe windy staircase to find the snug, the cutest little room big enough for a table and chairs beside another fireplace.. And beside the fireplace was what we went to find.. The mummified hand they found diring renos.. Just a hand.. Yuck