Stunning Schloss Schonbrunn

Only second in magnificence to Versailles, this palace is grandiose to say the least.

We didn't go inside as we are going to Versailles,,,, and this sort of thing can get a bit wearing on kids. However, we took the tram to the top to the Gloriette, where the empress used to take her breakfast.

What a summer house!!

With beautiful weather - too hot really - the vity folk had flocked to the lawns to soak in as much sun as they could.

We walked through the forest area... And nearly got carried away by the viciously hungry vampire mosquitos . Such a shame the inly cool spot was the mist uncomfortable. 

We visited the grotto, replendantbin greek gods figures. Such a beautiful spot.

Aida.. Coffee House Icon in Vienna

A real icon in Vienna is the retro Aida. Its all pink and brown.. Including the retro uniforms of the waitresses with their cute little bobby socks and tiny caps. It was here that I had a 'typical' vienna coffee... And dummy me didn't realise it was a Vienna Coffee... Dohhhh.. Till I got it... 

The kids settled on a mozart cake... Hmmmmm. And of course I had to try the apple strudel.

Sylvia Petter at Shakespeare and Co in Vienna

Sylvia Petter and I have been speaking over skype almost daily at times.. For nearly 18 months about different writing projects.

It was a real thrill to become her publisher for her anthologies and even a bigger thrill to be at the official launch and readings from Mercury Blobs.

The bookstore is a readers dream. Piles of interesting tomes lay waiting to be discovered and loved. A huge crowd turned up to support and listen to Sylvia- the whole store was packed to standing room. I know how proud I felt, I can only imagine how Sylvia felt.

It was a real buzz too, to see New Sun Rising on sale at the bookstore.