Prater Hauptallee

What once was a hunting ground for the aristocracy was gifted to the city of Vienna as parkland. The Prater Hauptallee must be stunning in the sunshine, its evident of the high use it gets with the hundreds of park benches littering the lawns and under trees.

We desperately wanted to see the hirdy girdy - a hand built one and huge! And the famous wheel. Set amongst a huge fair  ground.. Which again, I am sure is vibrant and exciting when the sun is out and everything is open, it was still a thrill to stand at the base and look skyward.

We also saw the worlds highest chair swing.. 117 mtrs high. Urgh.. I'd be sick!!

One of the things I was excited about was seeing the carousel.. With REAL horses.. Again, such a shame it was raining.

 

Wet wet wet Vienna

Gorgeous when its sunny, and such a change when the clouds come over, rain pours in sheets and the wind begins to chill the bones.

Despite this, we headed out to be the stoic  tourists we are. Our plan was to do the tourist tram circle, then to visit the Museum Hundertwasser and the set of apartments over through the park and amusements at Prater Hauptallee and then home.

What could have been a beautiful laze day in sunshine was a bit of a trial..however the museum made up for it in spadeloads.

The tram is probably excellent in the sunshine, but with fogged windows and blurry view outside, it was a bit of a fizzer.

It was all forgiven when we went to  Hundertwasser apartments and the museum.

Age and I had seen and heard about him years ago when we had thought to build our own self sufficient home. It was incredible to walk around one of his creations and see it in action.

Basically, he hated the straight line and believed in bringing nature back into our lives. He has trees growing out of window ledges and grass on roof tops. Colours are vibrant and shocking. Recycled building materials form murals and the floor underneath is curved and uneven.

Morgan... And Lilly were prettyexcited about   the innovative architectural methods.

Plants grow up and around every space. He was very into the water purifyingplant system   as well.

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.