Well, the sleeper train thing is really a misnomer. Yes, there are 2 berths for sleeping. And, yes, there is a private wc. But the idea of sleep is a stretch. Each stop was a jolt, and there was a lot of wheel screeching. We were happy that the porter had stopped by and reminded us to lock the door. Late that night someone tried twice to open the door.
Our hotel is just wonderful. Oleg would love it. Each room is created in partnership with a leading Austrian winemaker. We are in the Weingut Hillinger room. The vineyard’s wines are in the room. (for a price) And all the wines are available to taste in the bar. Even though we arrived at 10am, a room was found for us. After our tiny Italian rooms, this one is palatial. The shower alone is larger than the Milan room. And the breakfast. Oo la la. It is a treat of cheeses, pastries, meats, breads, cereals, and condiments unknown all of which is more abundant than any thing we’ve seen.
The hotel is a short walk to the old district where the museums, opera & palace are located. We oriented ourselves by walking there, having lunch in a splended Austrian coffee house, and then touring the palace apartments. I know practically nothing about Austrian history. The focus of the palace is on Franz Joseph & his wife Elizabeth (Sisi). Apparently she is quite renowned; movies have been made. She was assassinated by an anarchist.
For dinner we went to a nearby restaurant that serves traditional Austrian dishes. We had no reservations, but the bar tender said she could seat us if we didn’t mind finishing by 10pm. We said no. It was 7:30. LOL. I had wiener schnitzel and Wayne had goulash. It was delicious.
