So, speaking of photos- got lots of great ones today. First off, our oldest was thrilled beyone measure to see the Lipizzaner horses in the Spanish Riding School at the Hofburg Palace go through their morning exercises. Photos were not allowed (and I am a rule follower!), but you can go here if you want to see one and read a little more. We were thrilled that one practiced the levade right in front of us as well as the capriole. If you have an elementary aged child, Marguerite Henry wrote a neat book called The White Stallion of Lipizzathat we really enjoyed in Big Girl's second grade curriculum.
From there, we walked around the palace grounds a little, going to places the book mentioned. We headed through the old gardens and then headed to a tall spire which turned out to be City Hall. Lunch was calling us, so we took our kids to a beer garden. Baby Girl promptly discovered bird doo on my seat cover (thank you, sweet girl) before I sat down and stuck her finger in it. On our way to the bathroom inside, I caught a glimpse of the royal wedding and was so pleased Kate wore her hair down.
Next, we hopped on the U-Bahn and went to the Schonbrunn Palace where the Vienna Zoo is housed. The kids were estactic and we enjoyed the afternoon there. Baby Girl made me laugh when she asked to see the "Happy Hippos." This is not the game; she would be speaking of the super yummy kinder treat the Germans have called the "Happy Hippo" and she received these when she made a significant deposit while we potty trained (if you get my drift). It was so fun to be in a kid friendly place where the animals are taken care of, the exhibits amazing, and where people follow the rules....the Kyiv zoo is so pathetic right now that I refuse to take the children.
From there, we made our way back into town and went to St. Stephan's cathedral. We walked inside just as a mass was beginning and the organ was playing- so, as a person who holds a masters degree in orchestral instrument performance, I felt like I didn't totally neglect that side of Vienna! Some day, I'd love to come back when I can do more adult things like go to classical concerts!
After dinner, we finished the night off in the square in front of the cathedral buying my piece of memorabilia art and watching a street performer before heading back to our apartment. The kids are in bed and Mr. YH and I debriefed over Lindt chocolate.
On that note, I bid you all adieu- I am ready for bed!!
