A little Viennese Waltz

July 1, 1954

Yesterday I overslept and we almost missed the train, but we made it.  We got to Vienna about 2:00 and are staying at the Hotel Bellevue (this is still there; in the city center).  We wandered around yesterday afternoon.  Then last night we went to the Reichenberger Griechenbeisl for dinner.  It is the oldest restaurant in Vienna – 1450 (actually 1447, but it’s still there!).  Willie told us to go and go downstairs.  It really has atmosphere.  One room has signatures all over the ceiling – Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, Mark Twain, etc.  Columbus supposedly ate there just before he sailed.  Anyway we enjoyed it very much.

Fountain in Vienna

Beethoven's House in Vienna

Town Hall - Vienna

Pat Allen, Flo Wofford, June Tuggle - Mother's gang - in their jammies at the hotel

This morning we went to see the changing of the guard.  The French took over from the English and that was something to see.  All four powers were represented in the receiving stand.  First the English band played and then the French.  Then the English marched on and next the French.  The English and French came out and saluted each other.  Then they changed the flags.  There were many Russian soldiers around, and their uniforms were filthy.  They were the sloppiest looking things.

Flags of the 4 Powers - British, French, Russian, and ?? (maybe American?)

Changing of the British Guard

Changing of the French Guard

And now the British and the French - do si do

And finally, those sloppy Russians

The Russian Officers Club - wonder if it was sloppy too?

We went to the PX and Clothing store.  Had lunch at Falstaff.  This afternoon we went on a sightseeing tour.  We saw the Ring and the outskirts of Vienna.  We passed lots of places where Beethoven lived and Schubert.  We stopped in one little village for wine (Heiligenstadt).  The places that sell their own wine are marked with pine over the door.

The Vienna Gardens at the Palace

Village where Beethoven lived

Wine house

        Then we drove through the Soviet Sector to the Vienna Woods.  We stopped on one hill (last hill of the Vienna Woods) – Leopoldberg – for the view of Vienna and the Danube.  It was very pretty.  Then we went to another one for tea.

The Vienna Woods

Through the Russian Zone to the Vienna Woods

We went to the Czardasfürten for dinner.  It is a Hungarian restaurant and has atmosphere that won’t quit.  We had the shepherd’s dish and it was grand.

I took a bath last here last night and that is the first time that I have ever dried off with a sheet!!

July 2, 1954

This morning we went on a sightseeing tour of the city.  Vienna really must have been hit during the war.  We saw lots of statues to the great composers from here.  We went to Hero’s Square which is where we saw the changing of the guard yesterday.  The Imperial Palace is here.

The girls  - Pat, Flo, and June - shopping

We went in Capuchin Church and saw the imperial mantle.  Then we went through the apartments at the Palace of Schönbrunn – 1757.  This was the summer residence of the emperor.

The weather has been real bad today – nothing but rain.  (Also saw 1^st Russian tank to enter Vienna.)

July 6, 1954

Saturday morning in Vienna we just wandered around and looked in the shops.  That afternoon we got the train back.  I have never seen as many people in my life.

        There was a dance here, so Willie and I went when I got back.

Willie - at a party, I'm sure!

Sunday the 4^th we went to the movie and baseball game.  Then we went over to the Verbashes and had a party.  [A party!  What a shocker!  LOL]  We finally ended up downtown.

Yesterday we just messed around here.

I found out today that I am to fly home the 27^th, so I have started my shots and packing.

And a postcard from Vienna to Mocha, Granddaddy and Mee Ann:

Right now it's raining cats and dogs, and we are just going on a sight seeing tour of the city.  Yesterday we saw the changing of the guards.  The French took over from the British.  Saw lots of Russian soldiers around, and they certainly were sloppy looking.