Old and new Vienna

While the UK seems to be basking in warmth we had an overcast grey day. Pleasant enough when the wind dropped but I did get some looks as one of the few people in shorts and short sleeved shirt. The locals and most other visitors had jerseys or jerkins on. It felt OK to me !

Today we headed to the cathedral at Stephanzplatz. We are getting quite expert at negotiating the underground and tram system - which China is excellent. Stephansplatz is on a direct U-bahn line from where we are staying and with the impressive lift system in the U-barn made getting up and down very easy even with my wife's rollator.

The destination was a mixed blessing. On the one hand the place was mobbed. On the other hand, because it was Ascension Day, there were festivities going on with music, singling and worship which all added to the visit.

Lunch of Wiener Schnitzel was followed by a visit to the Jesuit Church - an impressive baroque creation with a trompe l'oeuil interior dome which was best viewed from the entrance. As you moved up the aisle it became very elongated! See extra.

A wander round the StadtPark next, looking at statues of artists, including the gilded Strauss. Then on to the Winter Palace where there was an exbition of couture dresses throughout the ages. It was interesting to see 18th century outfits alongside, Jean-Paul Gautier, Vivienne Westwood, Pam Hogg, Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld, Galliano, McQueen, Pravda, Yves St-Laurent, etc. For some, as time has gone on, the use of material has become so minimal that little is left to the imagination. Others pile fold upon fold with clashes of colours, patterns and materials. And some. - such as Mr Funtastick by Moschino or Galliano's Night on the Diorient Express - were outrageously colourful. Indeed it was difficult at times to lift one's eyes up and look at the barque setting of the building which merited a viewing in its own right. The exhibition was "The Vulgar" which I believe was on at the Barbican last year - see Google.

As we headed back to Stephanplatz I was convinced I had secured my blip of the day. A window display of colour which outshone and glittered more than the exhibition with the window reflecting the old spire: the old and the new which seems to be a feature of Vienna. See the other extra.

However, later in the evening the sun broke through and I went out walking around the museum quarter. The low light caught this statue and the building behind making it my favourite shot of the day - and one which gives a feel for the grandeur of the city.