August 12:  Four-hour Train ride from Venice with the wonderful mountain scenery of the high Alps, idyllic postcard valley villages with church steeples rising above the rooftops, old castles, and lots of bright yellow wild flowers illuminated by the sunshine. Ordered lunch with their on-line system: pulled pork and burger, cokes (very reasonably priced).

VIENNA - arrived at 5:30. Reservations at Opera House Hotel on Kärntner Straße, a pedestrian only street in central Vienna. Chose this boutique hotel because of its location. Taxi dropped us off as close as he could get us to the hotel. Difficult time locating it; walked  back and forth getting different directions from people. Finally found it; a very small sign and the entry door receded back in; a vendor was on the ground out front. Had to walk up to second floor. Small, scary elevator. Room right off reception had very strong perfume smell; good size but tiny shower; no ice; didn't feel very comfortable at all here. The lady at the desk was very nice. The carpet was just cleaned, and and she understood that the strong smell was unbearable. She even called and made reservations for us at the Meridian (a Marriott hotel), only a few blocks away. $100 more a night, but so much nicer! The check-in girl was so helpful; extremely happy we switched hotels! 

By now it's 8:30 and we are tired and hungry. Walked four blocks down Friedrichstraße admiring the beautifully lit buildings

Novomatic-Forum building

Secession building

Naschtmarkt, the popular outdoor food market with many small, very diverse restaurants has existed since the 16th century. Most of the food places were closed; however, there were still enough choices still open. Schnitzel for our first night in Vienna as well as  ribs with Greek salad; really good.