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Vienna, Boylesque and beyondVienna, Boylesque and beyond
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Vienna, Boylesque and beyond

May 2018 - April 2024
An open-ended adventure by Bev Read more
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  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 1

    Travel to Vienna

    May 27, 2018 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    What a long day when your flight is at 10:50pm. Ben purchased at Qantas lounge pass on Gumtree for $50. We were so bored so we decided to head to the airport at 6:15pm to be greeted by Luke at the Emirates counter. What a cool guy, got us into Row 19 and blocked a seat out. This section is the first of the economy seats, they don’t fill this section up.

    Headed up to Qantas Club to start the trip in style. The club was near empty so Michelle gave us special attention making Espresso Martinis and opening a bottle of Champagne for me. I’m so proud of Ben, I have to tell Michelle so here we are in the middle of Qantas Club showing a video of “Shreklesque”.

    We leave on time on the A300 a smooth take off, heading directly for Dubai. The staff were attentive, the food good. My only criticism would be breakfast arrived around 12 hours into the flight, OMG I was starving - but it was delicious. None of us slept well, and 14 hours was a long flight.

    Arrived Dubai around 8am local time. The airport was very busy, people going in every direction. I left Suzie and Ben to find the smoking area while I explored for a short time. To get from terminal C to A you need to catch a train which takes 3 minutes. I went into the Emirates Business Class lounge for a quick look. OMG I have never been in such a huge lounge. You enter the lounge and all the gates 1-24 are accessible from within the lounge. There is casual dining, fine dining, coffee areas, massage , quiet areas the list goes on. I hope I have enough time to explore this on my way home.

    Head to my gate via the lounge, confusing Suzie and Ben - they think I’m lost. We board our next flight to Vienna. This time the plane is empty and thanks to Luke in Brissie we each have a row to ourselves.

    It’s 9am local time, we are all shattered so a quick nap is necessary before the gin starts. The alcohol starts, the noise increases while we play trivia. The plane has representatives from 18 countries and 15 languages, so of course as each attendant arrives with our drinks you must guess where they are from. Soon we realise that everyone around us is now drinking, they figured we are loud - no use trying to sleep.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 2

    Vienna

    May 28, 2018 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We arrived on time in Vienna, my 7th continent, finally made it to Europe. The easiest customs and immigration ever, and we got a stamp in passport, Yay.

    A quick taxi ride finds us in the shopping restaurant area of Mariahilf. Our AirBNB awaits, Felix meets us at the door to show us the 3 bedroom apartment we have for the next 4 nights. This place is perfect, around the corner from where the Vienna International Boylesque Festival is to be performed. Venturing out for our first taste of Vienna, all of us are shattered but now we must stay awake for a few more hours. First impressions are clean, safe, quiet. An early dinner of schnitzel, a shop at Hofer (Aldi) and back to the apartment to chill. I’m ready to crash by 630pm, ready to start the real adventure tomorrow.Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 3

    City Cycle

    May 29, 2018 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We were all awake before 6 and slowly came up with our plan for today - See the city using city cycle bikes. This should not be hard, the website is great shows you the stations, how many bikes are available etc. We wander to a cycle station where there are 20 bikes available. One credit card must be registered per bike, €1 for registration , first hour free. My 2 credit cards are declined, a quick phone call to Comm Bank finds I don’t follow instructions very well, I had entered the wrong pin. In the mean time Suzie registered her 2nd card for me.

    Jump on the bikes heading for the ring road to travel around the city. The ring road represents the walls of the old city. The architecture is amazing, low rise, statues, marble wash. We pass the opera house, the winter palace and finally find our way to the WU. The WU is the university, architecture is very new, glass everywhere, lots of colour, yellows, blues, brown etc.

    The bikes are dropped off within the hour. At each spot, we walk to the next station picking up the bikes for another free hour.

    After a couple of false starts we find ourselves on the banks of the Danube, overlooking Vienna central business district

    At the WU we pick up our next bike, Suzie card is now declined. Both my cards are declined, Ben and Suzie have their bikes, I’m sadly without. A phone call to city cycle finally sorts it out, I didn’t put my address in correctly. I have a Bike yeah we can continue. So much easier in a city where most people speak English as there second language.

    A stop for lunch, we pick up a bike at the next station and head for home. On the way home we pass statues of Groethe and Mozart, I certainly know I’m in the city of great culture.

    We have been on the bikes for approx 7 hours, certainly seen lots of the old town of Vienna.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 4

    Bratilava

    May 30, 2018 in Slovakia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Let’s go to Bratislava Suzie says. Ok sounds good, off we head, not knowing anything about it or what to expect. I know it’s in Slovakia, a different country, so passports are gathered and of we go.

    Just getting to the train station was an experience, no bikes were available so we decide to walk. Time was getting short, so jump onto the U then a change to another. Little stressed, I was getting worried we would miss the train, they run every hour. We finally arrive at the central station. Up 2 levels to get to the international train station with 9 mins to go - Still stressed I grab the tickets. We Make it to the train with a few minutes to spare.

    The trip to Bratislava is 1 hour, we travel through the Austrian countryside heading east towards Slovakia. The landscape is predominately farming and wind farms.

    On arrival at the train station I expected to go through immigration but no, nothing. No stamps today -first time I have cross a country border and not due immigration.

    Bratislava is know for the old town area, we pass the Presidential Palace on the way to the old area. This was originally the summer palace, which was built in the 18th century. Today it is the home of the president.

    The Old Town Hall was built in the 15th. century, We certainly were going back in time. The buildings are not in top condition but this adds to the charm. This is certainly a very touristy spot, the place is filled with restaurants and souvenir shops but still quiet charming.

    Wandering up and down small alley ways we make our way through the old city. We have lunch at an authentic Slovakian restaurant. I have cabbage soup which is delicious 2nd course of gnocchi with bacon. Hmm what can I say, the gnocchi is white and the bacon is the bacon fat that has been fried. Not for me, not very nice at all. The 3rd course was apple strudel, it was delicious. Not the best meal I have had But at least we all tried local food.

    Continue on through the narrow laneways and lots of stairs until we come to the castle. We are certainly getting our exercise today. The Bratislava Castle was the coronation seat of the Hungarian empire in the 16th. century. It’s in very good condition and well worth a visit. The view from here overlooks the Danube, the city centre and wind warms for as far as the eye can see. There’s a spot crossing back to the old city where you view the old stone walled city and the new fancy bridges over the Danube. Quite a good comparison of old vs new.

    Time to return to Vienna as the first Boylesque festival is tonight. A full brief of this event will be done after tomorrow nights show.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 5

    Vienna International Boylesque Festival

    May 31, 2018 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Who could have imagined only 8 weeks ok Trigger Happy got the call up to perform at this amazing festival. This is the 5th year of this event. The MC Ms Sherry Vine was amazing. I will never be able to listen to “Hallelujah” the same way again, let’s just say there was a lot of reference to blow jobs in the new song. It was a pleasure to met her and I hope we catch up again in Brisbane in August.

    Trigger Happy was 4th to perform. Ms Sherry asked the audience to give a little more love as this was Triggers first performance on European soil. The minute he walked on stage he had everyone involved. The clapped, they cheered, he gave it his all. I can honestly say he won them over and I truely believe this will not be the last time he performs on this stage, let alone Europe. Once complete Ms Sherry gave a call out to me, I gave her a wave and our friendship started. At interval many people commented on Triggers performance, they loved it. Well done Trigger, I know how much sweat and tears have gone into making this performance. You have shown everyone, believe in yourself , work hard and dreams can come true. I look forward to seeing you on the next international stage. Stay true to your self.

    The 2 shows had over 30 performers from all over the world. I was lucky enough to met a few of them in person. Alexander the Great from the US, who unlike his name is of small stature but has a dynamic powerful performance. Twinky Boots also from the US who did a wonderful rendition of Singin in the Rain. This festival celebrates diversity and welcomes performers from all walks of life. There are no labels here.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 6

    Destination Salzburg

    June 1, 2018 in Austria ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Another train trip this time to Salzburg. As we are now accustomed with the operation of the U this should be pretty easy. We quickly arrive at the correct train station. Our problem this time is finding where to purchase tickets. After going to 2 different ticket offices we are told to purchase off the train. At the train they tell us to go to the tobacconist as it is €8 cheaper. That’s not very intuitive, we make it on board with about 5 mins to go. Little to close for my liking.

    The train is very comfortable, food is served on board but it is very full and we find ourselves scattered through the train. Not a bad thing to have some space sometimes.

     A 2.5 hr trip when we find ourselves in beautiful Salzburg. It is not far to our hostel for 2 nights. Salzburg is clearly more expensive than Vienna. A 4 bed private room with ensuite costs €34 /person.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 7

    Sound of Music

    June 2, 2018 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    The original Sound of Music Tour, I don’t do many tours but this seems a mandatory in Salzburg. The tour takes you to several locations around Salzburg where the film was shot. We travel through the city of Salzburg to the lake where the Von Trapp children capsized learning that Gretal nearly drowned during the taking of this scene. The film is based on the broad way show which was based on the book by Maria Von Trapp but several facts were changed along they way. For instance Maria was originally employed to look after only 1 child, between Maria and the Captain they had 10 children and escaped the Nazis by train not escaping over the mountain.

    We saw the rotunda where “16 going on 17” was filmed and the “Do Re Me” steps. Along the way the soundtrack is playing and a sing along is mandatory. We visit the town of Mondsee, here the church that was in the wedding scene is found. Except for the balcony where the nuns watched from it is exactly as it was in the film. It was a great opportunity for us to also see the lakes district outside of Salzburg.

    We finish the tour in the Mirabelle Gardens, many of the scenes were filmed from here. If is Salzburg I would recommend this tour.

    Once the tour was over we ventured into the old town. This was quite an eye opener, the buildings were amazing but all filled with very expensive shops, Louis Vuitton etc.

    Time for a couple of quiet beverages, a Prosecco was €4 approx $7 so pretty good I thought. At the hostel a large bottle of Prosecco €11, I’m not complaining.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 8

    Slovenia Here We Come

    June 3, 2018 in Slovenia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Another day another train trip. Today we are heading to Slovenia, in fact a small village outside of Bled. We always have some sort of drama when we travel so it will be interesting to see what today brings. The trip starts at Salzburg Central Station to Villach, where we swap lines to Lecse Bled.

    The scenery along the way is spectacular, travelling along side the Alps, stopping at many small villages along the way.

    Once me made it to Lesce Bled train station our Air bnb host picked us up. Matzik, Matthew in English, drove us to Bled, stopping at the local supermarket so we could get some staples. It’s tough shopping, we had just got used to German words for items, now it’s Slovenian. Even choosing butter, full cream milk etc is a challenge. Matzik tells us it is cutting the grass season, they only cut the grass 3times a year, now, in a month and then another month. This is made into hay bales for the animals over winter. Wish we only cut the grass 3times.

    We also find out today is an Election Day so not much is open. We reach our accomodation, an old family home. I imagine this was Mum and dads home, they died, everything has been left in place and now rented as air bnb. The cupboards and drawers are full to the brim. Some have batteries, candles, lots of crockery and china. I’m surprised it is all still here. The 4 bed rooms are large as well as 3 bathrooms, even a bath.

    We are in the village of Spondje Gorge, there are no eating places here but there is a local bar. The bus is across the road, Bled in 5mins down the road.

    After unpacking we head to Bled for our first glimpse of the lake. It is beautiful, the castle over looks the lake, right in the middle is an island with a church perched on top.

    We find a restaurant it enjoy a cold beverage and a Mexican inspired platter. A small pub crawl back to the bus stop to head home. We were heading to the local but it closes at 8pm on Sundays.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 9

    Bled

    June 4, 2018 in Slovenia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Suzie cooks some great eggs for breakfast, we can even make toast today which is scrumptious. Today’s plan is to hire bikes and head around the lake. Bike are €6 for 6 hours, so of we head. Stopping around the lake to take pictures. About half way round we find the start to Mala Osojnica , a view point located 645 metres above Lake Bled.

    The sign says 20mins so off we head. It is a gradual climb upwards, sometimes quite steep, but every onwards and up. Whoever said this was 20 minutes playing a nasty joke. You’ll have to work hard for this view: it’s a tough 45 to 60 minute hike from the lake shore but it is 100% worth the work. There is a very step set of stairs (ladder) with 100 steps. This is not the top, it is another 5 minutes from here. The view is certainly worth it, but I do believe the signs should be more accurate.

    Most of the path is in shade, but where exposed it was very hot. Coming down is no mean feat either. Ben struggled a bit with the heights, but overcame the fear to come back down those stairs.

    Back on the bikes, time for a cold drink and some food. We stop at a small beach area. Everyone is swimming, beach chairs are out for hire, just like I imagined beach life in Europe. Suzie and I share a pizza, fresh garlic, chilli, pepperoni and cheese -delicious and certainly enough for 2. It was only cut in half which I found odd. Ben enjoyed gnocchi with truffles, a local favourite.

    A thunderstorm looked like it was coming in so jumped back on those bikes to finish our circumnavigation of the lake. They say it takes 90minutes to walk around, again I think this is a little short in timing.

    Suzie and Ben head home while I head back to the lake. I take a penta across the lake to visit Bled Island. The fare is €14 for the return trip and 40minutes to explore the island. The penta is rowed by a lone rowman using 2 paddles standing up,- quite a slow smooth quiet trip.
    You can hire your own rowboat for €10, which would be lots of fun and far cheaper for a small group. You can explore the church for €6, instead I choose to have the largest ice cream ever for €4.

    Jump back on board to head to land. I quickly head back to the bus station, if I miss the bus I have another hour to wait. Luckily I’m there with a minute to spare. This bus is not direct, instead of the normal 5 mins it take 18. The bus heads into a different village first, then backtracks to finally take me home.

    We head to the local bar for a few drinks. As you can imagine we are the source of amusement . Ben, using his basic German skills, becomes translator between a local and Suzie. Very amusing, he is a widow, finds Suzie very attractive. We all have a fun night, lots of laughs and too many drinks.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 10

    Ljubljana

    June 5, 2018 in Slovenia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    A quick 60 minute bus ride from Bled to Ljubljana, for a measly €6, we arrived. A taxi fare to our next Air bnb lands us right on the river next to the old town centre. Viktor our host is not around so we quickly settle into the restaurant next door. Viktor arrives around midday, so we drop our bags and let him continue with his day. ( Poor Viktor, the bnb was his ex wife’s idea, and his thoughts on refugees well let’s say he would be happy to kick them out alongside all the current political parties).

    We enjoy a late lunch at Pri Skofja, €9 for 3 courses - best deal we have had. It starts to rain and then even hail, so we shelter in the bnb and all have a snooze.

    Time to venture out, we wander around the old town, finally finding a bar with a few locals. Beers are cheap, the red wine is drinkable, so we settle in. We met a few of the locals, firstly Cyrus the mad Irishman from Belfast who enjoys cracking his long whip. Then Anton the Russian who runs a hotel. Well that’s where we end up drinking for free. I head home, while Ben gets a free room for the night and Suzie goes on to enjoy some of the local bars. Another down, another local spot, gotta love it.    Read more

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