Vienna

Hi everyone,
We arrived in Vienna early this afternoon after a fabulous couple of days in Budapest.

Budapest is a fascinating city. Gorgeous architecture everywhere you look as well as lots of green space. Everybody shopped a bit and many people took a "Hop On - Hop Off" bus tour -- a great way to see a lot of the city in a short time. The highlight of our time in Budapest -- if not the whole trip so far -- was singing in St. Stephen´s Basilica. It was a very emotional experience. Last night we enjoyed a traditional Hungarian dinner -- complete with goulash and musicians to serenade us while we ate -- at a restaurant near the Danube. And, of course, I can`t forget to mention the clean rooms and enormous buffet breakfast at the hotel. Total luxury after a week in the dorms (aka shedje).

Personally, I´m finding Vienna a little overwhelming. In a good way... So much ornate architecture everywhere you look. Those Hapsburgs really went all out. Plus, as musicians, this city has a lot of significance for us. Most of the heavies of the classical music world spent at least part of their careers in Vienna. We have lots of free time while we´re here and I think some bus tours, museum visits, and meals/drinks in outdoor cafes are in the works.

Only sad part is that a few people went home today. We miss them!!! Hope the trip home was smooth.