Budapest to Vienna

Yesterday we caught the train from Budapest back to Vienna. Before we set off, we went for one last wander around the beautiful city to buy a few souvenirs and use up the last of our Hungarian Forints, which we can't spend any where else. We came across a great wine and Palinka shop (a Hungarian spirit) where we bought a few things to bring home.

Ella and Angus were keen to have a traditional Chimney Cake, so we found a roadside stall selling them. They were delicious!

The train ride from Budapest to Vienna is only 2 1/2 hours, which is the same distance as Melbourne to Albury. It's amazing how much shorter the distances are in Europe.

We had another train picnic, this time with some great soccer ball shaped bread rolls that we picked up at Aldi. Bread in Europe is so good!

Once we arrived in Vienna, we went to our apartment and then wandered around the local neighborhood. We found a small traditional restaurant for dinner and had delicious Wiener schnitzel, blood sausage, Austrian roast pork and braised beef. With full tummies, an early night was in order.

Angus was quite cute reading the menu, but stumped as to what 'blue-ed' sausage was, until we corrected him that it's was 'blood'. Unperturbed, he tried it was was pleasantly surprised.

Today, our big excursion was to see the Lipazzaner horses from the Spanish Riding School. They are a 450 year old riding school established by Emporer Charles VI. The building, called the Winter Palace, was spectacular and the horses put on a show of very disciplined and technical moves.

Unfortunately we couldn't take any photos during the show, but managed to get some beforehand and of the horses in the stables afterwards. The show was quite amazing.

After the show, we bought some more souvenirs and then slowly made our way back home, ice creams in hand. So many beautiful old buildings to see on the way.

An afternoon at the park was a great way to use up some energy, before going back to the apartment for a yummy home cooked dinner of roasted vegetables and fresh pine mushrooms.

Mind you, like everything in Europe, the playground was set in the grounds of somewhere old and spectacular, this time the Liechtenstein Palace which is just up the road from where we are staying. The kids love it, and it is always packed full of families. It has been a lovely shaded retreat from the hot afternoon sun.

After dinner we played dominos as a family and the children are enjoying learning chess. Grandpapa might have to challenge them when he comes over!