Schönbrunn Palace

Spent the whole day here more or less.  No chasing all over the city on foot - we just walked all day around Schönbrunn Palace and gardens.  A beautifull day, but with storms forcaste, so we had to carry rain gear just in case.

The sheer scale of this place is overwhelming - set in 400 acres.  It’s the main draw card, so the crowds started on the underground trip there!  Standing room only.  Even though its not full season yet, we had to queue for tickets and were allotted a time slot for entry into the Palace.  We had to check the backpack into the cloakroom, queue for the toilets and dodge group tours.  AND we couldn’t take photos anywhere inside the Palace.  What a shame.

Baroque decor, thousands of family portraits 10 feet tall, gold filigree, chandeliers - the lot!

But we managed to escape the crowds and tour groups - tucked away in a corner of the vast gardens we found a cafe, where we “had a moment of reflection”.  We felt so fortunate to be alive and well - we felt privileged to be able to enjoy this secluded haven in the heart of Vienna.  With a glass of wine, delectable snacks, soft background music and quiet view of trees and spectacular skies.  

Afterwards we wandered slowly around the expansive grounds, the famous Palm House and even bumped into a squirrel!