Last Day

Monday, August 30

I cannot believe are last day is here!  Last night’s excursion to the wine garden while I am still sick left me exhausted so thankfully it was a light day.  After some morning packing, Diane and I headed to Oberlaa, our favorite cafe for the last time.  Then, we finally made it to see the interior of the Greek Orthodox Church dating to the mid nineteenth century.  The interior was very different from what we are used to by now, which is the brightness of the Baroque churches.  Instead the Geek Orthodox Church was very dark inside decorated with jewel tones and Byzantine figures.  While it is very different, it is just as beautiful.  

Next we finally made it to tea and Hotel Imperial cafe.  This completed our Viennese cafe experience.  It was simple, elegant, and delicious.  Then it was off to the Prater.  The Prater used to be the imperial hunting grounds but it was opened to the public under the enlightened ruler Joseph II.  Here we meant up with our class for a ride on the giant ferris wheel.  After we set off to dinner, which was served on large swords.  The food was delicious and it was great to be all together again but sad that it was our last dinner in Vienna.