Vienna

I just had to post this photo of Venice. We boarded the water taxi for the trip across the lagoon just as the sun was setting in a magnificent display of colour. The perfect end to a wonderful day.
Early the next morning we were off to Vienna where we attended a Mozart/Strauss concert at the Kersolin. The program featured selections from Mozart as well as wattzes and polkas from all members of the Strauss family. There was a ballrom dance demo as well as numbers from a seprano ( singer, not gangster) and a tenor.
On Thursday we did a city tour. I had a eerie feeling standing before the balcony where Hitler announced the annexation of Austria in the days leading up to WWII. Some members of the group left to attend a presentation by the Lipper...Lippener... Leapp.........those white horses from the Disney movie. I asked about the Vienna Boys Choir and was advised that concerts are held on Sunday evenings. This is definitely a city we will come back to.
In the evening we went to Gumpelbrindercouchinkirkensteinenslaussen for an authentic Austrian meal at a wine tavern where we were entertained ( to a degree) by an accordion player. I think his name was Olie Olayhewho.

The creation of the European Union has made travelling in Europe much easier. There is a common currency in 26 countries and no border checks, until you come to Germany, where their lust for rules and efficiency make for an interesting time:

Germany
Officer - "Plez to be presneting your pazzport."
I oblige.
" You are Osstrailyung, no?"
"No."
"Vas? Zis bus is being fool of Osstrailyungs. Ach, yes, you are Canadian, no?
" No, I am Canadian, yes."
"Ach, you are being mit me the schmart arrrse. Soon you will be to your bus vaving good-bye mitout one schmart arrrse on bort!"

In Ireland it was a different story:
Ireland
Officer - " Now boyo, it says you are Canadian. This ice and snow must make you homesick."
"No, not really."
"Okay, boyo, tirist or terist?"
" Pardon?"
" Whudya here fer boyo, terism or tirism?"
" Um... what's the difference?"
" Terist carry a camera, tirist carry a bom."
" Terist."
"No boms then?"
" No."
" Would you like to buy one? No, boyo, I'm just takin' the piss. No boms? Cross yer heart?"
" Ah...Cross my heart."
" Then off you go boyo. Be sure to have a Guiness. It's good for the langer."