Vienna

19 October 2012

Vienna is a great city with so many different areas and vibes to explore - so where do you start when you have only a day?

I began at the grand Parliment building, walked through the beautiful surrounding park land and along the Ringstraase. The largest church in Vienna, St Stephen's Cathedral, is an incredible building with a long history. Much of it survived the world war two bombings on the city so there are beautiful icons, statues, carvings and stained glass windows to admire. I preferred the atmosphere in the smaller Volivkirche in the north west of the city where there was a photographic exhibition depicting the way of life and beliefs of the Tamahumara people from South America. This is a transcript taken from the exhibition:

"We are like flowers. By ourselves we know nothing but when the great spirit lives within us we know when to break out of our seeds, when to stretch out our stems and leaves, when to open our blossoms and when to sleep. That which is greater within us teaches us how we should live."

I walked along the banks of the river Danube that runs through the centre of the city. Here the graffiti artists have created wonderful exhibitions all long the banks and funky cafes fill the spaces under the arches.

Section six and seven are lively parts of the city which are great places to explore. There are the usual range of European shops, in amongst contemporary architecture and alternative theatres and bars.

Although a very short visit, Vienna had lots to offer.