The very sexy, new Vienna train station welcomed us with at least 100 police in riot gear (1 women). The purpose was to escort hundreds of rowdy, singing football fans who were just arriving by train through the station and to the stadium.

Following friend Jeanie’s instructions on how to celebrate her 75th birthday today, we headed to the Imperial Hotel for their famous Imperial Cake (shared after some real food) while seated on the porch of their outdoor cafe. (It really IS BETTER than sacher torte.)

As Jerry enjoyed his beer he noticed that we had been joined a few tables away by Daniel Barenboim (who had just finished a noon piano concert at the Musikverein Concert Hall a block away) and Zubin Mehta (who will be conducting the Vienna Philharmonic at Schonbrunn Palace on Thursday). We hope to attend.

Vienna was home to our Austrian friend Joseph Vasica and was a favorite of our beloved Loren. This is our homage in front of the Opera House to those dear friends.

Kaisergruft houses the remains of the formerly glorious Habsburg royalty in pewter coffins. The bodies of Maria Theresa, Franz Josef, his vain wife Elizabeth and all the rest are buried here, but their hearts are stored in the Augustinian Church and their entrails in the basement at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. How DO these traditions get started?

Loving coming home to our wonderful downtown apartment about 5 blocks from the Opera House and 1 block from the Naschmarkt. New, modern everything including washing machine. Heaven for a week.

Tomorrow: The Vienna Woods