Early train to Vienna

Somehow I was still able to wake up in time and catch my train to Vienna the next morning. We left Prague main station and 6:23 in the morning. My breakfast consisted of things I found in my backpack. Most of it was still good, but the cheese was a bit sweaty, probably from being in my bag so long, so I avoided that. I took a nap on the train, but when I woke up we were in Marchegg, which didn't seem right to me at all, it was on the wrong side of Vienna. I checked my watch and it was later than we were supposed to arrive. I panicked for a moment thinking I missed my stop, but it just turned out we had taken a long detour due to some flooding on normal track. We arrived about two hours later than planned. As a side note I noticed my watch it broken. The knob came off, so it still tells time, but I won't be able to change it back when I fly home. Something is trying to tell me to stay in this time zone.

I got some Euros, grabbed a map, bought my ticket to Budapest for Tuesday, and then wandered off in the direction of my hotel. The Hotel Admiral is nice enough, although the room is tiny. At least there are no ants in the bed and I have a private bathroom and shower. I really needed that shower by the time I got to the hotel. After refreshing a bit I starting wandering around town.

So far my impression of Vienna is that it is bigger, more modern, the sights are farther apart and generally larger sites, the city is cleaner, and classier, but it's a bit more boring. Prague is definitely seedier. While I was there I was approached many times by drug dealers, sex workers, and varies scam artists. I even saw some racy nude pictures being taken on Charles Bridge in broad daylight amongst the tourist crowds. You have to stay on your toes and keep your eyes open in Prague, but it's a fun and lively place to be. I'll give Vienna more time though to charm me.

I did a quick tour of the major sites near old town, swinging by the Opera House, St. Stephen's, the Hapsburg Palace, and various other sites. Later I wandered up to the area known as the Bermuda Triangle, where most of the trendy pubs & clubs are, right near an old monastery. It always seems like the good places are near monasteries. I wonder why that is.

I went to bed early last night and caught up on my sleep. I really needed it, and once again my feet were tired.