Vienna, Amusement

I have not seen my friend, who is living in Vienna, for ages (maybe a year and a half). So, we have finally synchronized, and I decided to visit her for a weekend. I think, this is my third time when I travel to the capital of Austria. And from one of the past trips I have the blog story, which happened in 2024.

Usually I travel to other cities from Prague from the main station, but at this time this specific train to Vienna departed from another station, which is called Praha Holesovice. I was a little bit afraid if I can commute there fast and without problems. So, I came there very in advance of the schedule. Miraculously, the station is easily accessible by metro. And a nice bonus was the view to the river, which is located very close, and where I was waiting for my train.

Honestly, I love traveling with Cesky Drahy, because on the international trains they have very delicious food from the onboard restaurant. For this time I have had very tasty pancakes with amazing blueberry sauce.

Four hours in train have passed insensibly. And my friend is already waiting for me at the staion.

I have agreed to have a walk through the whole city centre to my friend's home. It should be a very long walking, but you know, that I am the very experienced wayfarer.

Of course, we have had several stops during our walking, having coffee, making pictures and sitting on the benches with talks.

During this seeing of Vienna, I started changing my negative opinion about the city. I do not know what has happened, but it started looking warmer and easier to perceive. Maybe, it is because I started realizing how orientate here. In other words, it has become more familiar to me. But still, the huge spaces and architecture is very different from Prague, which continues to be my favorite place to live in.

The main river in Vienna is the Danube, which is actually one of Europe’s longest and most important waterways, with the length about 2850 kilometers, flowing from Germany to the Black Sea.

But there is also another canal-like waterway - the Danube Canal - which is not a man-made canal, but a natural branch of the Danube that was regulated and engineered over time. And it runs for about 17 kilometers through Vienna. In fact, from the downtown streets you most probably see the Danube canal, not the main river.

After some hours we have reached the final destination. There are only 15000 steps. I would say, not so many steps for such a big city. Or maybe Vienna is not so big?!

I cannot stay in one place when I am traveling. I need to use this time efficiently in terms of getting know more about the city or the place. So, despite the fact that is was already dark outside, I persuaded Kate to go to the nearby park Prater.

This amusement park with its numerous attractions looks like the stage from the Hollywood movies. The Prater has around 250+ rides, stalls and entertainment attractions. That includes different types of activities, from roller coasters to haunted houses, bumper cars and smaller fairground games. Honestly, I am not a big fan of the heights and extreme kinds of entertainment, but I would love to try at least some interactive spooky attraction, such as ghost train.

But Prater is best known for its historic Giant Ferris Wheel. For me it looks quite safe, because there are enclosed cabins there. So, why not to have a ride.

Wiener Riesenrad ("Viennese Giant Wheel") was built at 1897, which makes it one of the oldest Ferris wheels still in operation in the world. The height is about 65 meters, and the weight of the steel structure is 430 tons. Speed of the wheel is very slow (about 2.7 km/h), and one full rotation takes 10–15 minutes.

They claim that the view range is quite big here: on clear days, you may see up to 80 km across Vienna and the surrounding hills!

It was a very good and beautiful experience for us. But at the very top I suddenly felt dizzy. I do not know why, maybe I felt subconsciously the danger when it started moving from one side to another. Luckily, my friend was close, and she was able to calm me down.

We went to bed quite early (it was early for me, but for Kate it is the usual time, because she is a very early bird). And for tomorrow morning Kate already has the idea, what she can show to me from interesting things in Vienna. She promised, it would be "wow".

Seville, Long Walk

As I promised myself yesterday, I woke up very early to have time to observe more of the city. On my list for today: cathedral area, Plaza de Espagna, the river and all these narrow streets, patios and hidden squares.

First of all, I need a good breakfast. Unfortunately, at my hotel they do not have the kitchen, so I should find for myself some place to eat. The receptionist advised the breakfasts at some place across the street, but I do not believe in such advices, because they are usually biased and not very reliable. Luckily, I found nearby the great cafeteria MariquitaBrunch with great food and great service. 

Fully packed with food and energized with fresh coffee, I went to my own walking tour around the city. Again, this marvelous Mushrooms Construction (Metropol Parasol) on Plaza de la Encarnacion is on my way, with very beautiful view around. There are some construction works on the Imagen street leading to Metropol Parasol though.

Sevilla, the heart of Andalusia, is widely considered the birthplace and soul of flamenco. And you can meet the numerous shops here, where you can choose the traditional dresses for this dance. Sadly, I do not have much time to experience the show in Sevilla's bars, still it will be something, which would make me visit this place again.

Through the way to the main city attraction I cannot but admiring all this beautiful architecture, which perfectly coexist with tall evergreen palms.

So, the Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and one of the most important landmarks in Seville. It was built between 1401 and 1506 on the site of a former mosque, which explains why some Islamic elements are still visible here. The cathedral is also known for housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus, making it historically significant beyond its architecture.

The building is so large (about 135m long, 76m wide, with a floor area of around 11500 m2) that it took generations of workers, and many of the original architects never saw it completed. As a result, small inconsistencies in design and structure can still be noticed, especially in decorative details.

Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to look inside, but they say it is very impressive too. For example, the central nave there is one of the highest in the world, and the space is designed to feel dark and dramatic, with light coming through stained (and not very colourful as in other European cathedrals) glass windows, which significantly should add to the calm and slightly mysterious atmosphere.

The next remarkable spot to see is the Plaza de Espana, one of the most spectacular squares in Europe. Built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition, it was designed to showcase Spain’s history, culture and connection with its former territories.

The plaza forms a huge half-circle, symbolizing Spain embracing its former colonies (such as Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guatemala, Panama, Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Equatorial Guinea, Dominican Republic).

A wide open square faces a 500-metres long canal, giving it a dramatic, theatrical feel. The canal is crossed by four ornate bridges, each representing one of Spain’s ancient kingdoms (Kingdom of Castile, Kingdom of Leon, Kingdom of Aragon, Kingdom of Navarre).

Finally, along the walls there are 48 colorful benches (azulejos). Each of them represents a different Spanish province with historical scenes, maps and decorative patterns. Actually, there are 50 provinces in Spain, but for some reason two are missing here: Seville and Cadiz.

The plaza sits inside the lush Parque de Maria Luisa. Parque de Maria Luisa is Seville is the main public park, the big shaded oasis. It is considered to be one of the most relaxing and beautiful green spaces in all southern Spain.

It is full of palm trees, orange trees and tropical plants, and designed with romantic pathways, fountains and hidden corners. There is a mix of formal gardens and natural, slightly wild areas. Indeed, it is just perfect for walking, cycling and of course escaping the heat.

I am crossing the Guadalquivir River, the main river, which is flowing through Seville. The length is about 657 kilometres. It starts in the mountains of Andalusia and flows entirely through the southern Spain to the Atlantic near Cadiz.

The Guadalquivir is navigable from the Atlantic, so the ships could sail directly to Seville in earlier centuries, which turned the city into a “seaport in the middle of land”. But not anymore, with time the trade moved downstream to coastal Cadiz.

The Mercado de Triana is a lively covered market in the historic district of Triana, right across the river, next to Puente de Isabel II (Isabel II Bridge).

I came to the market, because I wanted to try fresh tapas here. All in all, I have paid 27 euro (one drink and four pieces of food). Everything was extremely delicious. It was a good lunch for the day.

Coming back to the hotel along the river. I can imagine easily, how these wide riverside promenades are perfect for walking or cycling. And also for meeting sunsets.

There is a bullring in Seville, which is called the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, and it is one of the oldest and most famous bullrings in Spain, also known for its white-and-yellow Baroque architecture. It is still used for traditional bullfighting events, so maybe next time I will go there as well.

It is a dessert time! Pastel de Nata, creamy egg custard with a slightly caramelized top in a flaky pastry shell. It is quite popular in Seville, but originally it is from Portugal.

And again, hours of walking through the cozy streets and squares of Sevilla.

Another stop between walks and another dessert. Frozen greek yogurt. Very delicious, and I hope, very healthy as well.

It is a golden hour now, just before sunset, with the special sunlight and magical air for making perfect pictures.

I wish I could stay in one of such local bars for a drink or two. But for now, I am having an alcohol-free lifestyle.

My verdict: Sevilla is the city where I want to come back again and again, especially in Summer season. In my imagination, hot nights with cold Sangria in this marvelous setting should be great. And 30000 steps, which I have made for this day, is not the limit for such place.