Saturday, December 3, 2016: Museum of Fine Arts, Spittelberg, Advent Evening

Following a very interesting lecture in the hotel about cultural Vienna, our group takes the U-Bahn to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts,


where we have a guided tour from an extremely knowledgeable art historian


where we view a portion of the expansive art collection of the Habsburg family.




Beverly is delighted by being able to see the "Hare With the Amber Eyes", from a favorite book of hers.



We pose for a picture near the Museum entrance.


We stop for a group lunch at a small restaurant in the Spittelburg district in Vienna.


After lunch we tour the Spittelburg Christmas Market on narrow, cobblestone streets.  This market features local crafts, not necessarily Christmas, and much food and drink.


I sip warm mulled wine while Beverly shops for a headband.


David, our tour leader, is phenomenal.  Beverly inquired as to the availability of a German language version of the "Night Before Christmas" book which she collects.  David not only went to a bookstore on his own to inquire but also arranged to have one shipped to Salzburg so it will be waiting for her when we arrive on Tuesday!  Truly great service.


It is dark by the time that David leads us back into old town where it is much better (darker) to take pictures of the decorative lights strung above the pedestrian cobblestone streets.






Beverly finds a Swarovski store where she can pick up Christmas ornaments at great prices.



After passing through Stephensplatz we head back to the hotel, again by U-Bahn.


Following dinner at the hotel we are treated to a special concert by two musicians as sit around the advent wreath and learn about Christmas traditions in central Europe.



It has been a wonderful day.  And a very busy and tiring day. I am beat.  Sorry, not much humor today.

Normally, Silent Night is not sung here until Christmas Eve when the tree is first set up and lighted.  However, our group got a special treat tonight as we all sang Stille Nacht together so I leave you with:
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, alles schlaft, einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar, holder Knabe im lockigen Haar
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh, schlaf in himmlischer Ruh.


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