Rainy days and mazes.

It has rained and rained.  It rained in Cesky Krumlov, it’s raining in Vienna.  It’s only dampened my spirits very recently, especially since Cesky Krumlov was so beautiful and relaxing.  I stayed at a hostel there that was more like a home, with dogs barking upon my entrance, and the woman who owned it handing me her hand-drawn map of all the good places in town.  The whole town, including the hostel, is made up of old medieval buildings with tiny doorways and stone walls, and despite being a bit touristy, I was instantly charmed.  I walked and walked and explored everywhere, seeing more famous Czech marionettes and sampling this delicious bread thing – it was flaky and hollow and covered with cinnamon.  I took a picture of the name…I’ll need to look it up later.  The view of the village at night from the castle was excellent, and I discovered a secret hayfield that was both beautiful and a little frightening in the dark.

Vienna has been a challenge.  I discovered this evening that my good pair of glasses, my toiletries (including some medicine I need for my plane flights), and some clothes have gone missing.  I’m hoping that housekeeping just thought they belonged to a guest who had checked out and put them aside, but I really fear they have been stolen or lost.  The glasses especially worry me.  I’ll have to see – they’re going to check with housekeeping in the morning.

In the meantime, it rains.  I went to Schonnbrunn palace today, and walked all along the gardens and through the palace.  The gardens are huge, and a bit creepy in places in their hugeness, but along the main areas, absolutely beautiful.  Lots of hedge mazes and natural mazes and places to get lost and confused.  I also got to watch an apple strudel making demonstration, which was definitely informative…and tasty.

Earlier, I climbed the tower at St. Stephan’s church and checked out the cathedral itself.  The view was better at Schonnbrunn I think (The Gloriette looks over the whole city and the palace), but the interior was beautiful.

So.  Let’s see how this latest storm blows.  One more full day in confusing, rainy, and resplendent Vienna, then on to Salzburg…hopefully with glasses and medicine in tow.