VIENNESE WHIRL

Modern architecture began here: The Looshaus in Vienna (also known as the Goldman & Salatsch Building) designed by Adolf Loos. He left all ornament and decoration behind and looking at the building it elbows it way into the Square (Michaelerplatz) in which it stands.  This is the stark counter point to all the baroque and classical, which proliferates in Vienna.

The Looshaus in Vienna (also known as the Goldman & Salatsch Building) 

Wiener Schnitzel first appeared in the end of the 19th century when Vienna was its prime. We enjoyed ours in the café Einstein like many of the older cafes, very grand and doubtless the place where espionage as once conducted.

The café Einstein like many of the older cafes, very grand.

This is arguably grandest stable block in the world; Spanische Hofreitschule.

We watch a display of dressage to dazzle. This is the winter riding school built in the mid 1700’s by Charles VI, and today riders always salute the royal box before they ride.

Another cafe in the Graben, warm sunshine and the good Burgers of Vienna

Vienna, a capital city, home of the waltz (most of them on the hotel reception’s music loop) and home also to Sigmund Freud in whose park Sian enjoyed a sandwich.

VIENNESE BALL

Everyday starts with a view of the view of the Votivkirche a neo gothic wedding cake, just off the Ringstrasse, as we enjoy a wonderful breakfast at McDonalds and it is warm enough to set outside.

Trams rush by and one takes us to the Belvedere to worship the collection of

Trams rush by and one takes us to the Belvedere Palace

Klimt paintings. There is a tussle with other tourists all of which are being told what to look for and what to appreciate.

Klimt paintings - There is a tussle with other tourists.

Klimt’s pieces drip with iconography and the Japanese influences that were sweeping through Europe at the end of the 19^th century.

Klimt’s pieces drip with iconography

MOSCOW MONDAY

ST BASIL'S CATHEDRAL AND THE ENTRANCE TO RED SQUARE

Monday morning before my flight home I make out a small tour of Red Square, my driver drops me off outside St Basil’s church. Its coloured minarets and golden crosses impale a grey sky.

The tomb of Lenin, plain and imposing by its simplicity: marble black and the colour of dried blood. I am asked by an elderly couple to take the photo outside the mausoleum.

To the airport, via the Metro system train, a worrisome experience as I try to correlate my travel map with the station signs in Cyrillic. By chance I get off at the right station and see striking brass Soviet insignias embedded in the marble roof of the concourse of the airport express train stop.

LENIN'S PLACE OF REST

MOSCOW METRO STATION

MOSCOW: THE MAP IS NOT THE TERRAIN

MOSCOW WEEKEND

MOSCOW: A CHURCH A FEW MINUTES FROM THE OFFICE

On Saturday my colleagues tell me of a church only three minutes from the office. I arrive to the chime of bells.

Many bells in a sound unfamiliar, I attempt to capture this on my phone.  It is music composition created all by one man, the prelude to a service inside.

A great city that has a great river snaking through it. Grand buildings are part of capital build to impress, remodelled by Joseph Stalin.

The Moskva River clasps to the last rays of a murky sunset.  It is the end of my work here. Sunday and two fishermen loll against the stone balustrades along the river in the hope of a catch.

THE MOSKVA RIVER  CLINGS TO THE SUNSET 

MOSCOW FRIDAY

After the first day my driver returns me to my hotel. I grab my drawing book and venture out. The sun is setting behind the great façade of Kievsky Station.

People are hurrying home, it is Friday, party night in Moscow. A Hare Krishna band makes music an on a bench near by a party has already started.

MOSCOW KIEVSKY STATION