Winter Fun again

The Alte Donau is Vienna's best ice skating rink again! I was on the ice yesterday with my son along with lots of others. There was everyone there from babies to grandmothers, locals and tourists, beginners on the ice, hockey players, kite fliers ... It looks like the weather will hold for several days.

There is also ice on the Neusiedlersee, but also the reminder that frozen lakes can be dangerous. A man and his dog broke through the ice a day or two ago. The man was able to get his doberman back onto solid ice, and the dog brought back help. Enjoy the ice, but please play it safe. Due to currents, warmer springs, the reeds ... there can be thiner areas. Don't go off on your own, and also avoid areas that look different.

Exhibit at Stefansdom

There is currently an exhibit of liturgical textiles and metal objects at St. Stephans. To see it, take the stairway up as you leave the cathedral.

The exhibit is called '500 Jahre Paramente und Vasa Sacra'. Most of the objects on view seemed to be from the 18th century, but the earliest is probably 15th century, and there are also vestments from the Pope's recent visit, and even an unfinished chausable. My favorite piece was a 'Jugendstil' Chausable from 1900.

The exhibit itself is free, and a small brochure with details of some of the pieces and small pictures is available for a donation.

BTW this small exhibit area under the organ is a lovely place to view the cathedral from, as you are raised, and get a much larger view of things than you can from the main floor. Don't forget to see the creche while you are in this, or any other church at this season.