Prater attractions

The two figures in the bottom right corner of the photo are more of those strange figures. In fact, I think these are the figures that were standing next to the odd creature in yesterday's photo. They seem to all belong to the attraction in the background with the huge clown head. This is a strange place.

Too much tv

This is another one of the weird figures I don't know anything about. The tv screen displays "Blue Plant", which is the name of one of the attractions. But I haven't been able to find any connection between these figures and the attraction.

Big man, little man

I haven't been able to find out anything about these guys, but I thought they looked pretty interesting.

Prater's Riesenrad

Mozart Denkmal

The Mozart monument (Mozart Denkmal) was erected in 1896 and moved to Burggarten in 1953.

Burggarten

Dogs are not allowed in Burggarten, so Sharkdog and I had to stay outside the gate. We still got a pretty good view of the monument to Mozart.

Parliament building and fountain

The Parliament building was built between 1873 and 1883. Greek architecture was chosen to pay honor to Greece as the birthplace of democracy. The huge fountain in front of the Parliament building was added in 1902. Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, stands at the top of the fountain.

Parliament fountain

This is part of a massive fountain located in front of the parliament building.

Peter Altenberg at Cafe Central

When you enter Cafe Central, you may notice a strange figure sitting at the front table. This is a life-size figure of Peter Altenburg, a famous Austrian poet, who frequented Cafe Central so often he had his mail delivered there.

Water fountain

Drinking fountains are not very common in Europe. I read somewhere that there are no water drinking fountains in Vienna. And until yesterday, the only place I had seen a drinking fountain was in the U.S. Consulate office. So I was quite surprised when I realized this big thing in the middle of the walkway was a water fountain. This water fountain and 9 others were placed in the "fan zones" for EURO 2008 (the soccer tournament) held in Vienna last month. I hope the city keeps them around for good.

Gnomes

Gnomes are quite popular here. So popular, in fact, that even gnomes collect gnomes.

The Lion of Aspern

The Lion of Aspern is a large stone statue of a dying lion that commemorates the many Austrian soldiers and civilians who died during the Battle of Aspern-Essling fought on May 21 and May 22, 1809. Austrian forces were the first to defeat Napoleon's army in more than 10 years when they prevented Napoleon's attempt to cross the Danube River.

St. Martin's Church and the Lion of Aspern

St. Martin's Church and the Lion of Aspern are located in Vienna's 22nd District. The stone lion commemorates the battle of Aspern-Essling fought on May 21 and May 22, 1809.

No, they are not

Lo and behold, I spotted a new dog sign today. This one warns against a 36 euro fine for not picking up after your dog. You can't really see it, but on the right side it says, "Sind dir Wurst?" or "Are you sausages?"

Pick up the poo

Last year, the city placed these signs all around to remind dog owners to pick up after their dogs. Apparently they're pretty popular because the signs started disappearing from the streets and showing up in yards. I still spot the signs occasionally in people's yards.

Karlskirche

Karlskirche, or Church of St. Charles, is located in the 4th district of Vienna. It was commissioned by Emperor Charles VI after the Black Plague receded. The church was dedicated to Emperor Charles VI namesake, St. Charles Borromeo, who ministered to Milanese plague victims.

Photo taken March 20, 2008.

Stolen bike

Please note: Securing the wheel of the bicycle to the bike rack does not prevent the bicycle from being stolen.

Photo taken by Brian on July 2, 2008.

Evil swan

He may look nice, but just moments earlier he was hissing at us. Watch out for the swans.

Photo taken June 25, 2008.

Döner kebab

Döner kebab is a Turkish sandwich of sorts. The meat -- which is usually lamb or chicken, but sometimes horse -- is cooked on a vertical spit. Stands selling döner kebabs are all over the city.

Photo taken June 23, 2008.