Temperatures were back in the mid-30's today and both Bob and Mark took time out to visit the giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater district of Vienna. Indeed, it is known as the Wiener Riesenrad and was designed by the British engineer Walter B. Bassett. He designed others: in London, Blackpool, Paris and Chicago, but they have not survived. And those of a certain age will know the Viennese Ferris Wheel as a key feature in the movie, 'The Third Man'. No sign of Orson Welles today or of a zither player and THAT tune. Altogether now: dum-de-dum-de-dum, de dum, etc.
Vienna Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel)
Greater shocks lay in wait for the boys as they each attempted to exit the city independently. The route took them down a Danube-side 4 mile long nudist colony! Never have so many potential beached whales in various shades of lobster bisque and lizard like folds of flesh been on public view. We're talking over a thousand such individuals (men and women) with hardly a soul under the age of 60 - although Bob disagrees on the figure. The only person missing from the scene was Captain Ahab sporting a rictus grin and a harpoon gun!
On the subject of nature red in tooth and claw, so far there hasn't been a great change in the type of birds and animals you expect to see back in the UK. Admittedly, there was that dead Beaver of a few days back and the occasional Buzzard or other bird of prey has been spotted. Oh, and some dark brown Squirrels and plenty of noisy Canada Geese. No change there then.
Having escaped that nightmare of the nudist colony, Bob and Mark cycled on to the border with Slovakia (country number 6) and the city of Bratislava. This is a real 'happening' place buzzing with history and tourists. Plus, with beer at around £1.40 a pint, it's easy to understand why Bratislava is the new stag and hen capital of Europe. And very civilised with it, if this Thursday evening was a fitting example.
The Novy Most Bridge and viewing platform in Bratislava
Helpful Bike Shop and machine dispensing six types of innertube out of hours
Mark beside the statue of Johann Strauss the Younger in Vienna
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