My style of street vendor.  1 Lira a strand.  The only questions remaining are … ” Which ones?”   and  ” How many?”.

The first shopping mall in the world, it was market place during the Byzantine Empire (330 A.D) and was constructed as a mall in 1461.  The Grand Bazaar is completely covered, with domed ceilings and 4500 shops.  I was feverish with excitement.  There are so many interesting things, fabrics, scarfs, linen, pottery, tiles, jackets and more.  All the sales pitches you could want (including complementary tea).

The variety of plates and vases, all hand painted.

My favourite fabric store in in the Grand Bazaar, I could spend a long time in this place.

What better way to end a shopping high than with a scrumptious treat.  Demel is one of the oldest Cafes sweets and chocolate makers in Vienna.   On recommendation of the lady who works there,  I had a  rose macaroon, with cream and lychee center, embraced by raspberries.  I paused, took my time to appreciate every mouthful.

My favourite designer boutique on the high street of Vienna Petkov.  The highlight of his Vienna lable is the textured fabrics.  The skirt I liked was made of woven copper and cotton, as it held a fascinating structure.  I took great pleasure in trying it on.  I had to grab some photographic evidence to remember this glorious boutique.

The driving tour of Wien was lovely.  I saw so many great buildings.  So here a a few of my favourite highlights.

Although I went to Vienna for a consulation on my knee, it did give me the oppotunity to see Vienna.  The first Day I arrived Ruth and David took me on a driving tour of Wien.  This was a fantastic way to see the town in a way which did not effect my knee.  After my cnsulataion on Monday, my doctor said I would have the opperation on Friday the 5th of September.  So this gave me four days to enjoy Vienna.

In spectacular detail, three people were drawing some of the well known Italian master art works in Pastels.  It was quite a sight to see.  It lasts a only a few moments but is enjoyed by many in Florence.

How to be a fashionable Italian woman?  Patterned dress, Italian leather handbag (of course), over-sized sunglasses, sandals, black hair and tanned skin.  I think I’ll just take the handbag, sandals and the dress.

In Reggio Emilia the Piazza S. Prospero has a spectacular church which is guarded by four lions.  The Piazza is a great place to be as long as it is not midday.  At this time the stone covered Piazza (with no trees) becomes an oven.  So when in Italy do what the Italians do,  go home at 12 or 1 to sleep and have lunch for a couple of hours, then start again.

What a more perfect way to get around town or throug Piazzas that to ride a bike or a scooter.  In Italy real men ride scooters.

In an average shopping center was a gem.  A gorgeous florist, full of pinks, table settings and decor.  After the absence of such places in Kiev this was a welcomed experience.  The kind of shop guys run away whimpering from.  A.K.A Lauren paradise.