SEPT. 21 - LAST DAY IN VIENNA & YUMMY ASIAN FOOD

Spent a lot of time cleaning out fridge, repacking suitcase, etc.

Set out walking to Tram 60 stop, a block or so up. Ron had forgotten his phone and  a shopping bag, so he went back to the apartment, and I continued walking with my walker. Met him at the stop, and we took #60 to the Westbahnhof, and transferred to U3 (on the subway line). There was a couple with a white poodle in a closed-in baby stroller, and they were also looking for an elevator, and looking rather lost. Do think signage could be improved. We saw elevators across the way, but couldn't read the signs from the distance. Ron said we should walk over there, and thankfully, there was the lift to the tracks. When we were on the platform, I notice that couple with the poodle finally showed up.

It was a long U-Bahn ride to Stephansplatz. We didn't care for the Stephansplatz area when we were there 9-years ago, and still don't, as it is so touristic. But we were in search of Manner wafers Ron wanted, and I knew the shop was right there. We found the store, which seemed to be much smaller than we remembered. We walked from there, trying to get out of the most touristy part, and ended up at Ristorante Fratelli off Roten-turmstrasse. The tables on the sidewalk cafe were set with white tablecloths, and I said, "I bet there will be a gedeck". The waiter said we were past the lunch hour, but we didn't want a meal anyway. I had an Aperol spritzer and Ron a beer, and ate a package of the Manner wafers. (There was a "gedeck on the menu", but our table wasn't set and we didn't eat, so we weren't charged. It is an old-fashioned charge for table-setting, seldom seem in the modern, non-tourist establishments.)

Walked up Kramerstrasse and Rotenturmstrasse. Stopped
briefly in Hard Rock Cafe for a happy-hour price beverage. But mostly to use the restroom, which as is often the case, was in the "basement", but there was an elevator. Austria seems to be very focused on ensuring  handicap accessibility.  After that interlude, we continued walking further to Schweden Platz. The streets leading to the Platz seem to have seen quite a bit of
improvement in stores and restaurants since our month-long stay 9-years ago. At that time, Schweden Platz was the hub for our public transport. 

Had to let two #1 trams go by because they were not accessible - the old-fashioned, climb up style. Finally, the "handicap model" arrived, and we rode to Radetsky Platz, near the apartment we rented 9 years ago.

I had looked on line about Garage 01 (our hang-out when we had the apartment). It was built in an archway under the railroad tracks. From my on-line research, it seemed it was still in business under new ownership and much hoop-la. But, when we arrived, the shop sign said "Harlem", and the place looked very bleak and deserted. We sat in the sidewalk terrace area of Gasthaus Wild, which has been under the present ownership since 2002, and has earned a very good reputation. The terrace was part of the scene of the MTA story when Mary was missing for hours "neath the streets of Vienna" on the train in 2014. 

Radetsky Platz is in the 3rd District, and has apparently become quite a "stylish" area. Write-ups say it is increasingly lively and buzzy. It is known as a good place to live because it is so conveniently connected with public transport, and is actually walking distance to the City Center (1st District). It lies on the edge of the huge Prater Park. We had enjoyed our stay there very much. 

Ron walked over to Spar, still in search of a cutting board, but found nothing.

Walked up Radetskystrasse, and took Tram 1 to Schottring where we took U4 all the way to Hietzing. You certainly see all kinds of people on public transport. 

Walked a block or so from Hietzing to Jin's, Ramen & Dumplings, where we were seated on the terrace. Ordered too much food, but it was all good! Love places where you can sample several different small dishes. We had chicken BAO (delicious); Gurken Salat,  Shrimp wonton - about 8 large dumplings in garlic sauce, and a rice bowl with lots of minced pork (Ron's least favorite).

Set out to walk home and stop at Spar for Scotch, but Ron said he had to use the "facilities". It was good timing, as we were right in front of the Park Hotel, which we knew would have nice bathrooms. When he came out, I mentioned I thought I should go in as well. The joys of age! It's a huge hotel, and it was a long walk behind the conference center.  Leaving the Park, Ron was trying to maneuver my walker down the few stairs to the sidewalk. The walker fell, and everything in the compartment under the seat fell out. The day's small disaster - what a mess. But, people were very kind and offered assistance. By that point I had already said I really needed a taxi, and there happened to be one right in front. The driver didn't even seem annoyed with the short trip. Worth the 10 EU 4-block ride, and, I was sure glad to get home in one piece.