Vienna, a majestic city

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We decided to take train to and from Vienna to save on driving. There is a private train (Westbahn) which is fast, smooth, and reasonable. It even has free WIFI aboard. So, in less than 2 hr we were in Vienna. Every time I come here, I am impressed by the majestic style of this city. Everything is large, ornate, and historic. We stayed in the elegant Hotel Austria, that was rebuilt in 1955, but there was a hotel on the site long before. We were taken into the surrounding area by friends to see sights not normally visited by tourists.One highlight in Vienna was Easter Sunday mass at the Jesuit Church with 50 voice choir and 20-piece orchestra, which performed von Weber's Jubelmesse, Mozart's Alleluia "Exultate jubilate", and Handel's Halleluja chorus from the "Messias". The postlude played on the pipe organ was also wonderful (Mendelssohn). We have been to a concert in this church before--not only are the acoustics excellent; the ornate decor is worth studying.

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