The group knows all about the historic Austrian empire. Today, they were going to find out about the current government.
The four were off to an early start. They showed up at the Hofburg building early but couldn’t quite figure out the correct building. Somehow, they got into the wrong area. A guarded area. Joyce swears that the guard made eye-contact with her and then touched his gun. Another guard quickly volunteered to escort them to the correct room to diffuse the situation.
With the special escort, they managed to the first guests on the first official tour ever. They managed to throw the entire staff in disarray when some members requested a visit to the WC. Apparently, this scenario had not been tested. It ended up requiring a trip through security and then back out to a secure bathroom. There were 10 people on the tour. The tour was in both German and English with the German description first followed by the English translation. While the group did not understand German, they noted that it takes 3 to 4 times longer to explain it in German with eye contact and laughing (ha ha ha ha) but the English version does not have jokes.
On the second tour stop, the guide spent 15 to 20 minutes telling them about a room behind a closed door. Long enough for everyone to start leaning against the wall, fidgeting and so on.
As the tour moved away from the closed door, Joyce asked “Are we going to see that room?”
Guide: “No. If you were on another tour yes but this tour no”.
The tour continued to the Parliament small meeting rooms where the tour guide introduced a lady passing through. She stopped and told everyone hello. The Austrians were quite excited and the guide introduced her to the four on the English tour. Surprise! They met the 1st President of the Parliament. (They have 3) . Think of it as the Vice President or Speaker of the House. Yep, the group met Doris Bures. (Bet that the guy touching the gun didn’t know that we knew Doris. Would have been a whole different attitude). After the meeting, they visited the Parliament room and took stately pictures.
After the tour, they discovered Naschmrkt. It was a wonderful place with great food. The chocolate club found some great candy but don’t know what it is called. It is urgent that they know the name so they can buy more. Please let us know if you what the candy is.
The candies look like they might be almond florentines.
Not sure but good guess. They are covered in white or dark chocolate.