DAY 12 (MAY 13-SUN)  VIENNA, AUSTRIA  (REST DAY)

Jean calls at 7:30–is not biking today-wants Armand to take clips off bike.  For some reason we turn our bike in & another group brings us a different bike.  These bikes are great for touring–sit upright so you can see (not bending over)–do wish for my aero bars at times–low gears to bike up steep hills.  Meet Jean for breakfast–unbelievable buffet–BEST BREAKFAST!!!  Jean gives us a copy of her agenda on a napkin–going to Mass at St.  Stephen’s–have fantastic choir–I’d like to go too.  Buy ticket for underground train–no one checks for ticket again–don’t know how they make money.  Pass 3 cathedrals before  finding St. Stephen’s–full.  Music is fantastic-orchester & singing–ask for 8 Eu in bulletin for choir–they get standing ovation after mass which lasts for 1 1/2 hrs & takes 9 priests to say–lots of incense–never see Jean.  Outside church are guys selling tickets to opera tonight–38 Eu each–too much. Take audio tour of treasury–jewels, art objects, relics (nail that went into Jesus’ right hand, piece of garment HE wore when crucified, straw from birth at Bethlehem).  Next was early art (from Greeks & Romans, armor for men & horses, guns, swords & early musical instruments.  Last was Art Museum–have only 45 min-as we are leaving Jean appears–she’s leaving also.  Jean is going to the opera–she read Rick’s book that says 1 hr before show you can go in side entrance & buy standing room only for 3 Eu.  We go w/her–sure enough we pay 6 Eu instead of 76 Eu–she earns a free dinner.  Opera is sold out–TRY to like it-but leave after 30 min–can’t stand anymore after being on my feet all day without eating.  Get subway back–stop at Noodle shack–take noodles back to motel.  Have voucher for free drink–get a coke.  Still cold but back on bike tomorrow.  It’s 11:30-I’m watching CNN & writing–Armand is sleeping & can’t do pictures.