Spring in Vienna arrived on schedule during the last two weeks of March, when the weather suddenly climbed out of the freezing range steadily towards 50F, and then 60F, and even (one day) 70F.  We basked in the weather, riding bicycles into the city a couple of days, walking in the park, and most importantly uncovering the garden plants which were all lying under winter pine boughs to protect them from the crushing snow.  Signs of live in the garden.  At the end of March we spent a weekend in Budapest, walking around the old city and admiring the old (but often being rennovated) architecture.

However, the first week of April proved the lie, as we suddenly had 4 days of freezing temperature and then snow.  Both a great and enjoyable reminder of the peace of winter, but also the cold...

In May we were visited by Cyndi Jung, Frederick Basgal, and Paul Tietz in quick order, and said goodbye to Rome and Venice for now.

April 1 The Barlauch (RAMP, or wild garlic, pops up rampantly in the Vienna forests at this time of year, and people go walking to collect it and cook with it.  The Osterhasen also makes his appearance at this time of year.  Finally, it is also time for the school band to performa for the parents.
March 29, 30 Budapest
April 8th and 9th The Schlosspark behind us with a late winter jacket, but the daffodils tell the truth about the season.
Our house in the snow, and our neighbor Heurigen (winery/restaurant), with the outside tables ready for warmer weather.
Just before Easter Sara and I attended the Salzburg Easter music festival with Tak Matsumoto.  The first three pictures are at the Toplitzsee; the balance in Salzburg.
May 4 A Sunday drive through the southern Czech Republic, about 1.5 hours from Vienna.  Czech has many castles (called Zamky'). Castles Vranov & Bitov, Czech Republic Telc, Czech.  Best preserved Baroque town north of Italy (1400's). Sara, Soren in the Wachau (earlier).
In early May we traveled to Rome and Venice with Frederick Basgal, touring the Vatican Museum and the culinary delights of both cities.
May 29, Zum Schwarzen Kameel cooking class at our house
May 31, Partial Eclipse