Candid

 Here are a few candid shots of people out and about in Vienna and Graz.

It can be fun to capture images of people while they are absorbed in something and not posing for the camera. Sometimes they are aware of the camera but don't seem to mind as in pictures 1, 3 and 6 and in the others they are totally unaware.

The guy on the step was taking a break from the kitchen where he worked. The guy in the Wookie onesie seemed quite pleased to have his picture taken and he raised his hand to acknowledge me, I think he was a bit down on his luck, however he did not seem to be low in spirits.

Mur Island, or Murinsel

 Welcome to Mur Island, a unique floating structure on the River Mur in Graz. It was designed by the New York artist Vito Acconi and created in 2003 when Graz was the European city of culture.

It is a fascinating structure which contrasts with  the renaissance architecture in much of the city. The island is connected to each bank of  the river by a walkway and the central part forms a sort of amphitheatre where there is a café and a playground.

I may have shared a couple of these pictures in the past but as I was editing them today I thought they were worth a share.

Graz is a fascinating  city, it probably would not feature high on peoples lists of places they must visit but having stayed there on my road trip I would say it is definitely worth a visit.

Back To The Web

When I visited Graz I specifically wanted to see the Murinsel, which is described as a unique artificial island which is set in the River Mur between the old Innere Stadt on one bank and the more contemporary district which is home to Kunsthaus Graz another super modern architectural design.

The island is connected to the banks on either side by walkways making this structure easily accessible. It was designed by the New York City artist Vito Acconci and was constructed to celebrate Graz becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2003.  It is described by the artist as "a bowl that morphs into a dome, that morphs into a bowl" and it can also be seen as a giant seashell.

I think it is an amazing structure and I was so glad that I got to experience it. It really is an experience as you walk through it and feel the shell close around you and as you emerge on the other side.

I have chosen to share some more abstract views rather than the more "picture postcard" views of the structure as a whole. I have called the post "Back to the Web" because of the web like appearance but also inspired by the song of the same name by the band Elf Power which is well worth listening to so why not click on the link...

Black Eyed Susan

Today has been a little grey and wet so for everyone huddled indoors or sheltering from the rain wherever that may be I decided to share a little ray of floral sunshine in the form of these shots of Rudbekia or Black Eyed Susan as these glorious yellow flowers are known.

They are really wonderful flowers that create a glorious display that lifts any flower bed. These were spotted in the Schlossberg in Graz and I think these are great shots which show the flowers off at their best

Straight Up!

I spotted this wonderfully wiggly rooftop on the walk up to the Schlossberg park and garden in Graz.

I love medieval buildings and this old Austrian skyline doesn't disappoint.

Inner Courtyard

This morning we drove from Vienna to Graz. I decided to stay off the motorways again and drove through the mountains and forests. There were some good roads with switchbacks up and down the mountains so it was never dull along the way.

To add interest to the journey we could see a storm building in the distance and we drove into it with impressive flashes of lightning tremendous crashing thunder and the heaviest rain I have ever experienced. At one point we were up in the clouds as the thunder crashed around us.

By the time we got to Graz however the storm had passed and we enjoyed a walk through the old town and up into the Schloßerg park overlooking the city. There were some great views and as it was so hot we enjoyed a few moments in the shade before heading back to town where as well as wandering the streets we walked along the river Mur and we poked around in hidden corners discovering some wonderful little courtyards that could so easily have been overlooked.

The pictures I have shared today were taken as we sat down to eat in a quiet restaurant in one of these hidden courtyards.  It had a lovely atmosphere and these may be among my favourite pictures of the day .

After dinner and an ice cream we sat and watched a game of foot volleyball, part of the European championships hosted by the city, something I don't expect to see again but it was obviously very popular with some of the locals.

Tomorrow we are heading off to Venice, Graz was really included in the trip just to break up the journey from Vienna to Venice but I have to say I'm really glad we included it as it has turned out to be a real gem.