Vienna I

After an early start from Fraser's place, I made it here without any problems. The hotel, a Hilton, is based by the Danube in a residential area 5 miles or so out of the city and several miles from the conference centre. It is one of those bland hotels that is in serious need of updating. Fortunately, it has wifi, but much to my despair, the pool is empty, and there are no plans to fill it anytime soon. I asked the staff where I could swim, and they suggested the jacuzzi. Not really what I was planning on doing. Anyhow, there is a small gym with a bike and rowing machine so all is not lost.
I have never been to Vienna before and apart from the Sigmund Freud and the Mozart connections, I don't really know much about it. After spending the afternoon wandering around the city, I don't really know much more. Here is a random picture from downtown Vienna. It is very germanic but also reminded me a little of Amsterdam and Paris in parts. There were a lot of tourists. I managed to get a little lost on the trams and ended up several miles off course. Naturally it had to rain when I decided to get off and try to retrace my steps. The conference starts up properly tomorrow.