Graz, Austria

We left Budapest in Hungary for Graz in Austria at 8am on 12 September. We started our day earlier than usual because we wanted to cover the distance of 350 Km within four and half hours and to have as much time as possible in Graz. After half an hour drive, one member discovered he had left his passport and wallet in the hotel safety deposit box. We had no choice but to make a u-turn back to the hotel  to pick up the stuff. In the end, almost two hours were lost. Much of what was supposed to cover in the itinerary in Graz could not be done. This is one of the hassles in traveling in group tours.

Graz old town frequented by tourists is pedestrian friendly. In certain areas, private vehicles are strictly prohibited. Only trams and cyclists are permitted to ply these routes.

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By the time we arrived at Graz, it was 3pm which was way past the usual time for lunch. The tour guide managed to arrange a late lunch at Krebsenkeller, a garden-restaurant tucked inside a courtyard beyond a long pedestrian tunneled-alley from the main road, on the ground floor of an ancient building. I saw a sign which reads 1538, that's 480 years old!

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Immediately after lunch, we were led to walk across the main road to Landeszeughaus Styrian Armoury, a museum that has a huge collection of armoury and weapons used in between the 15th and 18th centuries. All in all, 32,000 items are on display. The bulk of this arsenal were left in the weapon depot at the end of the conflict between the Ottoman Empire and rebels of the Austrian states of Styria, Carinthia and Carniola. These arsenal are preserved as a "monument to the history of Austria". This was opened to the public in 1882.

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The key landmark - the clock tower on top of a hill was one attraction in the itinerary we were supposed to visit. In the end, due to lack of time, there was no fixed itinerary after the visit to the Armoury. Everyone was left to decide where he/she like to go. I decided to climb the staircase that leads to the clock tower. Again, due to lack of time, I had to cut short and stop half way along the specially constructed staircase that meanders and hugs onto the steep rock face.

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Later, while walking across the bridge crossing across River Mur, we discovered this unique structure built in the river. This structure is often being referred to as the Artificial Floating Island in River Mur. This was built in 2003 as part of the Graz's role as the European Capital of Culture. This "Island" is linked to both sides of the river banks by footbridges. Visitors come here to drink coffee and cocktail and at the same time enjoy the views on both sides of the river.