Imperial Apartments, Stephesplatz and Schwartzenberger Cafe

Today we went back to the center of the city and toured through the Imperial apartments.  They are, to say the least, elegant and the city version of what we saw at Schonbrunn.  Then we walked back to the outdoor market and had our Trdelniks and Gluwein in pink pig mugs.  Then we wandered around the center city area, stopping in interesting shops.  We looked into one that sells traditional Austrian clothing - VERY EXPENSIVE - but lovely.  We saw the stables where the Lipzinger Stallions are housed.  They are beautiful white stallions and we were able to see them poking their heads out of their stalls watching the passers by.  We wandered into a little local church, St. Michael's, and then walked through the busy shopping district and stopped at Shakespeare & Co. English bookstore.  We then walked back to Stephensplatz and went inside the cathedral.   It was too late to tour the cathedral but I at least got a look at it.  From there we walked to the Ringstrasse and had a light supper at Schwartzernberger Cafe, a 19th century traditional cafe.   We really enjoyed sitting at a window table right next to the piano and enjoyed the music and good Viennese cafe food.  I had a local draught Christmas beer which was quite good and we shared an apple strudel with whipped cream for dessert.  The downtown area is gearing up for the New Year's Eve festivities that will go on all day tomorrow.  The cold air does not deter the crowds near as we can tell, so tomorrow afternoon and evening should be quite an experience!