Our First Trip Outside Vienna

Today we had quite an adventure. A couple from Tennessee who are here for a few years invited us to go with them to Carnuntum, which is a one-hour train ride south through some beautiful countryside. Carnuntum is an ancient Roman military/civilian settlement that dates back to 200 AD. We toured ruins, archaeoligical digs, and buildings that were reconstructed using ancient Roman techniques and tools. We were impressed with how advanced the Romans were with their building skills. The homes were warm and inviting. They even had heated floors. The reconstructors actually made the roof tiles on site in authentic kilns they built. They were able to fire 17 tiles at a time and the entire process took 100 hrs. As you can see in the reconstructed home below, there were a lot of tiles to fire!

Reconstructed Roman Villa

Banquet Hall in the Villa

In-progress reconstruction of baths.

After our tour we attempted to catch a bus to see the gladiator re-enactments. Eventually we gave up waiting on a bus and walked. It was a three-kilometer hike down a two lane highway (with cars whizzing by.) At the gladiator show, all of the narrating was in German; needless to say we didn't get much of it. The audience seemed to really get into the show--especially the kids who yelled and stomped their feet on the bleachers.

Gladiators entering the arena.

Gladiators gladiating.

After rides on a train, a tram, and a bus, we arrived home just as the rain began. I really love the beauty of this country and the opportunities we've had to meet such nice people (most of whom have been from the US).