Simon reveals his first stop on the QVC Voyager

I’ll be off quite soon on the QVC Voyager, travelling around the world with the QVC US team to take a look at the homes of some of our biggest brands. I'll be keeping you posted aong the way.

Our first destination is Vienna, where Swarovski crystals come from, and I have a rough idea of some of the locations I'll be filming in:

• Albertina, the museum where the live show will be taking place on New Year's Eve.
• Hofburg Palace where we'll hopefully be shooting, both inside and outside.
• Hotel Sacher where the famous Sacher Torte originated. Not having much of a sweet tooth makes this a bit new to me. Has anyone tried it? I guess it will go down well with some famous Vienna coffee.
• St. Stephens church (Stephansdom) - this is regarded by some as the city's most famous landmark building.
• City tour on a Fiaker, a horse-drawn carriage.
• Graben Street, a famous shopping street in Vienna, and the Belvederegarten and Schonbrun Palaces.

Wow what a list! I've never been to Vienna before so I've got my guide book and have started to do some research on the major things to see, as well as learn some useful phrases. Have you been before? I bet we've missed a few things off our list, so if you have any suggestions let me know!

I will return to Vienna on New Year's Eve to take part in the live show, which will be presented by Lisa Robertson of QVC US.

However, I have a bit of a dilemma. It's going to be New Year's Eve in Vienna so I'll have to dress smartly. But should I go for the standard James Bond-style dinner suit or should it be the full Scottish - Bonnie Prince Charlie outfit?  I love wearing my kilt but will the Austrian hosts be a bit shocked? And what will the viewers of QVC US think? Well, I guess there's still plenty of time to mull that one over!

I bought a new camera for the trip, a Panasonic Lumix. You can see the results soon! I'll take lots of pictures and some video clips of the trips so you can join in some of the fun and meet the crew I'll be working with. Don’t forget to check back for updates!

Simon x

Comments

[simon biagi]

Thnaks for the posts. I tried the Sacher Torte and yes it's great - (brought one home for my wife), the trip down the Danube was bridge too far but I've seen most of the sights. Vienna is an amazing place with some breathtaking architecture.
The kilt is still up in the air (oops, I mean I haven't decided). Should have more on the trip in the next few days. - Simon

[Debbie Greenwood]

Simon - I've seen your legs - go for the dinner suit! Not that my remark is tainted with the green-eyed monster..........
Love
Debbie G x

[sue]

Simon, you really Must wear the kilt - oh yes!

When you broadcast in your kilt, everyone will know that we as a nation are not afraid to show our heritage - or our knees! I can't wait.

Have great fun on your journey.

[RmGAWTHORNE]

i THINK THE FULL sCOTTISH regalia beats a dinner suit and I am sure you hosts will appreciate that.Good luck whichever choice you make

[Vivienne Miller]

I went for the first time to vienna this year. Try and take a trip down the Danube with the film crew. Scenery and villages outstanding. Well worth it!

[Margaret Gaulton]

Definitely the kilt! You will WOW everyone in that!

[Kristina Moore]

Hello Simon, Sacher Torte is beautiful and would go very well with some coffee. As I remember it it isn't particularly sweet but just a delicious dessert and well worth a try. I discovered it while on holiday on the Isles of Scilly one year. The cafe was so good we went almost every day!
Enjoy your travels.