It was a light day today as it’s been a long week. The morning was all about getting one last walk through the University of Wein Botanical Gardens and soak in the last few minutes of Vienna nature.

Not much is blooming except for the Sauppler effect.   I walk the gardens and end up at a bench and record a time lapse video.  From the bench I see a tree that intrigues me.  It is tall and strong but it has branches that drop like an octopus tentacles.  

I investigate further, it is a Ginkgo biloba tree.  The name is familiar and I think I have had supplements with this tree so I ask my AI travel companion.

Yes, Ginkgo biloba is widely used to make extracts, primarily from its leaves. These extracts are among the most common herbal supplements in the world.

The main types include:

• Standardized leaf extract (the most common)
  • Often sold under names like EGb 761 (a standardized extract used in many clinical studies).
  • Typically standardized to about:
    • 24% flavone glycosides
    • 6% terpene lactones (including ginkgolides and bilobalide)
    • Very low levels of ginkgolic acids, which can be toxic in higher amounts.
• Leaf powder
  • Simply dried, ground leaves rather than a concentrated extract.
  • Less studied than standardized extracts.

What is it used for?

People commonly take Ginkgo biloba extract for:

• Memory and cognitive function
• Age-related cognitive decline or dementia (evidence suggests only modest benefits, if any)
• Improving circulation
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Anxiety

The scientific evidence is mixed. Some studies show small benefits for certain conditions, while others find little or no effect, especially for preventing dementia or improving memory in healthy adults.

It seems this tree impacts the 7 senses in some way shape or form.  Coincidence or providence?   Is the tree trying to tell me something or is it the universe?

After the gardens I make my way to Amore Mio, a highly rated pizza restaurant, in Stadtpark 1.  I order the Margherita in honor of my former travel companion.  The pizza is good but I cant finish it.   I sit and rest as it seems I have found the perfect place in the restaurant patio with cool shades and cool breezes.  

It is a busy place, this is a nexus of trains, buses,  shopping and lots of people.

It is my last day in Vienna and after this I will head back to the apartment, pack and plan the next few weeks of activities.

Across the street from my table where I dine, I see another Gingko tree.  The Sauppler effect kicks in,  the scent of fresh baked pizza rises as the chef takes a pie out of the oven and the waiter takes it to its new owner.  It is a transitory scent as the odor of perfumes and colognes of passersby replace the cooking odors.

A homeless man comes up to me and speaks in German but I dont know what he is saying. “Ich nicht spechen Deustch” i respond and he walks away.

I walk the shopping mall for a while but nothing captures my attention.  I board my trusty 74A bus back to my apartment.  7 days goes by fast but my 7senses are satisfied…for now.

Tomorrow is transition day to a new country.