Vienna!
We’re in Wien, Österreich (a.k.a. Vienna, Austria) today, visiting the beautiful palaces and museums.
Plus, the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) is in full swing! Glühwein (spiced wine) is flowing freely in front of the Rathaus (city hall), and Maroni (roasted chestnuts) are on every corner.
And holy crow, did I mention how cold it is? We foolishly spent the first day walking across the entire city and freezing our little bums off. By Day 2, we realized the ease and worth of the U-bahn (underground metro). Even for short distances — why get cold going there when you can just show up warm (for the paltry fee of 1.50 euro)?
Bis Freitag!!
-S.
Sarah J. Maas
December 15, 2010 @ 10:46 pm
So. Jealous.
Kathryn Roberts
December 16, 2010 @ 12:51 am
Oh I love this! I’ve been there and know exactly what you are talking about. It is gorgeous! There is something special about being in Europe (especially like the places you are at) during the holiday season.
Kat
December 16, 2010 @ 1:53 am
Thank you so much for this post. Aside from the adorable pictures and SNOW making me jealous, now I finally know what language マロン (maron) is borrowed from. Japanese people just assume it’s from English, so when I tell them the English word is actually “chestnut”, they dont believe me. (I have the same problem with パン, pan, or bread.) So yay! Now I can tell them it’s German!
…it is German, right?
Holly
December 16, 2010 @ 1:57 am
Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.
Becca C.
December 16, 2010 @ 2:17 am
Ohhh, so jealous! It’s beautiful there. I went to France once and I am really feeling the urge to do a whole Europe trip someday!
Jessica K.
December 16, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
How pretty! I so miss being over seas…*le sigh* I hope you have fun in Austria!
Holly
December 16, 2010 @ 1:38 pm
My comment didn’t post! *pouts*
Anyway, the pictures are gorgeous. I hope you’re having a spectacular time. 🙂
tymcon
December 16, 2010 @ 5:37 pm
Was the second picture the palace used in Hamlet?
Susan
December 16, 2010 @ 5:52 pm
Sarah: Hahaha. Well, I’m jealous of your LA weather.
Kathryn: Definitely special over the holidays! All the snow and lights and spiced wine — very cheery. 😀
Kat: That’s hilarious that people thought it was English. I think it’s German — or at least the European word for roasted chestnuts.
Becca: Europe is lovely! And so different from any other continent… CASTLES EVERYWHERE!
Jessica: Thanks!!! 😀
Holly: I am having a lovely time, and I promise to read BSSS ::giggle:: as soon as I get back.
Tymcon: I’m not sure… Which Hamlet? It’s definitely possible.
tymcon
December 16, 2010 @ 7:55 pm
@Susan: The Kennet Branagh one. The one made in 1996? I can find a screenshot of the castle, but it really looks like it.
Susan
December 16, 2010 @ 9:02 pm
SOOOO, @Tymcon, I did some digging. And what I found was that Hamlet happened at Blenheim Palace in the UK. This palace is the Schönbrunn Palace, but you know what? They do look pretty similar!! Especially from that one view.
Amie Kaufman
December 17, 2010 @ 11:53 am
Oh man, I miss gluhwein! I love the Christmas markets in that part of the world, though my experience is mostly in Germany and the Czech Republic. Here in Australia we’re heading into a cold front (ha ha, cold, by which I mean it could drop as low as 70F), but we should be back in swimsuits for Christmas Day. Hard to imagine it’s snowing somewhere else!
Susan
December 17, 2010 @ 12:24 pm
Amie, I’m sooooooo envious of your Australian climate right now. I NEED SUNSHINE!!! Enjoy it for me, and I’ll pretend I’m there. 🙂