Yes, I realize I’ve been home for a couple months now, but it’s about time I finally finish up my last few posts. I was just trying to extend the experience for us all…
After a couple relaxing weekends in Parma, it was time for me to begin exploring again. On December 2nd (Andrew’s birthday!) I left for Vienna, Austria, eager for the Christmas season of 2011 to begin. Christmas markets, here I come!
Joe R., Cailin and I left for Vienna in the morning and arrived just in time to find a delicious and authentic Viennese dinner. We wandered into this cute little restaurant near our hostel that was run by a man from Chicago and his wife. Not only did we get delicious food (and Joe got that Austrian beer he wanted) but we were entertained by his strange sense of humor and talk of American culture.
After our delicious dinner, we decided to take a walk through the streets of Vienna at night. The next morning we would be taking a walking tour of the city, but what’s better than seeing the beauty of a city at night?? Plus, I needed to see some Christmas lights!!
You would not believe how giddy I was to see so many Christmas decorations. Christmas is my favorite time of year and to start the season in such a beautiful European city famous around the world for its Christmas markets and celebration was such a blessing.
The next morning we woke up early for a tour of Vienna in which we learned about the history, politics, and society of the city. I knew very little about Vienna or Austria before taking this tour, so taking the tour was definitely worth it. Not only was I seeing the major sights of the city, but I was learning about them!
As much as I loved everything in Vienna, no sight compared to the Vienna State Opera House (built in 1869). There are three sections to the opera house: two winged entrances and the center portion with the theatre. During World War II, the theatre was bombed, leaving only the entrance wings in their original condition.
The theatre was rebuilt in the 1950s in the modern style, making it more sleek and streamlined (in the ’50s style) as compared with the ornate and intricate details of the original building.
Today, Vienna State Opera House puts on between 50 and 60 different plays and operas every year, totaling around 200 performances during its 10-month season. It’s common to find a different play every night of the week during the busy season.
Not only that, but two plays will be on stage a day. During the morning one play will be on stage rehearsing with props, costumes, and backdrops. Then those goods will be shipped to the storage facility half an hour away in the afternoon; the scenery and costumes for that evening’s performance will be brought to the theatre on the return trip. While this may seem like a lot of unnecessary work, the house is packed almost every night, filling both seats and standing-room only spots which are sold only hours before the performance begins.
This trip was full of so many great experiences… After our tour of the opera house, Joe and I spent time in the prettiest Christmas market (while Cailin was visiting a family friend). We had fun looking at all the booths and drinking the many types of mulled wine that we had been hearing about for days. Apple was the best. It tasted like a hard apple cider with many more spices thrown in. Yummy!!
The next morning we took the trip to Schonbrun Palace a little bit outside of the city, where the Hapsburg family used to summer. The palace was gorgeous, but decorated in the Rococo style, which is too frilly for my tastes. I just loved being in a place where so many historical events have taken place, including a meeting of JFK and Nikita Krushchev in 1961. Besides, this is my future backyard so it was nice to see it before I officially move onto the property… 😉
For lunch we stopped at a quaint little restaurant recommended to us by one of Joe’s friends who grew up in Vienna. It was so authentic that you just couldn’t help but love it. I had chicken schnitzel (which I had never heard of before this trip) and it was delicious! It’s basically just a chicken cutlet/giant chicken finger. Who knew??
I can’t describe how much I loved the Christmas-y feel of Vienna. Although I’m sure I would’ve loved it no matter when I visited, if you get a chance to, visit in December when the Christmas markets are open and the city is decorated. It’s breathtaking!
Lyss, I knew I missed your travelogs, but I didn’t know how much. You take us there with your words and pictures. Thank you so much! Gram
Thank YOU for not getting sick of posts even though you’ve seen me at home already!