This past Saturday we went on a whirlwind trip to Vienna for a little R & R. We left early in the morning and took the train to Vienna and then came back late that same night. Thankfully we were able to figure out the train system and buy our ticket and find the right compartment on the train. It actually turns out to be quite simple. Just yesterday we found out there is a bus that goes there as well.

The morning started off with a quick stop at the train information booth to find out how to return, didn't want to be stuck in the train station all night. Then we were off for a day of exploring the sights of Vienna. The first stop was down the main walking street to Starbucks. Ashley was very excited to have some Chai Tea. As we sat there enjoying the atmosphere and feeling a little like being at home I looked over the tourist map and tried to discover what to do with the day. I found out there was this gigantic Ferris wheel where you could see the entire city from the top, as well as an art and flea market that sounded like fun. So off we went to the tourist’s office to get some more information. They were quite helpful and showed us which public trams to take and how to get to each of the locations.

So we headed down to the flea market. It was kind of a bust. If you wanted some olives or cheese it would be the place to go but there was no art or really anything other than food. It was also a sea of people. We were pretty much swept down the row with the masses of people. So as we moved out of the crowd we decided to check out the Ferris wheel. Across town at what appeared to be a carnival like place was the gigantic Ferris wheel. We paid for a ticket and hopped on board. For maybe twenty minutes the wheel slowly moved around stopping at each point. The day was a little bit foggy but from the top we had panoramic views of the city. At this point we decided to split up and meet up again for dinner.

So I was off to discover the Palace. It was the amazing place with these immaculate gardens. It is hard to describe how massive the gardens were at the back. As I wandered around amidst the many tourists, school children and random jogger I was enthralled by the beauty. I hiked/walked up the side of the hill in the midst of the trees to the top area which is called Glorietta (the picture on the bottom left). From this point you could look down the hill to another fountain and then beyond to the main house. It was truly amazing. After I walked down to the bottom of the hill I sat on a bench and was just delighted to be there enjoying the beautiful fall day and the surrounding gardens.

As time for meeting Ashley was approaching I knew I had one last stop, St Stephen's Cathedral. Since it was the place we were planning on meeting up I saved it until the end. St Stephen's is in the very center of the city and well you could not miss it because it too is huge. I entered the church and just tried to take in my surroundings. The church was built in the gothic style and is full of amazing ornamentation and sculpture. As I had been wandering around all day I thought this would be a good place to take a break and just sit and enjoy the church. I had noticed some kind of music being put on the pews but since the names and information was in German I paid little attention. However, to my surprise as I was sitting there a man came up to the front and announced some kind of program. So I thought I would see what was taking place. A few moments later the church was full of the beautiful sounds of the pipe organ and a choir singing some pieces I believe by Mozart. While I was sitting enjoying the program a sweet nun came over and motioned to sit next to me in my little two person pew. Since she spoke German and I speak only English we just sat listening to the music and smiling at one another.

The rest of the evening was spent shopping at a few of the stores along the street, eating some dinner, and boarding the train for our return home. We arrived back in Budapest around 11:15pm and sleepily made our way back to the flat.