Vienna: Day Two

With our batteries fully recharged after some big time, big boy, naps we were ready to partake in all Vienna had to offer on a Saturday night. We began by meeting up with Molly and her friends Alex and Max for dinner, indulging ourselves with huge Austrian portions of beer and schnitzel. After we ate we went over to a Christmas party hosted by Alice another one of Molly's friends from University. We were greeted at the door by a delightful German guy named Matias who wore reindeer antlers on his head and a mischievous smile on his face. The party was in full swing and we were immediately ushered into the kitchen and offered drinks and sauerkraut. I don't know what I enjoyed more their unbridled enthusiasm or showers complete with speakers blaring techno music but with that one two punch who really cares? YA!!! After the party it was off to the club. We hopped in a taxi and headed to the Sky Kitchen which must translate well in German because it doesn't make any sense in English. The club is in a building that is going to be renovated and the owners decided to turn the top floor into a temporary club. We spent the night clothed in lasers and fog, dancing our little hearts out. Our nap made us strong but without the extra power of a mustache we were no match for the energy of the Austrians and had to retire at an early 4 am.







The day began with a quick brunch in route to Schonbrunn palace, the summer home of the Hofburg's. In front of the palace was a giant Christmas tree and market. The yellow exterior glowed in the morning sun creating a welcoming atmosphere. The palace is situated on a large tract of land surrounded by huge gardens and lawns. It was absolutely amazing despite the fact it was winter and the gardens had no roses and the statues were covered to protect them from the weather. I can only imagine its beauty during the summer and am already making plans to go back again. The extensive grounds offered plentiful space for walking and jogging and seemed to be one of the Viennese's favorite places for recreation. In the rear of the palace, at the top of a green grassy hill sits what was the Hofsburg's dining room. Inside the ornate building there is a restaurant which provided the perfect place to stop for a coffee after the exhausting walk up the hill. After coffee, a fit of crazy Sunday fever took hold and we had a jolly time imitating the fantastic German accent. Highlighting this goofy period, and perhaps adding to the hilarity were the mermen and merhorse statues as well as David's dazzling demonstration of pure levitation.











After dropping Molly off for a power nap and studying, David and I decided to get a feel for just how Christmas-crazy Vienna really is. We made our way through streets festively decorated and packed with people from all over Europe shopping at the plethora of Christmas markets for which the city is known. The largest of these markets is in front of the Rathaus which was slammed with shoppers on this particular evening. During our walk around the market, I couldn't help but be reminded of the State Fair with people eating, drinking, snapping pictures, and other assorted merriment. The Rathaus was a beautiful sight at night with its exterior totally lit up and decorated like an advent calendar for all to see.








After yet another crucial nap and shower, we met up with Molly, Max, Alex, and a few of Enrique's friends for dinner at the same place that we tried Gluwein on the first night. Dinner was great and was only surpassed by the company which made for a wonderful evening. We ended the night with a few drinks and reflection on the wonderful time that we had in Vienna.