Vienna June 25-26

Vienna is one of those places you've gotta have time to appreciate. It's a huge city rich in history and tradition. The first time I went to Vienna, I thought it was only OK. There wasn't a ton to see and we weren't really that interested. Dan and I were also very burnt out from the Europe trip and just wanted to rest. This time, I feel like Vienna was definitely a ton more fun. It helped infinitely to have a local guide.

Since we were helping out Kurt and Erica move a washing machine and air conditioner from Italy to Austria, we drove to Vienna. Vienna is a 8 hour drive, 10 if you're including traffic, getting lost and other random happenings on the way. We left work at noon, before lunch, and arrived in Vienna at 1AM. Roland, Kurt and Erica's cousin who was going to university in Vienna, was ready and waiting to go out... but by the time we got there, we just wanted to sleep.

The next day, Roland took us out to a few of the highlights of Austria. First stop was breakfast with a waitress who was not very pleasant. Apparently old ladies at that restaurant in Austria are like that. Breakfast was delicious. The bread, I think, was the best part. Slightly crusty on the outside, but not so much that you're just asking for a chipped tooth with an extremely soft inside. We had a soft boiled egg, cheese and ham and jam as well. Orange juice and coffee came with the breakfast. I guess this replaces your standard scrambled eggs, bacon and toast.

Stephensdom was the same was it was before. This time, we went to the top. The inside of the church was beautiful. That being said, I was only in Europe for a month thus far, so churches are still beautiful on the inside. We walked around to the palaces and saw that palace gardens. We then wandered into a festival area in front of city hall where they served a lot of beer. I ended up getting a Radler... beer and lemonade. Not bad if you want lemonade with a splash of beer.

Lunch was delicious. Having a native guide really does do wonders. Austrians really know how to cook their meat. I had ribs and potatoes. It felt like I was back in the States. The ribs were amazing. Living in Italy, all we eat really is pasta, pizza and meats cooked with very little sauce on them. It's delicious, but repetitive. Dry rub ribs were the cure to that. That and a big beer.

One of the highlights for me (and probably only me) was the Vienna Opera. We went to watch an opera, the Magic Flute, at the famous Vienna Opera House. They were standing room only tickets for 4.50 euros. It was very hot, all in German and completely wonderful. I never really liked the opera before, but this was great. Roland also seemed to be enjoying his time, but mostly because the girl next to me was a cute Swedish girl. Her poor friend (not quite as attractive) was completely ignored. It's always interesting how when you put a beautiful girl next to one who's attractive, but probably not quite as attractive, the latter girl is completely ignored... while in another situation, she'd be getting all the attention. I suppose also standards for beauty are different.

After the Opera, all the guys were ready for drinking. Oh, I failed to mention, it was me and a bunch of guys. Being an engineer, I should be used to this, but sometimes... I miss having girls around.

Vienna is an awesome town to go drinking in. They have a three streets collectively called the Bermuda Triangle which are covered in bars. At the first one, we all ordered Long Islands. After a sip, Thomas, our Belgian friend, declared "Cocktails do not effect me. This is really weak." We tried to warn him... two Long Islands later, we had to cut him off. It was hilarious all the way, though. The night was full of Arnold impressions and Roland hitting on a married woman at a bachlorette party (later making out with her which caused her friends to be infinitely angry).

I'd definitely go back to Vienna again, perhaps for a ball... then maybe hit up Bermuda Triangle at the end of the night. Anyone else?