Auf Wiedersehen Wien

It is becoming bittersweet for me when we leave a place where we have spent so much time. First it was Rio de Janeiro then Montevideo and now Vienna. For me though, I am sad to leave Vienna / Austria the most. There are so many wonderful things I am going to miss it is hard to write them all down. The delicious, not low-calorie in any way, food. Their seamless transportation and pristine cleanliness. The overall culture and beauty of the country from music and art to the historical buildings and countryside. Most importantly though, I am going to miss the friendships we have made. We met a lot of fantastic people, from all over the world, and I hope we stay in touch and that our paths will cross again in our travels.

Every Tuesday night we headed to Crossfield’s Pub for quiz night. I surround myself with extremely intelligent people and reap the benefits of our team coming in first or close to first most weeks. Mike nicknamed me Hollywood because I was able to answer the celebrity questions, most of the time. Our team usually consisted of Mike, Rachelle, Alex, Markus, Ibraham, Scott and myself. We came in first at our last quiz night in Vienna so we ended on a high note!

(Scott, me, Alex and Markus)

(Scott, Alex, Markus and Ibraham)

We spent a good amount of time in Crossfield’s and became good friends with a lot of the staff. Scott behind the bar with Chris and Barry (aka Bazza)

Went bowling one night for something new to do. Rodney and Mike joined in on the fun.

Look I actually broke 100!

Just another fun night out in Vienna.

Went over to Ben and Veronica’s apartment for their winter BBQ! It was nice to have most of the Crossfield’s staff on the "right side of the bar" with us for a change!

(Scott, Chris and Ben)

(Pam, Magnus and V)

We continued after the BBQ and headed to Flanagan’s Pub.

SUPERBOWL XLV!

Packers vs. Steelers

31 - 25; Packers Win!

TGI Friday’s had a Superbowl party with a full buffet and all you can drink beer so we got a group of 8 to go and watch the game. Unfortunately it didn’t come until 12:30am so we got home at 5:30am. It was worth it though, a great game!

(Barry, me, Scott and Chris)

(Laura, Bazza, Chris, Scott and Veronica)

Bazza is full!

Beer tower, wings, ribs and football!

Scott couldn’t ask for much more than that!

Go Packers!

A very happy Packers fan!

I met Veronica, Pam and Aoife out at Wein & Co. It’s a popular spot for locals and they have locations all over the city. Half of the place is a wine store with selections from all over the world and the other half is a bar / restaurant. Scott and John joined us later and then we headed to Figlmuller Restaurant one last time. I am truly going to miss the Spinach dumplings.

Had an amazing birthday in Vienna!  
We went to dinner at this wonderful sushi restaurant then Scott, as part of my birthday present, took me to see Corteo. I absolutely love Cirque du Soleil shows so this was a great treat for me and he got us front row tickets! Finished the night off at Crossfield's Pub; where else!  

The big top.

Rodney joined us at Crossfields for some birthday cheer!

One of our favorite restaurants in Vienna is Steak Point so we went there for my last night, and Mike's. Scott had to stay in Vienna a couple more weeks. Mike, in the back, up to his usual tricks.

We headed to Flanagan’s after dinner and Pam joined us. Sure going to miss these two dynamic women but I know I will see them again!

Auf Wiedersehen Wien!!

We are back in Ohio for a few weeks and then off to Bogota, Colombia. It will be nice to be home for a little bit to see friends and family. We anticipate being in Bogota for about six months so hopefully my Spanish will improve! Wishful thinking - ha ha

Friendship, the wine of life....

My two girlfriends from Los Angeles, Jill and Gina, came to visit us for two weeks! It was a whirlwind tour of Vienna and Salzburg along with a five day trip to Poland. Jill asked us to sum up the two weeks in one word. I couldn't come up with an answer but after thinking more about it and looking at all the pictures, I have to say: LAUGHTER.

It was Sunday night when they arrived so we took them to Crossfield's Pub.

First on the agenda, buy our train tickets for Salzburg and Poland. Don't they look excited??

First day of sightseeing and it was rather cold outside so we decided to grab a bite to eat but most importantly try to warm up.

Went to the Hotel Sacher Cafe to have the famous Vienna Sacher Torte and Appel Strudel accompanied with glasses of Gruner Veltliner wine.

Dinner at Figlmuller Restaurant, known to have the best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna.

Holiday season in Vienna is so pretty

Sipping Gluhwein at the Christmas Market. It is heated red wine spiced with cinnamon, citrus and a hint of vanilla. A perfect drink while you are shopping at the markets.

With coffee in hand, we are off to Salzburg!

I took them to my favorite restaurant in the Goldene Ente hotel. We ordered their famous dessert called Salzburger Nockerl with raspberries that was amazing! It is a warm souffle formed to look like three hills that surround the city.

Christmas markets were also open in Salzburg.

On the agenda for the trip was the Sound of Music tour, of course! Ironically we got the same tour guide, Peter, that I had two weeks prior with Kari.

Hellbrunn Castle

Overlooking Wolfgang Lake and St. Gilgen town

The very cute town of St. Gilgen and Mozart's mother's birthplace.

After a full day of sightseeing, we headed to O'Malley's Pub.

Gina found a new "younger" friend

Jill has men coming from all directions.

And Gina dancing with another new friend.

Partaking in the graffiti bathroom, Jill and Gina wrote our names on the wall.

We got back to Vienna mid-afternoon Wednesday and I purchased tickets for us to see the Opera, Ruskla, that evening. Having a glass of champagne before heading into the theatre.

The theatre was very quaint and we had great seats.

THANKSGIVING DAY!!

I am thankful for so many things and I really wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. I decided to "attempt" in making dinner for everyone. Overall I think it came out pretty well for not having the luxury of American items readily at your fingertips. I made homemade stuffing, corn souffle, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and we had chicken instead of turkey.

After dinner we headed out to watch some football.

Touring more of Vienna.

Chilling at the Grande Cocktail bar having Cosmopolitan's. We are so Sex in the City!!

What a fantastic two weeks!  It was an absolute blast to not only have Jill and Gina visit but to see other parts of this magnificent country.  I feel blessed everyday to have this opportunity!