when will you realize...vienna waits for you

I never thought I would be fond of Austria. I don't like the Opera, I don't understand a single thing of German, I thought the people were uptight and rude and the food was all meat. But I was, once again, blown away by yet another beautiful city. Perfect buildings, gorgeous parks and gardens, palaces that rival Versailles, and not to mention...Apple strudel; Vienna was amazing. Our hotel (thank you mom and dad) was even gorgeous. We may have spent more time in the spa than we did outdoors, but it was totally worth it. 

Our first day it was easily one of the most gorgeous days we've had in Europe thus far. It was 70 and not a cloud in the sky, so we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and spent all day walking around and being blown away by the beauty. We even sat in the park for awhile to try and catch some much needed rays. 

That night we wanted to experience a true Viennese meal so we headed out in search of Wienerschnitzel, but not able to brave the meal I ended up ordering my usual meal of chicken. We were exhausted from our overnight train ride the night before so we called it an early night and snuggled up in our amazing hotel beds and fell right asleep. 

Drinks before dinner!

Saturday the weather took a turn for the worst, so we took a turn for the spa after trying to brave the torrential downpour in the morning. 

Lovin' our robes

I could live at the spa

After a nice swim, steam, and sauna we were rejuvenated and ready to hit the town with our friends who we're studying in Vienna. We went to Volksgarten, an indoor/outdoor club in a garden and it was so fun. Not to mention you had to be 21 to get in, so I actually got to put my ID to good use on my birthday weekend.

On Sunday the sun was out again so after checking out of our hotel and having a much needed greasy meal (always necessary after a night out), we headed to Schonbrunn Palace, the Hapsburg summer residence, and it was gorgeous. The gardens and rooms were all beautiful. We even caught the hourly apple strudel show, which was amazing. We spent the afternoon relaxing and shopping around before embarking on the second half of our journey home on the 12 hour overnight train.

Apple strudel, I love you...a lot

  

With the tune if Billy Joel's "Vienna" in our heads, we were back to Florence, leaving yet another part of our hearts in Vienna. 

Ciao for now, stay tuned on the special edition of CFN featuring Mary Kate and Ashley 2.0 (aka Annie and Nancy). 

M