Vienna, Austria

Nearly home.

After some deliberation about directions, we managed to find our hostel just as rain started to pour from the skies. After getting settled and deciding a plan of action, we headed to McDonald's for our Austrian placemat. Over dinner, we planned our attack on the city...

We walked out of McDonald's full of energy only to find it pouring. Down pouring. So in a moment of decision, we jogged back to the hostel to use the internet and really plan out everything we could. That night of relaxation was much needed and made us all feel refreshed for our last day of travel before the break was over.

The next morning, we figured out the public transportation system which dropped us off near old town. As we walked past some impressive and ornate buildings, I began to realize how much I missed Prague.

I think at this point, the most exciting part of spring break happened as we made our way toward the Rathaus and found the Red Bull Big Air Bike Competition going on! There were a few dirt ramps, some free give aways, and lots of bikes! Molly was in heaven and we spent over an hour wandering the booths collecting freebies and even ride what Molly called "freak bikes."

We wandered through Museums Quarter and the Hofburg Palace before finding the Sacher Deli, home of the famous Sacher Tort (really rich chocolate cake). We bought two types to be eaten later and continued exploring. Walking through the big cathedral was awkward because it was the middle of a church service on Sunday morning, but luckily it did not really compare with St. Vitus in Prague. From the Cathedral, we boarded the metro to head out to see the Wiener Reisenrad. This giant ferris wheel has been the trademark of Vienna for quite some time, and has even been included in some of the greatest movies ever (James Bond's The Living Daylights).

From the amusement park, we made our way back to the city. Meandering south, we found some lunch and a Starbucks (for Hillary). Trying to find some memorable places, we walked past the Opera house (not impressive) to some churches (not too impressive) to the rundown Schwarzenburg Palace (really eerie). Boarding the metro again, we rode out to the major tourist trap of Schloss Schonbrunn (think mini-Versailles). Overrun with tourists, we decided it was not worth trying to fight the crowds.

Heading back to the hostel, I was sad that Spring Break was ending so soon, but ready for a good night of sleep in my own bed. After a restful night, Monday was a busy day, full of planning our trip to Paris for the next weekend!