Größ Gott!

I'm sure you are all dying to know where Matt took me for my birthday...if you haven't heard already...It was Vienna, Austria!

The adventure began on the Friday before my birthday when we left our house at 4am to head to the airport. Matt checked us in and I did not find out our destination until we got to the gate. We flew into Bratislava, Slovakia and took a one hour bus ride into Vienna. Matt has been to both Bratislava and Vienna for work but this was my first time in the cities.

After checking into the hotel we headed out to explore the city. As it was raining, we tried to stay inside as much as we could. We toured the Staatsoper and Opern Museum (State Opera and museum), spent time in Starbucks enjoying a warm drink and peoplewatching, and ended the day with a meal in a traditional Austrian style restaurant.

Wien Staatsoper

Over the weekend it was quite freezing, literally, as it snowed both days but all the more to keep us snuggling. On Saturday we went on a self-guided tram tour (thanks to Rick Steves again) and took a ride on the Riesenrad, which is like a ferris wheel, for panoramic views of the city. We also took a bus through the wine-growing area and thought we might end up there for the night as the snow was really accumulating. But, the bus trudged on and we were able to enjoy a glass of wine in one of the many wine cafes. We then headed back to Vienna and stopped by Starbucks before heading to dinner. On Sunday all shops were closed but luckily the Hofburg Palace was open. We toured the winter residence of the Hapsburgs, along with the treasury. It was really cold outside, so we stopped by Starbucks for a hot drink. Following that we walked through the Christmas Market at City Hall. (Leading up to Christmas, many european cities host Christmas markets where vendors from all around sell christmas ornaments, decorations, and gifts.) The main market was at City Hall, but there were many other smaller markets around the city as well.

About to embark on our tram tour

Riesenrad

On the bus through wine region

Christmas Market

Hofburg Palace

On Monday, my birthday, we did a lot of window shopping through the Old Town and around St Stephan's Cathedral. In late afternoon we went on a horse buggy ride from Hofburg Palace, past City Hall, through Old Town, and back. It was very romantic as Matt and I were snuggled up in the carriage, it was snowing outside, and we were riding past all of the old buildings lit up for the holidays. Another special treat was going to the Opera. We heard about standing-room tickets earlier so went about an hour before the show and bought them for 4 euros each, which I think would be around $5. The opera being performed that evening was Strauss's 'Salome' in German. I tried to put my german lessons to use but was not that successful. I think I could put the main story line together, but couldn't get the 'dialogue', if you will. We only stayed for 30 minutes, since it isn't very pleasant in the crowded standing-room balcony. But, what an experience! We can say that while in Vienna, the city of music, we went to the Opera. To end the evening, we had a romantic dinner at a seafood restaurant Matt recommended from one of his previous work visits. For dessert I had the best tiramisu I've ever eaten! And somewhere along the day, we went to Starbucks.

St Stephan's Cathedral

Horse & Carriage

Rathaus / City Hall

Opera, lower balcony is standing-room

On Tuesday, we did a bit of shopping before catching a train back to Bratislava. Unfortunately we got into Bratislave after dark, and had a bit of a time figuring out how to get to the city centre from the train station, but we still managed to walk around the old town and take in the quaint streets and shops. We had a wonderful meal at an Argentinan steakhouse before heading to the airport. Our flight out was around 10:30 at night and by the time we got home it was about 1:00am. I had to be up at 7:30 for repairmen to work on our water heater, but I didn't mind at all as I fell asleep quickly with happy thoughts from my celebratory trip. This day, we forgot to visit Starbucks.

On train to Bratislava

Guy in manhole - not sure why this is special but it is on postcards and everything

I want to thank my wonderful and thoughtful hubby for this fabulous surprise trip for my 30th birthday! I love you, Matt!

Also, in case I didn't mention it enough, we went to Starbucks a lot on this trip. That has become our new ritual here and around Europe, because we never went there back in the States. I like the Chai Tea Lattes and Matt likes the hot chocolates and we just enjoy the peoplewatching more than anything. Plus, it was quite cold in Vienna so we needed something to keep us warm. Otherwise, Matt would have been enjoying the Weissbeer if it was warmer.

Matt with his Weisbier

On a special note, I received a lovely ring from my in-laws for my birthday. When they were visiting us in April we had all gone to a local antique store and I had my eye on a particular ring. However, at the time I didn't want to pay the asking price and was not able to haggle the price lower. Well, Mom & Dad Biviano remembered it all this time and sent Matt to pick it up. None of them could really remember what the ring looked like, but the same guy was there and knew exactly which one it was. When Matt gave it to me on our trip and I opened the box, I knew exactly what it was and felt honored to receive it. Thanks Mom & Dad!

My birthday gift