Day 22: Vienna

Two weeks with this girl was absolute bliss

Ah, Vienna. The land of Mozart, coffee houses, and the famous Danube River. After criss crossing the country for 10 days, it was only fitting that the conclusion of our time in Austria was spent in the heart of all things. Vienna is truly the crown jewel of Austria: for lovers of art, history, politics, and music, there's no where else that measures up.

Old meets new on the edge of the Danube River

I spent my last day in Austria touring the streets of Vienna with Sofie as my personal guide. We crossed Vienna on foot, starting in the city centre and eventually making our way around the famous "ring" that marks the city limits. We explored the museum district, the University of Vienna, and the Mariahilfer Straße—a famous shopping street—all before taking a quick break for lunch.

St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

Great artwork at the House of the Sea

Outside another beautiful church in Vienna

After lunch, we were joined by Sofie's boyfriend Chris, and the three of us wandered through Naschmarkt—an outdoor market, bursting with international flair and flavour. From Naschmarkt we continued on to the Belvedere Museum, which is a gorgeous 17th century palace, surrounded by a well kept public garden that's full of winding gravel paths and carefully trimmed trees.

I'm obsessed with these lights!

Outside the Belvedere Museum

A little after seven, we settled in for dinner on a casual outdoor patio that was decked out with cozy living room furniture and rustic benches. As it got dark out, faerie lights strung overhead flickered on: summer ambiance at its best.

Chris and I enjoying the indoor furniture outside

I love this girl to pieces!

It was bittersweet saying goodbye to Austria: Sofie and Chris were generous hosts and tour guides, and it was amazing to be able to spend almost two full weeks getting to know their home country so intimately. But of course, all good things must come to an end, and anyway, Dave and I were ready for the next part of our big adventure... Scandinavia!

The next blog post will be coming to you from chilly Oslo.

Until then,
Heather