Waltzing in Vienna (Updated 4/2)

Day 1

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=54770&l=bb510&id=507049473

If the rest of my trip is going to be like my first day in Europe, I´m going to be in trouble haha! I was so hopelessly lost for most of the day. Basically I just walked towards the next grand building in sight, I didn´t even know what most of them were!

I´ve never realised how dependant I am on English. Everything here is in German! I went to the supermarket and couldn´t figure out which was "still" water. Perhaps I will pick up a bit, since I am headed to Germany later on anyways.

Wombats is really nice, modern and clean. So far, there is only me and 2 guys from Texas in the 6 bed room. Wonder if it will fill up.

Tried a Wien schnitzel. It was so huge that I couldn't even finish half!

Day 2

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=54961&l=43420&id=507049473 (Part A)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=54962&l=43bb2&id=507049473 (Part B)

Bought a daily tram pass today to do some real exploring! Started out the day by checking out Hunderwasserhaus and KunstHausWien. This artist/architect, named Hundertwasser declared war on the straight line and is inspired by nature. The gallery had uneven floors, an array of colours and plants growing out the windows and the rooftops.

After that, I pretty much randomly walked or trammed to anywhere that looked interesting. There were ice rinks and food kiosks set up for some event in front of the Rauthaus. The parliament building was stunning; the Hofburg palace breathtaking.

Took a break and went into Cafe Sacher, where the Original Sacher Torte lives on. It was delicious... definitely recommended by me! After that I got lost again (haha) but suffice to say, all of Vienna is beautiful and getting lost here is half the fun =)

Day 3

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=55913&l=80cdc&id=507049473 (Part A)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=55918&l=00dd6&id=507049473 (Part B)

Started the day off slowly by doing my long overdue laundry (4.50 euros! ouch). At about mid day, I went down to my favourite church, the Stephansdom/St Stephen's Cathedral. The structure is so detailed and beautiful, and the roof top radiates playfulness with colourful tiles. Climbed up the south tower for a great view of Vienna. As one of my roomies put it, "you kill 2 birds with 1 stone, closer to God and exercise!"

Haus der Musik was recommended to me by my roomies. It didn't disappoint, with each level showcasing things as varied as how the body perceives sounds to famous composers backgrounds. The 4th level showcased the future of music, with people using their limb movement to create sound.

Finally, that night I did something I always wanted to do in Vienna... immerse myself in Austrian culture through music. Kursalon was the lavish stage, and the orchestra, opera singers and dancers didn't disappoint; with crowd-pleasing and entertaining interactions with the audience. This was entertainment at its very best, and for 29 euros (student) it was worth every cent.

Capped off a great night with a few farewell drinks at the Wombar with the Texan guys; Dean, Drew, and Brian. As they say in Austria: auf wiedersen Wien! danke shun for a lovely time!