"Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul"- Democritus
Here we are, safe and sound in Vienna, Austria. When we arrived at the Vienna Westbahnhof I looked at Debbie and said I could just stay in the train station. It is huge and gorgeous. Reminds me more of an airport than a train stations. Everything you need is right there. Tickets, food, bank machines, groceries, clothing shops, luggage shops, chocolate stores, a post office and of course trains going everywhere.
While we were there we purchased our tickets for our next train trip which is to Munich, Germany on the 27th of November. With that bit of housekeeping chore done.....we are off to enjoy Vienna.
Vienna is a very bustling city of just under 2 million people. The view out of the train station was of a beautiful, gothic, cathedral. This is what I especially love about Europe. You can step out of a subway station or get off a bus and WOW there is a magnificent building, right in front of you, that you have only read about.
Our home for the next few days is Pension Hargita. A five minute cab ride from the Westbahnhof and we were there. To our surprise, we are right on the Mariahilfer Strasse, which is Yonge Street European style. It is 3am, (can't sleep because I have a cold), and people are still out on the town down below our window. Many shops, restaurants, and tons of people when we arrived. The streets are a combination of one-ways and pedestrian only. I would never suggest a car here. Even the cab lady got a wee bit turned around and had to try it a second time.
We checked into our room and opened the window to the street below. Love it.
Deb is checking out the little people down below.
To get acquainted with our 'hood' we set off to see Mariahilfer Strasse and all her charm.
About half way down the street, was a little Christmas displays of people selling food, drink and Christmas trinkets. It is called the Mariahilfer Christkindlmarkt. It was a happening spot with young and old enjoying a cup of warmed wines and tasty 'big' treats.
I ordered a warmed punch from the fellow and it was served in a ceramic mug. Bring back the ceramic mug and you get a deposit back. It wasn't really clear to me if I had an the option of keeping the mug? It was a cute mug.
Open faced sandwiches.....smoked salmon.....just saying.....
This great Christmas themed event was being enjoyed at the foot of a majestic cathedral with a statue keeping an eye on things? Only the tourists notice.
Gingerbread everything....
"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas......la la la la la...."
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