VIENNA BY HORSE AND CARRIAGE

Bree arrived in Europe! And the reunion was everything I could have asked for, plus some. I anxiously awaited Bree at the Vienna Airport, watching ‘New Girl’ to pass the time. When she finally walked through the huge sliding doors, I was overjoyed! We instantly started gabbing about life. As you do.

Especially after months and months apart from an old friend.

Within moments, one of Bree’s friends was there to give us a proper Austrian welcome. Sara lived with Bree in the states when she was 16 years old and has since reconnected with her and her family multiple times. I was so lucky to be invited to join Bree in Vienna for this {additional} reunion.

And let me tell you, I was blown away by Vienna.

I had arrived in Austria without many expectations. Bree and I figured we were with a local, so we would be in good hands. But I cannot properly describe the beauty of this city.

The only word that kept coming to mind was beautiful. Simply beautiful.

We started our first morning grabbing breakfast with a friend of Sara’s and basking in the sun. It was an absolute perfect temperature and the dry heat was just to my liking.

We experienced public transportation, which was very similar to the all familiar system in London. And thankfully we had Sara to translate for us, because although spoken throughout Austria, English was not as popular as one might assume. To be honest, I did not know the language most spoken in Austria. Thanks to Google, I learned it was German, and Austrian-German, before arrival. I can already feel the ‘Wow, how ignorant of you…’ comments that will follow this statement. But judge me all you want. I can’t speak either, so having a proper translator with us was epic. Thank you again to Sara, you legend.

While discussing our plans for the afternoon, it was necessary to decide on a form of transport to see the city. Upon mention of ‘horse and carriage ride’, I immediately knew my vote. What better way to see such a beautiful city?

The ride cost us 80 EUR, so split between the four of us, it was about 25 USD. We spent the next hour gazing at cream colored buildings, stunning architecture, and turquoise rooftops. We were granted a day full of sunshine {thank you weather gods, as per usual}. Our carriage driver spoke only German… so our translators came in handy once again.

^ #beingcultured

After our tour, we did some walking and made our way to a gorgeous rooftop bar. All enclosed, but with stunning views, we were introduced to the ‘Hugo’. An Austrian favorite, and a tasty cocktail, the ‘Hugo’ is mixed with elder flower to create a sweet and refreshing drink.

By this time it was time for Bree to beat the jet lag, Sara to beat an oncoming cold, and myself to go to sleep early for no other reason than the fact that I am a grandmother.

But guys, this city was unbelievable.

And a perfect place for a reunion!