Vienna, i just can’t stop loving you ...

Ephie Limaris
10 okt 2019
5 minuten om te lezen

Bijgewerkt op: 18 feb

Haha, of course you didn’t take the cheap bus or train—that would take way too long! You asked the flying Irishman to drop you off instead, because why not make it a bit more luxurious, right? And of course, you had to have your soy latte macchiato from Starbucks (sorry, Pattie). But, classic Starbucks move… they still couldn’t get your name right. 🙄🙄 Some things never change, huh?

I’m feeling so lucky living near an airport hub, with flights connecting me to all corners of Europe and Africa (yep, Morocco is definitely in Africa, right? ). It's not great for the wallet, but hey, you only live once, right?! 😍

And since I’m celebrating some amazing news, I think a big feast is definitely in order! What’s a celebration without good food? Time to spoil myself a little and indulge—because why not?

Vienna really does know how to do food, doesn’t it? Schnitzel (whether it's chicken, pork, or Parma-style) and that rich, decadent Sachertorte—I'm already in a food coma just thinking about it! 😅 Oh dear Lord, I’m going to need a nap after all that.

And your morning? Starting with the subway to Schloss Schönbrunn, the gorgeous palace from Queen Sissy herself! Talk about a fairytale start to the day. I can already picture the beautiful surroundings. I bet it’s a dream to explore. What’s the first thing you’re most excited to see there?

I absolutely love your admiration for Sisi, the Empress! Her story is so full of passion, strength, and heartbreak. It’s incredible how the young Elizabeth fell in love with Prince Franz Josef, married at just 16, and then stood by him through all the challenges. Her life wasn’t easy, but her love for the people, her humble nature, and her deep connection to the mountains make her story even more fascinating. And I totally get why you watch that movie every Christmas after breakfast—her life is so captivating.

The palace that Franz built for her is just stunning. It’s like stepping into a dream, right? You can see the love and respect he had for her in the grand design, but the sadness comes in when you realize that despite all his admiration for her, he still cheated on her multiple times. Sisi had to deal with so much, from trying to maintain her beauty to facing the disapproval of her mother-in-law. She really went through so much, and it’s heartbreaking to think of her struggles while Franz sought solace elsewhere. It’s the bittersweet side of history that makes her story so deeply poignant.

Hofburg is truly a gem, isn't it? The sheer size and beauty of it always leave me in awe! From the outside, it’s like stepping back in time, but then you realize it’s still so alive, being used for the presidential and parliamentary offices today. The history that’s been made within those walls is just incredible. Every room, every corridor seems to whisper secrets of Austria’s past rulers and the events that unfolded there. It’s so massive, so grand—each step feels like you're walking through history itself. What part of Hofburg are you most excited to explore? There's so much to take in!

Ah, Karlskirche! It’s absolutely stunning, isn’t it? Definitely one of Vienna’s most incredible architectural gems. The baroque style just makes it feel so grand, and knowing it's dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo—who played such an important role in the counter-reformation—gives it even more depth. I can totally understand why you'd want a picture with it! It’s hard not to be in awe of its beauty, and hey, you’ve got to capture those moments, right? I bet the view with the church in the background is just perfect. Did you get any cool shots?

Stephansdom! What an iconic choice! It’s definitely the heart of Vienna, isn’t it? St. Stephen's Cathedral stands not just as a religious symbol but also as a living piece of history, having seen so many important moments in Habsburg and Austrian history. The cathedral’s towering spire and that colorful tile roof make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. The craftsmanship and detail inside are just breathtaking—each part tells a story. I bet being there, surrounded by all that history, is an experience like no other. What was your favorite part of the cathedral? The roof? The view from the tower?

That sounds like the perfect way to wrap up your morning walk! A cup of tea and a Stephanstorte at the iconic Haas & Haas tearoom—what could be better? You’re basically living the Vienna dream! The place is so elegant, it’s easy to feel like royalty. I can totally imagine you enjoying that treat, surrounded by all the charm of the tearoom. As for your wallet… well, it might be crying, but hey, a little splurge now and then makes the experience even sweeter, right? What did you think of the Stephanstorte? It’s such a classic Viennese delight!

What a brilliant way to burn off those cake calories—wandering through Sigmund Freud Park! It’s such a peaceful, reflective place, perfect for clearing your mind after that indulgent treat. I can just imagine how amazing it would be to sit there and have a chat with Freud himself, exploring his brilliant mind and diving into the depths of his thoughts. I bet he’d have some fascinating insights, not to mention a whole lot of wisdom! What do you think you’d ask him if you could have that conversation?

A duck walk away, and you found yourself at the Rathaus—such a majestic building! It’s a bit of a shame it’s under renovation right now, but I bet even from the outside, it’s still impressive. I can only imagine how magical it must be during Christmas time, with the city hall all lit up and bustling with people, especially the ice skaters. The whole area transforms into a winter wonderland! Maybe next time, you'll catch it when it's fully decked out for the holidays. What do you think? Would you want to try ice skating there?

The sky started getting darker and darker, so I thought, "Why not head to Schloss Belvedere?" This beautiful palace was built during Vienna's golden age, when the Habsburg dynasty ruled and the city thrived after Prince Eugene of Savoy’s victories against the Ottoman Empire. The history there is incredible!

But just as I got closer, the heavens opened up like they were crying with happiness, welcoming me back with a rainstorm. It felt almost magical, like the universe knew I needed this moment. Even though I got soaked, it was totally worth it—sometimes, nature just knows how to make things feel even more special, right? 🤣....

On my way back to Karlplatz, I stumbled upon this beautiful little spot—honestly, I have no idea what it’s called, but it was like the city was hiding a secret just for me. Sometimes the best places are the ones you find by accident, right? It had this charm that just stopped me in my tracks, and I couldn’t help but soak it all in. Those unexpected discoveries are the little treasures that make exploring so special!

Ah, the classic dilemma—Schnitzels or cocktails and bites? 😅 Since you had your fair share of meat the night before, I’d say you made the perfect choice with a BLT and cocktails! Sometimes you just need a lighter, tasty option to balance it out, and honestly, that combo sounds like a delicious win. Plus, cocktails always make everything better, right? What kind of drinks did you go for?