Eastern European Updates on the Fly: Vienna

Okay, so technically Vienna isn't really Eastern Europe, but who ever considers Austria when you think of European countries? Not me, that's for sure. But PRAISE GOD- Austria is as Western Europe as it gets, for the most part.

The whole city is reminiscent of other cities I've been to over the past few months-- Parisian in architecture, German in feel. And, though a much-disputed point among idiot hostelers (yours truly included), it was never hidden behind the Iron Curtain. It was, however, a major player in World War II-- which I guess you could have figured based on Sound of Music (though that was Salzburg)-- but even more so than just in that context. For example today we ate at the Central Cafe, which is reputedly the sight where Hitler wrote Mein Kampf. Besides being a major player in the Nazi takeover, it was also bombed to death during the war. A lot of buildings were wrecked. The cool thing that came out of it, though, was a burst of modern architecture that contrasts with the old architecture of the Hapsburgs and Austro-Hungarian Empire. So its actually an eclectic little city that has progressed throughout the ages. All that knowledge is courtesy of the Architecture Museum of Wien, a worthwhile 6 euro.

My other favorite thing we did in Vienna was go to the Spanish Riding School, where they train white stallions to do cool dance moves. It was 6 euro to get into morning exercises, and while it wasn't as cool as the performances, it was fun to watch. I definitely missed my calling in life by quitting horseback riding at age eight.

Tomorrow we head off to Milan, then Venice, and finally back to London. It's been the coolest trip ever, and I think my parents will be upset to hear I've acquired quite a taste for the travelling life. Anyhow, more updates to follow. Hope you all are well!