Christkindlmarkt, Vienna

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get this posted in 2013, as I only had 12 blog posts throughout the entire year and hadn't posted anything since July, and this would have boosted my total.  I am back at blogging again and hope to keep up documenting my travels and thoughts in 2014.

Rathausplatz ... the main market

It is true that my personal travel slowed to a halt for the second half of last year, partially because business travel was constant and partially because a particular someone has made me want to be home in London more often.  I kept up with what wonderful food I cooked, shopped for, and ate in real time on Facebook and Instagram.

I had a gloriously long, calm year end break.  Christmas in the middle of the week actually works out quite well, giving you two weeks off for the holidays.  Having celebrated in the US a bit early this year, I had some time on my own to revel in the Christmas spirit in Europe.

One afternoon while searching for the best Christmas markets in England, I kept coming across sites ranking those in Europe - the pictures of Vienna are simply magical, often ranked as the #1 destination.  Since I've moved to this side of the pond Vienna has been my dream Christmas market trip, and well I ended up Googling tickets and booked impromptu for that weekend.  Why not!?

Have to have some mulled wine!

I flew in the Sunday afternoon before Christmas and left Monday evening - 24 hours to cover as much of Vienna as possible!  Cute little chalets all lined up inside the city's squares selling glittering bobbles, intricately decorated gingerbread cookies, jewelry, and beeswax candles.  Smiling, smiling, smiling in the crisp air.

And of course the fooooood ... Austria is known for their local versions of "speck" ham and tangy, melt-worthy cheeses.  The pretzels were bigger than your head and laced with any sweet or savoury one could desire.  I popped warm roasted chestnuts in my mouth as I cheerfully walked up and down the lanes.  After resting the feet and back with a chilled glass of local Riesling, I relaxed in one of the best wiener schnitzel houses in Vienna for dinner (it is the national dish!).  With a side of warm potato salad you can't go wrong!

Early to bed, and early to rise to spend a full day first visiting the glorious food market a few metro stops away (feeling proud conquering yet another city's public transport system!) followed by more Christmas-y goodness.  LOVED this market (currently ranked #3 after Barcelona and London on Sarah's list).  Frazzled shoppers queued for fresh fish, cheese, and produce in anticipation of making Christmas dinner.  It was the day before Christmas Eve and the energy was invigorating ... no matter where you live, the holidays bring a shopping frenzy!


Visiting some of the local wine shops it dawned on me that Riedel glass is Austrian (that is a link to some pics). They are some of the best wine glasses on the market, and have price tags to go along with the reputation.  However, being here in Austria (and with holiday sales!) they were less than half the price they are in London and I just couldn't contain myself!  Six large, beautiful, bulbous red wine vessels were in my shopping bags before I knew it!  Wait ... how am I going to get these on the plane?  Ahh, where there is a will there is a way.  Made it home.  What a splendid trip.  SLIDESHOW!