After spending three weeks hanging out in Europe I sadly have to start making my way back to work today. Today Arty and I are cooling our heals in Amsterdam on our lay over. I really don’t want to go back to work. (who does?).
On this time off we did some adventuring! Woot! I left work just as we were finishing the curve and getting ready to case the hole. I flew to Budapest and meet up with my hubby! We spent three days seeing the sights of Budapest. We saw the castle and churches and Christmas markets! The markets were everywhere and wonderful! All the crafts where truly homemade and the food was delicious. They have this thing called a chimney cake. Think of a vertical donut about 6-12 inches tall that is hallow on the inside then rolled in cinnamon and sugar. We found the best ones where filled with chocolate! The most touristy thing we did was to take a dinner cruise on the Danube River. It was a blast! We had a window table and it truly was the best way to see the city at night.
Next came New Years in Vienna. We had a great place right in the middle of the city. The town was bustling with New Year’s partyers. We just happened to get front row seats to a fantastic concert in the cathedral (as part of the last mass of the year) the full orchestra with choir was beyond fantastic. The music was wonderful. Our seats where so good I have sat father back when I was in the orchestra. After that we wandered the town and watched everyone enjoying themselves at the city wide party. They have wine and champagne stops everywhere and every square has a band. By midnight we were in the square by the cathedral and at midnight it is tradition to waltz. I so glad I brought my waltzing partner! Think this will be a new tradition from now on.
After spending the next few days casing the Hapsburgs around Vienna we were off to Prague. As always the trains make like easy. We had a great place right off the main drag in Prague. The best part of Prague for both of us after living in Italy for 3 years was the beer! So much beer. Prague also had great Christmas markets still going. The castle complex was massive up on the hill and photographed well. The city is full of church spires. The old city center is dense and compact but the surrounding urban sprawl is massive. The biggest let down in Prague was that the paints set call “the Slavic epic” was not on display. Oh well guess we will have to come back.
After that it was home to Rome sweet home. After what seems like only a few days of getting my life in order here I’m off again. With a heavy heart and lighter wallet I’m heading back to work.