Stories from Mom

Vienna held meaning before I even got there. I grew up hearing about my mom's study abroad to Vienna, so actually being able to see the places I had heard so much about was incredible. It made it more memorable to realize she had visited the same spots I was now enjoying.

Vienna is beautiful. I loved wandering through the heart of the city and seeing all of the jaw-dropping architecture. My mom had told me her favorite spot was the Rathaus - I must have taken a million pictures of it! It actually ended up being my favorite building as well. It is gorgeous - I especially loved the red flowers in all the windows. While we were there, a big film festival was going on so there was a huge screen set up in front of the building. There were also tons of different food vendors set up. The place was always packed, and it was such a fun atmosphere! We always wandered back there to see the films each night.

The Schonbrunn Palace was my other highlight of Vienna. Absolutely breathtaking, and we could have spent hours touring just the grounds. We climbed up to a spot that had a view of the palace and the city beyond it, and we got some incredible pictures. And made some new friends. And got some great jumping pics.

I especially loved the city at night. The buildings are even more beautiful lit up. Add some dinner from a street vendor, gelato, and a stop by the bustling festival at the Rathaus, and a night stroll doesn't get much better.

"Every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be homesick for a place you've never been to, perhaps more homesick than for familiar ground."

-Judith Thurman