Getting Its Sparkle Back

So, I have to admit that after living in Europe for a while it looses a little of the magic and wonder that took my breath away those first few months.  It has now become common place to drive down the road and see castles peaking out between mountain tops and walking down old cobble stone streets lined with sweet treats! I don't think I will really appreciate just how lucky I am to have gotten to experience this piece of history until it is only a memory. 

However, our last trip reminded me of the grandeur that can be found just hours from our humble home.  Vienna made me feel like a kid in a candy store once again and reminded me just how magical Europe is! 

We arrived in Vienna, Austria (or Wien as it is know here in Europe....who knew??) and were immediately engulfed in the magnitude of the city.  From the moment we hopped of the subway in the main square I was in awe of the beautiful buildings that were around every corner.  It didn't seem to matter which way we turned or how far we wondered there was something magnificent to see!!  Some of the highlights included....

Stephansdom: A Gothic cathedral dominating the city center!

Hofburg Palace: A formal imperial palace:  Here we checked out the imperial apartments that are preserved as they were in the cay of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elizabeth, the imperial silver collection that served the imperial court and the imperial jewel museum, which among beautiful crowns and extravagant robes is said to house the sward of destiny!

The Belvedere: the Former summer residence of the 17th century war hero Prince Eugene, makes you wonder what his winter home was like doesn't it :P

Karlskirch:  Impressive Baroque church built in the early 18th century

The Secession Building: A beautiful square building that was built to honor the Secession era.

Schloss Schonbrunn:  The former summer residence of the imperial Habsburgs family built in 1569.....sitting back it almost looked like a painting, everything seemed to perfect to be real

We also wondered over to the city fair (a permanent fixture in this grand city) that is home to the Wiener Riesenrad , the worlds most famous ferris wheel that provided a breathtaking view of the city!

 

I am so glad that we had the opportunity to view another one of the worlds most famous cities and am reminded yet again of how lucky we are to get to live this life!!  And it is safe to say the Europe has gotten its sparkle back!  Now....on to Barcelona in a couple of weeks......what a rough life we have :)