Sheppard's Field Journal: Vienna Christmas

It has been said that Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – from what we saw – we cannot disagree. If we had to be away from family and friends this Christmas season – Vienna was the place to be. There was a buzz, a “spirit,” of Christmas in the air. Decorations and lights were everywhere. They had open air “Christmas Markets” selling all kinds of Christmas decorations and serving up hot wine punch and roasting chestnuts on an open fire (literally).

We took the metro out to the Schonbrunn Palace, which was the “summer” palace of the Habsburgs (of the Habsburg Empire from the 1300’s – 1918). We had a great time – they too had a Christmas Market outside of the palace, serving great food and playing live Christmas music. We toured the palace – taking in a brief history of the Habsburgs as we viewed the grandeur of palatial living. We were actually able to stand where the young Mozart once played. Yep – feel’n pretty “cultured” I must say!

Vienna’s city center has wide open pedestrian streets lined with merchants and lighted with grand chandeliers that hung above the crowds. We truly enjoyed our time there. We stayed through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Drew was able to see and talk with his Grandparents via “skype” and they were able to watch him open some of his gifts. Not quite the same – but being half way around the world – not bad. We attended a beautiful catholic mass Christmas morning. It was a bit difficult to fallow, given it was all in German, but the Mozart music made up for it.

Thank you once again for giving us the opportunities to experience these wonderful places. We know you did not send us to Bulgaria for us to go tour Europe. While still being fiscally responsible we have had the opportunity to visit our neighbors at reasonable prices. While still doing the work God has called us to, we feel comfortable that you would approve of our expeditions – thus the reason we share.