My favorite places in Europe to kick off the Christmas season My first time: England Christmas in London I’ll never forget our first European Christmas experience in London. We enthusiastically soaked up the festive decorations, lively pubs, busy shops, Evensong service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the traditional tree lighting…
To cruise or not to cruise — reflections on our Viking cruise on the Danube River
Finding gemütlichkeit (feeling of well-being and comfort that comes with good company and good food) in Vienna, Austria during a Viking River cruise
10 Instagram highlights of our Viking River Cruises journey on the Danube during the Christmas season.
There are often surprises on a first visit to an area. One of these and something that Sweeney and I really liked about Salzburg was the way the Altstadt (Old Town) was nestled under a cliff and guarded over by Hohensalzburg Fortress (or Festung Hohensalzburg, meaning High Salzburg Fortress) one of the largest Medieval castles in Europe.
When I think of Vienna, I think of romance. Thoughts of romantic Vienna bring to mind quiet walks along narrow streets …
Nativity scenes at Peterskirche, Vienna’s second oldest church
I’m addicted to European Christmas markets! In Germany and Austria, they’re called Weihnachtsmarkts and Christkindlmarkts depending on where you are. Each market has distinct aspects and settings that highlight its individuality, but there are many similarities — festive lights, hand-made arts and crafts, food, drink, and entertainment. I love sipping Glühwein and eating bratwurst sandwiches while browsing the arts and crafts stalls and talking to the artisans amid old European settings.