Waking up to  "Guten Morgen"  from the hotel's automated wake up call at 7AM reminded me that I was still in Vienna. I met with colleagues at the breakfast lounge all set for a day of exploration. Nothing better than starting the day being welcomed by a buffet of fresh fruits, bread, eggs, coffee and lots of cold cuts. Our hotel arranged for us a half day tour around the outskirts of the city where Schonbrunn Palace was.

The french inspired sculpted garden with maze, fountain, sculpture, and glass houses is a delight to visit.  There are many attractions in the park. One full day exploring the complex is just the right amount of time to spend lingering here. 

We ended the tour with a sumptuous  Al fresco lunch of schnitzel over a pint of fresh wheat beer.

I organized this weekend side trip for everybody and was behind of it all. I was blessed with wonderful colleagues and this is one of the things that I miss since I resigned.  I will surely miss traveling with these guys. My last five years were spent with them traveling to various destinations at least two to three times per year.  We definitely walked a lot in Vienna and quenched our thirst each time with a fresh pint.

Happy Friday!

XOXO,

Arni

This week I'm going to feature my captured memories of Austria.  June reminds me of the beautiful landscape and romantic architecture in the music capital of the world!  

One of the places I always longed to visit in my travel wish list. My dream was to walk along the main street along Stephan Platz on my own, reflecting...To listen to the music of the past that echoed through the old stone walls that had stories to tell for they have witnessed the masters of music that came and went.  

My three male colleagues and I decided to stop by Vienna before heading off to our conference in Innsbruck in June 2008. I was privileged to have finally fulfilled my dream of watching the Opera alone in Vienna. (Well none of them wanted to go--hehehe) I wanted to go so badly and so I did. It was one of the most beautiful nights of my life!  

These are some snapshots during our first day exploring the town center of this beautiful city on foot.  I remember beer gardens, classical music drifting in the air, schnitzel, wheat beer and being teary eyed as I listened to the masterpieces of Bach and Mozart in the concert hall.   I'll post our trip to Schonbrunn Palace tomorrow.  

XOXO,

Arni

My hubby and I decided to share an adventure together. It was my idea to do white water rafting together.  I have always wanted to do this since I saw the movie River Wild. It seemed incredibly exciting and challenging.   Since, he hasn't done this before and he was interested, we agreed to do it.  We were picked up by a small van at 2:30 P.M. from our backpackers.

What are your plans this weekend?  Allow me to continue  my post yesterday of the Wine Country three years ago.  The memories of our drive and exploration are coming back to me.

After two wonderful days in Calistoga and brief detour in Napa Valley, we managed to find the road leading us to get a glorious glimpse of Muir Woods National Monument.  This is the perfect place for the tree lovers out there.  I, being a desert resident,  am nature deprived all year round and will never pass an opportunity to hug a tree!

Main Entrance of the Muir Woods National Monument 2009

Near the Entrance

We spotted a deer!

I could hardly believe it has been 3 years since I last visited North California to see close family.  A mild dose of nostalgia as I spend this weekend home alone without the hubby, who's currently in an adventurous Survivor-like expedition in Malaysia.  Here I am, hibernating in the sandpit browsing through treasured photos.

Arger Martucci Vineyard