Austria

What is your dream trip?

Any person would love to have a dream trip. I had my dream trip back during my embassy days in 2004 when I was in the Public Affairs office as the Executive Assistant of the head of our department.  My boss, who was actually my favorite boss (ever) his name is Ronald Post, and he was married to a Korean American, Gi Won. I learned that he passed away.  They were the best, not because he sent me for the training in Vienna, Austria, but because they were absolutely loved by everyone as well.

I had a week of "secretarial training" in Vienna. The training was a learning experience, and I met colleagues from other countries.  This was where I learned the value of "Give 'em the pickle," which I brought back with me, shared it with my colleagues, and have been using since then. After the training, I took the opportunity to travel to other countries - Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and France. A cousin, Edelyn, a tourism graduate, traveled with me, so our trip was well planned. 

Vienna is the capital and the largest city in Austria. The city is known as "the city of music" and for its imperial palaces and architecture.

Here are some of the top things to do in Austria that I've experienced.

Enjoy the classical music of Vienna's most famous composers like Mozart and Beethoven at "Brahms Hall." A concert and dinner tour is a popular thing to do for tourists. However, if you are not a big fan of classical music, you don't need to spend a lot.  You can listen to them on the street while you enjoy a cup of coffee at a coffee house. 


I started to love Vienna coffee.  And having coffee and pastry at a coffee house watching people on the street is one of my favorite things to do when I travel, especially in Europe.  

Explore Salzburg, which is the fourth largest city in Austria. The historic center is known for its baroque architecture and "is one of the best-preserved centers north of Alps, with 27 churches."  

Tourists visit Salzburg to see the historic center and the scenic alpine surroundings.  It was Mozart's birthplace and the setting of the classic musical play "The Sound of Music."  If you've seen this movie, you would hear the echo of the music playing in your ears, and the scene flashes back to your memories while you enjoy the beautiful place.  It was a great musical experience.

Visit Kitzbuhel, a small Alpine town and a winter ski resort. It is known for the annual "Hahnenkamn downhill race." During winter, this town is busy with affluent people from Austria and from abroad.  I was lucky to have a friend who took me here and even more fortunate to have stayed in a fancy hotel - Hotel Zurtenne (for free), where he works. Not only that, but he let me drove his car, and I experienced how to drive first time in another country.  The drive was scenic and gorgeous.

Having seen the classic music capital of the world and the best ski resort in the world are reasons I love Austria.  I say this is one of the best and unforgettable travels I've had - an extravagant experience in a posh place. I am one lucky girl. I would go back to this beautiful country and reminisce these fun memories.