After London, its off to Vienna, Austria. My host there would remind me about how big the Austrian Empire was at one time. It was so huge that it covered a large part of Europe and Russia. Its affluence was also quite evident in the many extravagant palaces and centres of culture (Opera Houses, Musical Halls, etc).

This is my first trip to Europe. This was classical Europe - not some modern metropolis that i was going to. I came expecting to be wowed with culture - i was left breathless. Pictures we’ve seen in history books or the text we read about do little justice to the majestic beauty of Vienna.

Not only was the place beautiful, the people too. My boss commented that of all the women over the age of 50, the women in Vienna are the most beautiful in the world. My host, Mr Jelic (pronounce: “yee-leech”), proudly professes that Austrian women knows how to take care of themselves. I must agree - the ladies here are stunning… alas i was too distracted to snap any photos.

Austrian food’s spectacular…

I’m supposed to finish this Pork Knuckle as part of my orientation to Vienna (My boss and Jelic shared one pork knuckle on their own).

Alas… this was the best i could do.

Pork Snitzel:

Did i mention? The wine’s here is EXQUISITE! There are so many private vineyards here… Here’s a local brew we’re enjoying - out of a decanter. Very nice eh?

Vienna also has quite a huge Chinese community from mainland China. Here’s a Chinese restaurant i went to for dinner. Its been here for 20 yrs.

Oh… this here’s something for the ladies…

His name’s David Jelic. He’s the son of my host in Vienna. 21 yr old and Vienna’s Tae Kwan Do champion. He served as a Ranger in the army (they have NS too)… waiting for studies - sports education.

Alas… he’s taken. He’s got a really hot girlfriend whom he refuses to introduce to me. ;(

Oh well…

View all the photos from my Vienna trip at flickr.