Dear Vienna, 

As a person who loves to adventure and fill every second of my day with something to keep me busy, I have difficulties slowing down and taking time to enjoy things. I often find myself worrying and hurrying to make sure I can fit everything I want to do into this short life. Until Billy Joel told me to slow down, that Vienna waits for me. Not only was he right about needing to slow down because I am too ambitious, he wrote a song that guided me to visit Vienna, a place where I found myself slowing down more than ever before due to it’s beauty, culture, nature. 

For the past five months, I have been traveling around Europe, with my final city of the trip you. For the majority of them, I traveled alone but met up with friends or family for a day or two in the city, but Vienna was the first and only one that I enjoyed completely alone, allowing me to have some time to myself. 

Because I visited in December, which I strategically planned, I made sure to spend plenty of time at the various Christmas Markets for which Vienna is so famous. The first one I visited was the main one, the one right in front of Rathaus City Hall, where I made sure to get presents for everyone, including warm honey roasted nuts for myself. I also spent a lot of time enjoying your beautiful churches and cathedrals, a perfect way to learn about the history, culture, and architecture. I made my way around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, St. Michael’s Church, Minorites Church, Votive Church, St. Charles’ Church, and St. Peter’s Church, but I’m sure I walked past several others. I also visited the Albertina Museum and the Belvedere, which was a beautiful estate with several art exhibits, and its own small christmas market. I made sure to try specialty foods, apple strudel and chimney cakes. 

It is obvious to me now why there is an unmeasurable number of songs, movies, and other arts about you. Your laidback culture, nature-filled city (which seemed like an oxymoron until I met you), and your enriching culture were exactly what I needed to end my months of travel. 

Thank you for sharing your culture, beauty, and experiences. Thank you for teaching me how to slow down and take it all in. Thank you for sharing your apple strudel, so I could convince myself that the apple part made it healthy. Thank you for being the perfect end to my experience in Europe, and reenforcing my love for travel. Thank you for waiting for me. 

Bis später, Wien.