Austria: Vienna and the Alps (Semmering)

 

* Disclaimer: This blog is more like sharing of an intimate moments during Christmas 2017 with my boyfriend's family up in Vienna, Austria and his father's place in Weimar, Germany. If you can't handle a sweet, happy couple/family story I urge you to exit this window now. But if you are otherwise a romantic and have a great interest in learning about others' cultures you may then proceed. Bussis! *

My boyfriend, Dave is so sweet. He has always been since the beginning. He made sure my first Christmas in Germany a memorable one. He introduced me to all of his family members and took me to Austria, where his older brother and wife, Daniel and Laura resides and had the Christmas dinner at his father's place in Weimer, Germany. We took a short flight from Berlin to Vienna and as it was night time, I didn't see much of the city but the car ride took me from the city centre to the outskirt where his brother lives. Conveniently, the train station is just 3 mins walk from the house and we took a long, scenic journey to Semmering the following day.

I know this is cliche, but 'it was just like a movie' when the train takes you to cross the steep bridge, through the mountains and hidden castles started to appear in between and on the tip of the mountains. I felt the pressure change on my ears and it got colder as you climbed up. The white snowy mountains stretched as far as the eyes can see, and civilizations crowded the valley where these mountains intersect. I remember that I was staring at this spectacular view from the train's window and I was just lost for words.

When we finally arrived at Semmering, I couldn't get my footing properly as it was full on snow-covered ground and my Timberland boots weren't holding up so well. It took me sometimes to walk better but was still holding on to Dave due to the occasional slips and getting a sprained ankle was not really in the plan, you see. At least not until I got my damn feet onto that snowboard!

We walked up to the skiing resort and it was easy to find and there was a huge hotel on the mountain side which reminded me of the Grand Budapest Hotel. The area was rather quiet and Dave wasn't expecting that because he has been here once and it was teemed with visitors. It was just us and maybe 10 other people on the slope. The rental shop, restaurant and general store was very quiet too.

At first, I thought I was going to die from the cold but when you have the proper clothing and better yet, a ski gloves - you will do just fine. I have the worst cold feet and fingers during winter times which I hate so much. I had a heat layer, with fleece and a ski jacket and pants that I borrowed from Laura. It was comfortably sufficient, so shout out to the tropical asian babies out there please do pay attention to the warm clothes!

At the rental shop we got ourselves ski boots, helmet and a snowboard that they will adjust according to which foot is dominant. We made our way to the beginner's slope and at this flat and low point of Semmering, you can really see the towering mountain side of the winter sports area (elevations of 985 and 1,350 m). The mountain is called Zauberberg (Magic Mountain). We noticed how the area looked a little run down and old. Apparently the first time it was use for the world cup is back in 1995 - hence maybe why it looked like that. But heck! It was high and I can only imagine launching myself from the top and tumbling down in endless rolls and back flips only to arrive with a mountain of vomit coming out of my belly.

I think because of the altitude it was a bit hard to breathe, especially when you are climbing up the slope. After all, all kinds of winter sports will only work by going up and enjoying the force of gravity pulling you down. It was a bit of a work as well because you need to take the ski / board off your feet in order to climb. So it was a constant attaching and detaching which at some point I think is stupid. lol. Unless you use the cable car to go up ( but Dave won't let me - he said "it is not a big slope so just work your ass up" ).

Well this is my ass twerking here:

I wasn't too happy at first because coming there I thought I can just jump in and break my teeth doing all sorts of stunts. But no no no, Dave won't let that happen so he took his time to show me how to snowboard properly, and safely. I got bored and my thighs were sore from practicing the positions he told me to do. I was like, "man... come on let's get some moving! let's go down and have fun!".

But he was strong enough to tolerate my diva moments so it was all good.

So, yes I did ate the snow, I did made the snow angel and yes I made an ice penis. And nope I didn't break any bones or teeth but I had a tonne of fun spending my time here in the snow with Dave. It was hard at first to snowboard, but really just let go and fall and enjoy it! Trust me, it is more fun when you started moving down the slope. The falls were not painful at all.

(for the 9th consecutive year since 2008!)

Now I am not sure why Vienna got this reputation that because I know everything in Vienna is expensive. I think you need to be rich to live here. But considering other factors like safety, transportation, culture, architecture and food... I would understand why Vienna is awarded that title. We spent a day here walking around the city, visiting Christmas market and gardens. I think we walked for at least 12 km on that day.

I didn't know much about the history of Vienna but I know it was once part of the German empire so the language, food and people is not that far apart. So the common, everyday drink is of course - Bier! You will find that most good restaurants will have their own micro-brewery for beers in Vienna. Like many big cities in Europe, Vienna was flooded with tourists. It felt festive too especially when there are several Christmas markets at every corners, selling the traditional and new cuisines, and gifts.

Dave's father resides in Weimar, Germany and we actually drove from Vienna to reach there. I think it took us 7 hours to get there. It wasn't so bad considering that the European road is great and I wasn't the one driving :p Then, we met with the rest of the family and visited one in Magdeburg too where were feasted with cakes and candies. I swear it was like Hansel and Gretel moment, you know.

So Christmas is really like celebrating the spirit of giving. We gave gifts and we received gifts which can come in any forms be it physical, material things, food and hospitality. While I couldn't understand a thing that was said on the table - Dave tried his best to translate to English whatever it was - I understand Christmas as the time where family meet and really catch up with one another. I think my favourite part about Christmas is the chance to indulge in the sweet stuff and I am not kidding when I actually built a shrine of chocolates that I collected, and gifted to me over Christmas.

I think it was incredible to be able to experience the authentic Christmas in Germany and Austria, and being with a german family. Do you know that Christmas market first made mainstream by the germans? Yeah we have a 'german christmas market' up in Southampton, UK too every year. And in many other places all around the world.

If there is one thing I hate about Christmas in Europe is the freaking cold winter! Blergh!