A First Taste

      Well, I'm here. It's cold. A lot colder than North Carolina right now, but about the same as it was there this time last year. It is also beautiful. Most if the buildings have that quality of a very old person who has aged gracefully. Still lovely, yet not in their prime shape. That is the best way to describe our apartment. It was built in 1878, and although there have obviously been renovations made, it still has that antique quality. There are black and white portraits on the walls, very comfortable yet old fashioned beds, and a gorgeous chandelier over the dining table. There are only a few minor set backs. One, it is so small that there is really no privacy in the entire apartment, even in the bathroom, and two, there are no elevators, and we are on the top floor, which is to say about five stories up. Having to carry a set of luggage meant to supply a teenage girl of all her needs for two months up those stairs was no easy feat, and I pity my parents for having to do it for me. Let's just say I don't mesh well with very long planes rides.
      After a short nap of a couple of hours, we went out to explore my new home. It seems everyone in Vienna has a car, and yet barely any of them use them. As we walked, there were maybe a few out of hundreds of parking spaces that were empty. Most people, as did we, travel by subway, tram, trolley, or bus. Public transportation is so nice that there is really no point in driving anywhere. Anyways, that is the way we traveled to get to the most beautiful market I have ever been too: the Christmas Market in front of Schoenbrunn Palace. The Palace is gorgeous. A tinted, natural yellow with statues along the roof tops, windows so perfect they look painted on, surrounding an enormous courtyard that is only half taken over by the market. The other half is open space, with two fountains on either side, depicting statues of Greek gods, and although they are lovely, they cannot outshine the Palace.
      Under the shadow of this magnificent structure lies the market. It is full of stalls selling seasonal gifts such as candles, ornaments, toys, candies, manger scenes, and warm drinks. In the very center, right in front of the front doors of the palace is a giant Christmas Tree, covered in white lights. It shines above all and gives a cheery glow to the shoppers while the light slowly fades from the sky.