Last week was Trent’s 12th birthday. This was his year to have a family birthday party and he chose to go to Vienna for the day. Valerie and I have wanted to take the kids on a train trip ever since we lived here in Budapest, but it has never happened. As we started planning the trip, we decided this was our chance. Only Kendall had been on a train before so the kids were very excited about it. Jessie, our good friend and adopted family member, was along for the trip as well.
The train ride was lots of fun as we ate breakfast on the train, played cards, and just had a great time. Unexpectedly, another family from the kid’s school was on the train as well. The kids had a good time playing with them and the adults enjoyed visiting.
Upon arrival in Vienna, we embarked upon the “Eat your way through Vienna” tour. Here are the details:
First Stop - Vienna Christmas Market - We were excited to find out that we arrived on the first day that the Christmas market was open. The highlight of this was the wonderful Kase kreiners which are sa usages with little bits of cheese inside stuffed in a warm hot-dog like bun. They are totally incredible. We shopped a little bit as well and bought some small gifts for friends.
Second Stop - Starbucks - No trip to Vienna would be complete without the obligitory trip to Starbucks. I enjoyed my overpriced Grande Peppermint Mocha. Other than the fact that it was about 400 degrees in there, it was fun and a good rest.
Third Stop - Shopping Street - We visited a bunch of shops on the shopping street. Trent was able to spend some of his birthday money at Foot Locker on a Nike Bag and some cool shoelaces. Kendall found some treasures at Claire’s accessories.
Fourth Stop - Figlmullers - This is the store with the biggest & best Wienerschitzel in Vienna. We have been here many times and it never disappoints.
Final Stop - Christmas Market at Night - We had to go back to the Christmas Market to see it all lit up. They had the Christmas Tree lighting at 5:30pm so we wanted to see it one more time. Then, we hit the bakery for some incredible treats. I had some Applestrudel that was unbelievable.

We then rode the train back home and arrived around 11pm. Everyone was thoroughly exhausted, but satisfied knowing that we had a great day. As we were walking on the train platform after getting off the train, Reed said, “Dad, that was a great experience!!” That pretty much sums it up for all of us. Great day, Great memories. One of the great treats of living in Europe. People wait their whole lives to visit a great city like Vienna and we can just pop over for the day. What a blessing.