This morning as I left my flat, I stopped at the Penny market to get some Ritter Sport Chocolate. The irony of this experience is worth noting - though I have no documentation in the picture form. As I was buying candy, the man behind me was purchasing 2 bottles of liquor and as I exited the store, a young man on his morning jog passed by. Yes, one of these things is NOT like the other.
I learn something new each time I attend a tour of the United Nations in Vienna. Unlike the past, our guide was American which I believe enriched the experience as she knew how to communicate in English much better. Plus, she had an in depth knowledge that really intrigued me as well as the girls, I think.
Some of the highlights for me this time around were the phrase “Greening the Blue.” Because the United Nations in Vienna has one section that focuses primarily on the atmosphere, this is a key element of their part in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals which they refer to as Agenda 2030. I liked the way it went along with our nation’s Healthy People agenda….goals for a 10 year period. Another was the three overarching topics they work towards:
- Human Rights
- Peace and Security
- Development
Another really cool aspect to go along with the super energy efficient and modern buildings that are all different heights so that no one is blocked with a shadow and have curved windows so it allows for the greatest amount of sunlight to enter each office, is the legend I had never heard about as of yet (and this is my 4th visit. Legend has it that of the 24,000 only one is supposed to open - and no one knows which one.
Our tour ended at 11 and the 4 girls sprinted to the bus station to head to Budapest for the day. They are taking advantage of the close travel, but are wearing themselves out, I fear. I also fear they have not spent enough time in Vienna and will regret it in the end. But they are adults, and it IS THEIR choice.
Rachel and I took the opportunity to head south to Burg Liechtenstein. Inevitably, I get turned around EACH TIME I go there. It seems we go a different direction each time as well. So, we walked about a mile or so, slightly uphill until I thought I knew where I was. Along the way I saaw a trail that I figured would come out by the castle, and sure enough, IT DID!! At the point that most women get to after having multiple children, I made a bee-line to the bathroom (passing two guys that looked like Americans). When I got out, they were talking with Rachel. Evidently, they had been at Schonbrunn yesterday and recognized her bag and struck up a conversation. They were cool - after the tour I asked it they had plans and if they wanted to hang out with us. We walked down the the Seegrotte Hinterbruhl, but it was closed as they are making renovations. Bummer!!
Even with the heat, we had a great time finding a bus back to Vienna. We helped them get a pass for the next couple days that is MUCH cheaper than buying a ticket for EACH trip. Then we walked around Vienna showing them the sites. Robert was soooo much like Spencer - agile, active, and doing pull ups and muscle ups anywhere and everywhere. Sean was not so much, but was a soccer coach and a lot of fun. We walked and walked, snapping pics and laughing all the way. We ended up getting dinner at Vapiano’s (my first time this trip) — never disappointing!!
It was getting to that time where it wasn’t dark but the buildings began to take on a different look. Beautiful! We walked a while longer then headed home. Both Rachel and I had planned on an EARLY evening, but didn’t end up getting home til 10:30pm or so! It was a GREAT day….but my feet hurt SOOOOO bad! I couldn’t fall asleep they hurt so bad.
Robert is a graphic artist so he touched up some pics...how awesome is that!
