For the love of warm beverages!

I’ve officially been jaded by this city. It’s been hovering around 0 all day and I cannot stop complaining about the cold! I know all my Canadian readers baring the insanely cold temperatures of -16 to -25 are all making very angry comments right now, but honestly I can’t help it! As I walked around the grounds of Rathaus and surrounding area this afternoon (Danny - you'd love it... There's huge outdoor rinks and ice paths around the grounds for skating!), I couldn’t wait to find myself a café somewhere in hopes to warm up and stop my nose from running! Well, it didn’t take me long to find one. And, as I sit here looking out at the snow falling in Sigmund Freud Park, while enjoying my Baileys latte, I’m contemplating if I ever want to leave! I’m also starting to wonder how I ever survived the frigid winter in Ottawa last year!

Now, onto more important things – my drink… I must admit the Viennese have mastered all things in the warm beverage category. Every time I make an order I really have no idea what I will get (the joys of German menus!), and yet I have yet to be disappointed. Take for example my beverage of the day – the Baileys latte – a genius blend of espresso, Baileys, milk and something I don’t know the English translation for. I don’t know, maybe it doesn’t sound spectacular to you, but really, anything with Baileys is a little piece of heaven in my books. In other words, to put things into perspective really – as I sit here with my latte listening to the American pop songs being played over the café speakers, I cannot help but think the lack of Tim Horton’s in Vienna will not make me homesick in the least bit… I’ll take a Viennese café over a Tim’s double-double anyday!

In other exciting news, my friend Jill will be making the big trip across the pond for a visit in just less than 20 days… Jill may just be my best friend, as she is the only confirmed visitor thus far! Colleen – Amanda, I know you both also have plans to visit too, and I promise you can gain BF status too once your tickets to Vienna have been booked! In the meantime, I will embark on the seemingly impossible task of finding vegan-friendly restaurants and stores… Is veal vegan-friendly by chance? Jill my dear, you may just have to bring a few groceries with you – or live off lettuce for the week!

Well, it’s getting dark, which means time for me to get going, as I am scared of my U-Bahn station after dark… Mom, no need to worry – it’s just a precaution, it’s not that bad – just a few crazies on the bottle!

Tschüss!


Up-date: Maybe I should worry about the underground a bit more… I spoke a little too soon! On my way home I was followed from the city center all the way home. I noticed said stalker on the train so at one station I took a detour to the bakery to try and smoke him out… My hunches were right – he waited outside the store, trying to be casual. As soon as I left the shop he was right back to following me… I ran up the escalator and to the tram stop and still he was right behind me. Thank god for the crowds of people at the stop – I was able to ditch him for good and made it home safely! Also, thank god Jordan arrives next week so I can have company when it’s needed… Hopefully my mobile gets here soon too – I’ve never wanted one more than tonight!! Don’t worry about me too much though – I still follow mine and Stephanie’s “Halifax self-defense tactic” and always carry my keys in my hand just in case!