European Vacation 2013 - Days 1-2

We have talked about going to Europe for a very long time.  Every time we thought it was going to happen, something else happened to keep Europe from happening.  So when a friend offered us her timeshare and we knew I had enough "perks" from work to get us there, we seized the opportunity.  It was a quickly planned trip but that made it all the more exciting.

We typically like to surprise our kids with trips but we knew this one would take more planning so we told them from the beginning.  We got passports for those who didn't have one, made packing lists, researched things to do at our destinations, and bought things we would need for the trip.  

Finally, the day came for us to leave.  Finally!  Our flight left Knoxville right at noon so it was an easy morning of final packing then we headed to the airport.  Our check in and flight to Chicago was smooth and easy.  We had time to eat an early dinner in Chicago then boarded our flight to Vienna, Austria.  We flew Austrian Airlines (a first for all of us) and in hindsight, it was our favorite flight as far as service.  We tried to sleep on the 9 hour flight but none of us were very successful - except C who used Mom's lap for a pillow and slept about 4 hours.  

The plane landed and we were in Austria!!!!  On Dad's birthday!!  Oh my - we were ready to see some sights.  We stored our carry on bags at the airport then headed out to see the city.  We only had about 4 hours since our layover was just over 6 hours.  A quick (18 min or so) train ride and we were in the city center.  The first place we saw to eat was McD's.  We were all so hungry that we ate there since we were short on time for sightseeing.  (For the record:  I don't like it anymore there than I do here.  But it filled us up for the moment.)

We started walking and it all seems like a blur since we were tired.  We found a cathedral and the bells started ringing.  And they rang and rang and rang and rang.  And rang some more.

Then we found a palace and couldn't decide what to see and/or do.  Did I mention that we were all tired?  So Dad in all his wisdom said, "Let's take a ride in one of those horse drawn carriages."  So we did.  And E slept during the entire 40 min ride.  But it was a great way to see the main sites of the city.  

Outside the

Vienna Opera House

After another stop at McD's - we didn't have the energy to find anywhere else to eat since we had to make it to our train - and we were on our way back to the airport.

We claimed our carry on bags, went through security and went to our gate to catch our third and final flight to Munich.  It was a short flight and soon we found ourselves in Germany.  We went through Immigration and Customs then headed to get our van.  Soon we were following the GPS to our home for the next week in Schliersee.  It was dark by this time so we couldn't see anything.  But just being in Germany was exciting for all of us!  A quick stop at a Burger King - remember it was dark so we took what we could find - and soon we were at our destination.  The Alpen Club was a welcomed sight.  

We checked in, found our condo, unloaded the van and fell into bed.  14 hours later we would see Germany in the daylight.