Our afternoon arrival in Vienna was made enchanting by a driving tour of the city and a visit to Schonbrunn, one of the grandiose and stunning residences of the Habsburg family. After relaxing and exploring the Schunbrunn grounds, we ventured to the hotel to either put our things down and explore or crash for a nap before dinner. Following dinner, we fixed ourselves up (and what a fabulous-looking bunch those Topdeck travelers make) to attend a concert with the music of Mozart and Strauss. The concert hall proved stunning, the music transcendent, and the dancing and vocals entertaining. Intermission provided sparkling wine and the most intensely colorful sunset I've seen in a while, after which I may or may not have accidentally charmed a young Viennese trumpet-player. [Ladies, you'll like this story.] Accidentally, you ask? Absolutely. All I did was smile in return to his hello, and the young fellow spent the rest of his time on stage craning his neck and back to smile at me in the back of the room. He even interrupted songs to tap fellow musicians and whisper in my direction. It was a most flattering and awkward exchange for a young lady who did not realize she was so mysterious (most likely because she's not)!

The following day was spent with a lot of free time as Topdeck provides so well, and people chose to bike, explore the cathedrals and churches (particularly St. Stephen's and Karls Church), or wander the open-air markets (most notably the beloved Naschmarkt) to try the vast array of foods and shop for goods from far off lands. Then we all met up in the afternoon for one final day of outings, heading first to the Schnapps Museum for a delightful tour that enlightened us to the many variations of the famed Austrian liquor. The tour guide was absolutely hysterical, making sure to note things like: “If you have this type of schnapps, you will suddenly have the funniest party ever. Even if you're the only one at the party... (mischievous giggle).” The tour was completed with the tasting of a vast array of tasty shots, from liquor with flakes of gold to absinthe to liqueurs that tasted like strawberries & cream.

Then it was off to Prater Park for some amusement park goodness, and boy was it fun! We all ran around like children, arms flailing and cotton candy staining our fingers. We played games, rode water rides and bumper cards, and spun through the air at 100mph on a ride that I can only describe as a massive circularly-moving slingshot that just happens to never let you go.

And after our glorious afternoon of schnapps and amusement-park rides, we had one last hearty Eastern European dinner in a dimly lit basement restaurant. There was plenty of reminiscing and good Austrian drink, and the night was finished with non-stop hugs, the exchange of e-mail addresses, and sad goodbyes.

This means, ladies and gentlemen, that my European exploits have come to a close. Topdeck Tours showed me an absolutely fabulous time jetting about Eastern Europe, and I have come away with a hoard of new friends from around the world. So, if you like the sound of my experience (which included amazing people, organized transit, stunning destinations, free time, and a whole load of fun), hook up with Topdeck for your next jaunt abroad!

Where to next, you ask? China, baby. I'm about to board my plane to Hong Kong, and I'm overwhelmed with excitement. I can't wait to send word from the East, so stay tuned!

Rachel