We're well into lockdown 2 over here so this post is more of a commentary than an update - prepare yourself for new photos of similar scenes. One perk of this less-than-ideal situation is that the novel, touristy feeling of living abroad has been replaced by a true sense of belonging - although I still can't believe my luck living here, Vienna is really beginning to feel like home.
Above: a foray into the the 18th district to visit a friend for a walk through Türkenschanz Park
As much as I miss Kaffee und Kuchen, the replacement I've found has proved to be just as great and I'm pretty sure it's what I'll remember from this lockdown in years to come - the many different hiking routes in the outskirts of the city. Picking a new one, finding the start point and inevitably getting lost as the sun is replaced by an icy darkness has come to be a sort of weekly ritual. As the weekdays blur into one, this Saturday tradition is a useful way of marking the weeks as we move towards the end of lockdown and the much awaited opening of the Christmas markets (yes, I'm remaining firmly optimistic)!
Above: photos from Stadtwanderweg 1 (which I've now completed 4 times but, thanks to my utter inability to remember directions, each time following a slightly different route!)
Above: a very blurry photo of a very foggy evening following Stadtwanderweg 5a. Perhaps I should stick to route 1.
It wouldn't be a Vienna post without a shot of Stefansdom and it's even more necessary now the tree is up! 2020 may be giving us a run for our money but the Christmas spirit here is strong and everyone seems almost intensely, fiercely festive, desperate not to let the pandemic rob them of the city's best season.
After a week of routines, this Sunday I ventured slightly further afield with some friends. We took the train to Semmering for another hike in this mountainous region. Thankfully it was cold enough when I left my flat to warrant hat, gloves and scarf, for when we arrived at the station we were greeted with snow! And lots of it!
We followed the Sonnwendstein Loop up from the village towards the Erzkogel viewpoint which then curved down and round along the Kammweg back towards the station. There was certainly no gentle warm up on this trail and we were soon being blasted by snow canons as we attempted to zigzag our way across the Semmering ski pistes. Emerging as yetis, we continued on and up through the trees to the most stunning viewpoint.
After a fairly steep but grippy climb up and fortified by lunch, we approached the descent perhaps over-confidently. Safe to say, much slipping ensued and I was horizontal for most of the journey home!
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