Only in Vienna

We were able to do a lot in Vienna because we were there during the off season. For instance, we were able to see hear the Vienna Boys Choir perform during mass on a Sunday. They were in their little costumes, and sang various hymns. It was amazing to think that these kids sounded like a mature women's voice. It was actually kind of weird for me. And after the concert, they ran out to their parents and took pictures with the tourists. I'm sure the parents loved the attention that their kids got.
Outside the chapel where the Vienna Boys Choir performed

We also got to see the Spanish riding school's riding practice and performance. We saw the horses train, and I felt a little sorry for them. They had to prance around and do all these footwork things that were simply not natural for a horse. Imagine only being able to walk my raising your knees up to your chest, holding your chin high, and if you wanted to move sideways, you had to prance along sideways one foot over the other. It isn't comfortable. And it didn't look very comfortable for the horses. Seeing them go from their "performance stance" to their "normal stance" was a dramatic change. The horses went from looking regal and pompous looking to a tired race horse that just came in last place.

And when in Vienna, eat weinerschnitzel. We went to a famous weinerschinitzel restaurant upon the recommendation of the hotel clerk. The schnitzel was very thin and lightly fried, and it was HUGE! And it was sooo good! Best schnitzel I'd ever had! And it came with a yummy salad that we happily munched at. Schnitzel...it was HUGE!!!

In Vienna, I discovered that there are pickpockets everywhere. They are especially looking for Nalgene water bottles. While we were riding to the Haptsburg Schloss in the train, it was very crowded with tourists. I noticed that a guy was standing next to me with an extremely large but empty duffle bag. As I started to make my way for the exit, I noticed that my messenger bag was suddenly much lighter. I looked at the guy and said "give me back my water bottle". He smiled and kindly gave it back. So watch out for those Nalgene thieves on the trains in Vienna!
And when in Vienna, do not eat liver. Because that's what my mom ate, and she got sick =(. She was bed ridden in our hotel for 3 days. It sucked for her =( She didn't get to go to Budapest at all =(