Friends from South Africa dropped by for the weekend. (Only possible because they were in Egypt and had the opportunity to book a cheap add on-ticket to Vienna) I tried to see Vienna with the eyes of strangers to Europe.

So I not only showed them the best of views this beautiful city offers but also looked at the details of life in Europe. Where I travel, the EU-enlargement, what I do in Slovenia, the pearls I discovered over the last years, cars from Latvia and Ukraine in Vienna, bus fares and other prices in Austria - basically what has changed in my life and in Europe ever since I said goodbye to these two friends from Africa at the train station in Oldenburg, North West Germany, in Spring 1992.


Stephansdom


Inside St. Stephan


Fiaker


Bookshop


Santa Claus is hanging in town


Judenplatz - Jewish square


Christmas market on the Rathausplatz with Burgtheater in the background


Art Nouveau at Secession


Naschmarkt


Karlskirche


Subway-station


Squirrel in Schönbrunn


Schönbrunn

We hadn't seen each other for more than 12 years. It was a very, very special weekend for us. What a Christmas present that was. They came to spend time with me and it was as if we had parted just yesterday. Thank you, my friends.