Dates : 25 December 2011 & 31 December 2012
It's Christmas time again and this will be my first time celebrating Christmas outside of Singapore. I was really hoping for a white Christmas but it did not happen. In fact, many places in Europe did not experience snow on the 25th. Nonetheless, it was still a fantastic experience to spend Christmas in a country that really celebrates the festival.
Vienna is famous for her Christmas markets. There were plenty of them to go by, ranging from a few stores to the huge market in front of Rathaus. All of them sell similar items, such as Gluehwine (hot wine), caramelized nuts and Christmas decors. My favorite market would have to be the one in front of the Rathaus (which is the town hall). Although it is a tourist trap, everything costs a bomb, it looks absolutely beautiful.
I also met a very nice, and probably rich person, at this Christmas market. I was tasked by my friend to get a Gluehwine cup for him at the market. So I went up to this random guy to ask him if he is willing to sell me his cup, which is about EUR2, he said no. Instead, he brought me to the wine stand and bought me one! Talk about the spirit of giving! Well, I think he is rich because he pulled out a stack of EUR500 notes when paying for my cup. Lol
Elsewhere throughout Vienna, decorations and lights were put up throughout the city. I really got a Christmas feeling that I can't get in Singapore. I guess the weather plays a huge role because it is cold here!
Initially, I was hoping to make a Christmas feast on the eve, but I ended up having steamboat with my friends and their Chinese friends.
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In a blink of an eye, it's New Year's Eve already. Again, it's my first time spending it outside Singapore and I spent it with all the friends I made during the exchange. I really had an awesome time!
We had a feast for dinner as they were cooked by Julian and Cedric. I baked a brownie for dessert too. It's mostly western type of food such as olives and cheese&crackers.
As the guests streamed in, we started to play some (drinking) games. How can new year be celebrated without some alcohol?! Before long, everyone was high and we set off to Heldenplatz for the countdown.
It's Christmas time again and this will be my first time celebrating Christmas outside of Singapore. I was really hoping for a white Christmas but it did not happen. In fact, many places in Europe did not experience snow on the 25th. Nonetheless, it was still a fantastic experience to spend Christmas in a country that really celebrates the festival.
Vienna is famous for her Christmas markets. There were plenty of them to go by, ranging from a few stores to the huge market in front of Rathaus. All of them sell similar items, such as Gluehwine (hot wine), caramelized nuts and Christmas decors. My favorite market would have to be the one in front of the Rathaus (which is the town hall). Although it is a tourist trap, everything costs a bomb, it looks absolutely beautiful.
I also met a very nice, and probably rich person, at this Christmas market. I was tasked by my friend to get a Gluehwine cup for him at the market. So I went up to this random guy to ask him if he is willing to sell me his cup, which is about EUR2, he said no. Instead, he brought me to the wine stand and bought me one! Talk about the spirit of giving! Well, I think he is rich because he pulled out a stack of EUR500 notes when paying for my cup. Lol
Elsewhere throughout Vienna, decorations and lights were put up throughout the city. I really got a Christmas feeling that I can't get in Singapore. I guess the weather plays a huge role because it is cold here!
Initially, I was hoping to make a Christmas feast on the eve, but I ended up having steamboat with my friends and their Chinese friends.
***************************************************************************
In a blink of an eye, it's New Year's Eve already. Again, it's my first time spending it outside Singapore and I spent it with all the friends I made during the exchange. I really had an awesome time!
We had a feast for dinner as they were cooked by Julian and Cedric. I baked a brownie for dessert too. It's mostly western type of food such as olives and cheese&crackers.
As the guests streamed in, we started to play some (drinking) games. How can new year be celebrated without some alcohol?! Before long, everyone was high and we set off to Heldenplatz for the countdown.
To be honest, I was rather disappointed at the countdown, or rather the lack of it. I was hoping for a proper countdown to midnight and then a burst of fantastic fireworks. However, there was no countdown at all, and the only cue that it was midnight was the random firing of fireworks. All the fireworks seen were probably fired by some random person who bought it from the supermarket. Yes, fireworks can be bought freely and lighted during this period. So throughout the day, we can see and hear fireworks and firecrackers being set off all over the city. This was something I have never experience before and I think it's pretty cool to be able to do that.
Nonetheless, it was still a fantastic way to spend the new year! Happy 2012!
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