Vienna, Austria

The day started (as usual) early – breakfast was at 7am and all bags had to be ready to go on the bus by 7:40am. The students were up early though and well prepared as always, so everything went smooth. By now they’re so trained in the art of packing that we had the bus ready to go – all bags aboard and everybody inside in their seats within 15 minutes.

The students in front of the Schönbrunn Castle

Ahead of us laid a long day on the bus.

First stop was at a small mall on the Czech border where the students could shop for basic necessities as well as getting their last taste of the quite unique Czech cuisine. The guides went shopping for an upcoming picnic (loads of food for 70 people was 1,500 dkr or about €200 = Czech Republic is cheeeaaap).

Moving on we crossed the border to Austria where the guides treated the students to DJ Ötzi, Hansi Hinterseer and other magnificently great, German singers – the mood on the bus changed from tired to “After-Ski” with sing-along and dancing in the aisles.

The "outside dining room"

Time for a smoothie!

Arriving in Vienna we took a tour around the city ring and showed many of the sights worth seeing, when the students will have time on their own tomorrow.

Spectacular views of the castle and Vienna in the background

We stopped in at the Schönbrunn Schloβ where the students had about 2 ½ hours to go exploring. The Schönbrunn Schloβ is an absolutely vast building with beautiful gardens surrounding it, and was initially build as a “summer retreat”.

Once again: Being a guide can be tough

After that we went to the hotel where dinner was served at a nearby restaurant.

Unfortunately for the students they have to stay in tonight after dinner, as there was some late night running-around last night, but as the hotel offers both fussball, a good Internet connection and a nice lounge area they should be all right.

Going-out privileges will once again be granted tomorrow if they abide the curfew J

So far the trip has been absolutely great, and everybody is having a great time. We are all looking very much forward to go exploring in Vienna tomorrow.

Tomorrow night the students are in for a treat: We will all go to a 1 ½ hour classical concert at the former Imperial Palace. Should be a great time!