Merry Christmas from the Land of Mozart & Strauss!

Press play on the audio player and turn up the volume.

Christmas has finally arrived here in Austria. Back home in the States, it is still Christmas Eve and in the East, it's already well into Christmas Day. Most Austrian families celebrated Christmas last night. The Christmas tree is decorated with candles, chocolates, and ornaments, presents from immediate family are opened, and many attend midnight church services.

I took a walk through the city center to Stephansdom, or St. Stephen's Cathedral. The streets were lit up in golden lights.
Built in the 12th century, the Stephansdom has a rich history. Part of this history, however, includes severe damage from civilian fires during the last weeks of World War II. Mainly due to this damage, the cathedral is perpetually under renovation. Nonetheless, it is still one of Vienna's most recognizable architectural and cultural landmarks.

For those of you wondering why I am standing next to a statue of Johann Strauss in the first photo, that's actually a real living person. Stephansplatz, the area surrounding Stephansdom, is known for its artists and street performers. There are always people there dressed as a variety of historical and fictional characters. What makes them unique is that instead of being dressed in regular costumes, they cover their costumes in a paint that makes them look like statues. If they stand still enough, they really are convincing!

So, from Stephansdom and from the Land of Mozart and Strauss, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!