My dream, for as long as I can remember, has been to go to the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna where the Lipizzaner stallions perform. The school is the only “institution in the world that has been in existence for 430 years” (according to their website).

Unfortunately, we missed the Morning Exercises, where the riders put the horses through their routines, but Preston and I were able to go on the guided tour of the stables and riding arenas. The horses are the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen, and it was incredible being able to be up close to them. The stables and riding arenas were immaculate and beautiful. It was amazing being able to be so close to a place I’ve read about and seen in pictures (and dreamed about going to!). The only drawback was not being allowed to take any pictures during our tour. I understand why, but I was a little disappointed.

Unfortunately, children under 3 weren’t allowed on the tour, so Pam and Bob took him to the Imperial Palace. He was really good, and seemed to enjoy sightseeing! While we were walking around near the Spanish Riding School, there was a large group of people and a military band playing. According to one of the locals, it was a “very important person,” however, we weren’t able to determine who it was.

Vienna was beautiful but cold when we were sightseeing, but again, Ethan was great! We took the train to Vienna’s “biggest mall,” but it was quite disappointing. The most exciting part was Ethan riding on one of those little mechanical car rides, and he threw a fit when we took him off. The mall was one of the smallest malls I’ve ever seen, but luckily we’d been able to do some shopping earlier, and I got Ethan his very own Lederhosen. He loved wearing it, and tried to put it back after I took it off of him!
[caption id="attachment_268" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Ethan in his Lederhosen"][/caption]
We’ve loved Austria and have had a fabulous time. Tomorrow we head to Kosovo, and then on to Greece!