Why I didn't buy a book nor tea in Vienna

I mostly travel for professional development, so the days are filled with learning and the evenings are too short for wandering around. I am happy when I find a bookstore, see some art and have a lovely cup of tea. I usually bring back a book or two when I travel, or eight in case of London, but this was a glorious exception. A bag of tea also finds a place in my suitcase even when it is small. Not this time. The only thing I bought was a package of chocolate-covered heart-shaped waffles. But I brought back so much more - the three days in Vienna filled my cup to brim. My friend and I took a trip to Vienna to visit another friend, a former colleague, and her husband.

On Friday evening, after eating the best strudel ever, in the darkness of the evening, I found myself running to catch a tram number 38, fully aware how ridiculous it must have looked to bystanders seeing three women and a man in their second youth sprinting around a corner, laughing loudly and not caring a bit of what others thought. I was happy.

Even with hundred photos and words, even if I had recorded the whole trip with a camera, it would be impossible to give to you my happy.

My happy:

freedom and independence to travel
summer warmth
lush green nature, chestnut blossoms
climbing stairs in art museums and a church tower
a seven day city transportation ticket
books, books, books in the old national library and Shakespeare Company Booksellers shop
schnitzel and strudel

and the most important

friends I have known half my life,
special people who know and understand me,
women who give me strength and nudge me forward,
who have witnessed my tears and celebrated my victories,
with whom I can talk for hours
or sit in silence
and who can sprint for a tram, laughing together.

When I have this kind of happy, I don't need anything else, not even a book or a bag of tea.


Photos from a trip on Saturday: