Return of the DragoGirls

Cramming in five days worth of work in three…it’s been a while since I did that and it was well worth it for a loooooong weekend away with the girls. I was glad that the plan came together and there were six of us that will be able to meet for this first reunion of the girls from the Dragoman trip in South America. Destination = VIENNA!!!

It was a leisurely start to the trip, not having to rush to the airport at the end of a workday or early morning. Arrived in Vienna after lunch time, greeted by text from Carolin (arrived the day before) and Lizzy (living in Vienna). The girls were amazing, gave directions and before I knew it I was at Lizzy’s flat having a light lunch chattering away with them.

Carolin and I had a weird and interesting check-in experience to our airBnB place. We were able to follow the instructions to retrieve the key from a lock box but was greeted by a strange half naked man who could only speak Portuguese, gesturing that we had the wrong place and that he’s staying there. After enquiring with the neighbour, it turns out that the apartment was divided into two and we were staying in one of them. Carolin went in shouting ‘we’re coming in!’ just to make sure the guy cover himself up. Weirdo!

We went back to Lizzy’s apartment for dinner and girl talks, wine and laughters, serious conversations on relationship and life experiences. Early-ish night and the next day will be a bit of sightseeing with the fabulous local guide, Martina! Plus we have Emma (from Wales) and Sarah (from New Zealand) joining us in the next couple of days.

Vienna is an interesting city, classical in it’s style and design with a balance of modernity weaved into its livelihood. We were shown by our very own locals, Lizzy and Martina, the cathedral, market, opera house, museums, bars, ice creams,  amazing dessert and coffee places and most importantly, FOOD! Plus lots of catching up and laughing of course.

It was when we were at TU Wien Museum I came across the Humanities Festival, hosted talks on politics weaved with technology, social and economic behaviours. This was the first time I found the topics from these disciplines converged in one place, I am one fortunate lady. I’ve been thinking about studying the interdependence between these disciplines in the world we live in and there I was, right in the middle of the conversation between experts from these fields. Happy days!

I was able to fit in a couple of bouldering sessions at Blockfabrik, once with Ali (who moved to Vienna with his gf) and another time on my own before my flight back. It’s a great place for performance climbing but not a great place for training. Perfect for what I needed while away from home.

With the extra day I had more than the others, Carolin and I headed to Bratislava for a quick tour of the city and to satisfy my need for goulash…oh my, that was a delicious goulash. The city is a bit of a mix for me, weird and wonderful, or maybe it’s the combination of Carolin and I. Who knows?! The silliness continued up until we got on the train back to Vienna.

All I can say is, the trip was a blast and better than I ever expected. Culture, education, fun, food and friends…recipe for a great time. Thank you girls!