Days 30 & 31 - Staying in Austria

Staying at an apartment instead of a hostel has been amazing.  Simon has been a great host and has taken us around in his off time to see the city. 

Above is a picture of a festival in the 13th district.  Simon lives right next to the festival so we went to check it out.  It was here that we tried sturm, fermenting grape juice that has a high amount of alcohol.  It is only available for a few weeks every year because there is no way to preserve it.  The sturm was cloudy, sugary and delicious. 
 

A classic Austrian lunch

During our lunch the table next to us was celebrating a birthday.  Of course the band performing had to stop the show and come over to the table to sing.

We were on our way to another festival when Simon ran into somebody he knew on the tram.  He and his girlfriend were headed to the Austrian softball championships so we decided to join them.

After the first game there was a two hour break.  The other festival was close so the decision was made to come back to the softball championships.

The music was done by a Cuban band and there was a lot of red everywhere.  We soon figured out that we were at communism supporters' festival. 

We made it back to the softball championships in time to see the final two innings.  Unfortunately the team we were rooting for lost.  I did get to hold the second place trophy though.

Me, with the only American on the team and the trophy

We went out with the team after the game.  Simon was able to trade his shirt for a Sharx shirt.  They don't sell them so he is the only person in the world who has one and isn't on the team.     

Sadly this was Adrian's last night out in Europe.  He didn't want to be away from home any longer and has left for Germany to catch his flight home. 

My plan is to spend a few more days in Austria to rest and then go to Budapest.  I've met many people on the trip that have recommended the city and it's alsö a short train ride from Vienna. 

Scott