Edelweiss Tour

How I accidentally joined…

So, funny story. I left Praha, Czech Republic late on a Friday long weekend afternoon. I happened to be on a bus, heading for Vienna in Austria, and I had no idea where I was going to sleep. Then I went off to Tabler World, which some people still can’t access, and looked up Vienna. I stumbled upon Mr. Borris, The Pink Panther. Per my usual nosy messages, I asked him for a quick beer and possible home hosting, thinking the obvious would happen. He then replied with a quick message, that they had a tour on that weekend, and following the week as well. Nevertheless, he had a bed for me. Upon arrival the following morning at the bus stop, I was greeted by my old friend! Chatting and encountering like old friends. Then to my question that followed, I was SHOCKED! “What tour is going on?” Just like the pinnacle of tours all over the world… but in a calmer answer was I responded to. With my luck, and good timing I had the privilege to extend my one day, into a three day stop before heading onwards again. Alongside myself, I was joined by three planned members from ARTSA NNC Area to attend the tour. We had a blast and was so thankful for the Austrian experience and hospitality. We went on such an amazing tour through Vienna city center and surrounding areas. We even went to a theme park where I was pale as a ghost after half of the carnival’s beer & pizza was inside me, then shaking me like a cocktail. Nonetheless, the views from a world record holder carousel were even more exceptional. The landscape and scene from above the city will always be one to cherish. There was even time for what the Europeans call a BBQ, which is meat cooked very fast on a gas heater. Still, the beers were flowing, and the conversations found their way through the room, with RSA being a talking point. The fact that we were all so in tune, and that I was welcomed so easily was truly remarkable of this organization. I found and made friends across the world, and I had to travel across the world to meet people from my own country. This made my eyes open, to how small and big we are. I will forever remember my first time in Europe, as a youngster joining the tour, remembering what it was like to take all that beauty and culture in at one moment.