Flat Stanley

This past weekend, we did a Flat Stanley for some good friends in Annapolis.  It was Worthy, Christian & I.  Fortunately Christian was asleep in the stroller for 90% of the time.

Here's what we did (please forgive the juvenile nature of the content... it was written for a child!)

Our first stop was getting on public transportation.  Here is Vienna, we ride the Strassenbahn.  (We don’t even have a car!)  The public transportation takes us anywhere we need to go.  

The first place we took Flat Stanley was to the Opera House.  The Opera House is a world famous opera.  Some of the greatest classical musicians and singers in the world play here.  Many people even take children to the Opera here.  They feel it is an important part of their national identity.

Our next stop, just a couple of blocks away was the Hofburg Palace.  This is Austria’s version of the White House. It is a building that has seen many significant events throughout history.  Adults may be interested in this article by Rick Steve’s.  Every winter there are many Balls here, where men dress up in tuxedos and women wear ballgowns and waltz until 4am.  Right before you pass through the arch to exit there is a Guard box.  Worthy thought Flat Stanley would like to see inside.

After the Hofburg we walked down to the Rathaus.  (pronounce Rat House… really!)  This is where the city government meets.  This building and the plaza in front of it act as a community venue.  During the winter they turn the plaza into an ice skating rink.  And at Christmas time, there is a wonderful Christmas market.  We didn’t get too close because there was a bike convention.  See all the people?! 

Then we walked to a famous memorial here in the city.  It’s called the Pestsäule.  (I didn’t even know the name of it until now…). It’s a memorial to many people that died from an old disease called the Plague. 

Right around the corner was our final site.  

It’s called Stephansdome (or St. Stephen’s Cathedral in English).  It’s a beautiful church in the heart of the city.  Outside you find street performers and impersonators.  Although it’s a tourist attraction, it still functions as a church and so you will often see people praying inside or the church holding a service.  If you walk up to the top of the steeple, you can get a great view of the whole city.  We had the stroller with us, so we had to settle for a view from below.

Our last stop was to get ice cream as a thank you to my wonderful son and assistant (despite the frigid temperatures).  He decided Flat Stanley should get a taste of the gelato too J.