Hofburg Palace Ball, Vienna, Austria ... Feb 13-14, 2009

So, for 13 years I have wanted to attend a Vienna ball, not because I like to dance (quite the contrary) or I am good at dancing (also, quite the contrary), but because it sounded fascinating to be in the same place as the royalty from Vienna's rich history. We finally decided to do this when we found out that a couple of friends of ours were going to go. And we happened to be at the 2nd largest ball (it was the Coffee House Ball, hence the many gourmet/artistic cakes below) and the one that happened to transcend Valentine's Day. It started at 9:00 on Friday evening and we ended up leaving after midnight on Valentine's Day, so I got to count that as my Valentine's present to Heather (although you have to admit that this was TOTALLY fair!). The ball didn't actually end until 4AM, and technically, at 100 Euros each, one would think that we would want to take full advantage, but after 3 plus hours in an uncomfortable tuxedo and even more uncomfortable shoes, we called it a night (also knowing Ryan was going to be up at 6:30). But not before we were able to tour the Hofburg, even visiting some rooms normally off limits to tourists (they only open them up for the balls each year) and seeing the Vienna Boy's Choir perform. The main ballroom was fantastic, and watching the professional dancers flitter their way around the dance floor was great. Quite a contrast to Heather and I out there, once they opened it up to the "common folk". We did a few dances out there, stepping on the toes of other people (and each others), Heather scraping one lady not once, but TWICE, with her wedding ring! I truly think that I was born in the wrong era. I was supposed to be born in 19th century Vienna, but Heather thinks that I couldn't survive without the 21st century luxuries. She is probably right.
We had a great time and despite the uncomfortable clothing, Heather looked fantastic and I recommend this to ANYONE. Totally worth the money, the time, and the effort (as it was a lot of effort!).