I met Victoria last year, on a warm summer evening in Beijing. We walked into a Yunnanese restaurant, hidden in one of those winding hutong alleys. We climbed the spiral staircase, parked our tired bodies in a cozy corner, and forgot about time. I remember we were eating spicy mashed potatoes and mushroom salad–Victoria arrived just in time for the plum wine. I don’t remember what we talked about, but I remember her telling me about growing up in Vienna, Austria.
When I was studying at Charles University in Prague, I loved taking weekend trips to cities and towns nearby. I really wanted to go on a train trip to Vienna, but I never quite made it there. Talking to Victoria brought me back there again. And whenever I visit her blog, I think about my time in Prague and places I have yet to visit. In a way, I’ve vicariously experienced the Baroque gardens of Belvedere, quaint storefronts in the city center, pretty Vienna hotel views, and familiar hazy evening walks. I hope I’ll make it there one day, for a cup of coffee and of course, a slice of sachertorte.
The Belvedere houses two Baroque palaces set in lush landscaped gardens. You walk through wrought iron gates, follow a gravelled path to a garden of tiered fountains and cascades surrounded by the oldest alpine garden in the world. It also happens to be the 150-year anniversary of Gustav Klimt’s birth, and The Belvedere has their extensive collection of Gustav Klimt paintings on view until January. I wish!
All photos by Victoria Jin, the founder of Kneon magazine and an Art History student from Beijing/Vienna.
Oh my gosh, it’s my dream to go there T T
Ditto! Isn’t it just beautiful?
Oh this is lovely – she takes such gorgeous photos. I love her purple shades and it must be such a lovely place to grow up in. I really envy people who have been on so many travels. I need to make up for this soon and begin some travelling adventures too.
Vicky is one stylish lady. But oh, you always seem to be on these adventures, too, Winnie.
Vienna really is a wonderful city, I’m so glad to be able to call it my home
Even though I’m not there at the moment. I really hope you’ll be able to go there someday. It’s especially magic in winter time, but summer is great as well!
I didn’t realize you were from Vienna.
It would be quite picturesque to walk through snow-covered Baroque gardens in the winter…
Vienna is a beautiful city! my cousins live there and I love pretty much everything about that city
the pictures are great and the Wiener Schnitzel looks fantastic 
Ohh that’s wonderful you have family there.
Ah the schnitze does look soo good.
Fabulous. <3 It's definitely on my list of places I really want to see.
Such lovely photos! I am certain that you will go to Vienna someday.
My sister went to Berlin this past summer, and she just completely fell in love with the city.
She has definitely inspired me to visit Europe, from what I read and have heard, I would also love it.
Of course, that will probably after I re-visit Japan.
Dear Sewon,
Thank you so much for your little order, will ship it soon with a letter and extra bonus!
Sorry for not having write you since months! Since my moving to a new place this summer time has flied by..
Vienna! I will visit for the first time this december! can’t wait.
warm wishes and hugs,
J.
Oh wow Sewon the photos are magical. Vienna looks so amazing.
I am sighing right now as I look at these pictures. I have spent enough time in Vienna that I know my way around that city better than I know my way around my own. I want to go back!
I hope you get a chance to visit Vienna one day soon. I’d love to see your pictures! The Christmas and New Year holidays are especially magical!