A not-so hidden sanctuary!

...a wonderful discovery one chilly Sunday morning!
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I was sooo looking forward to this weekend's rest after a 22-day duty travel arriving at around 11 PM last Sunday and working for 10 hours the next day (...and the next)!

But REST does not necessarily come to those who wait.....

Saturday was spent entertaining some welcome guests (we dont do much entertaining here but company is always welcome)  and  attending a colleague's grandchild baptism. It was also an opportunity to showcase the hubby's and, ehhherrrmmm, yours truly's culinary expertise.

So a whole day of lazing around should have defined my Sunday!!

BUT the hubby has other plans. Right after I got out of bed, he suggested that we take a walk which I initially said no to claiming the need for physical and mental replenishment...hehe...Then he exclaimed, "You look so big in your new photos".  Huhh?? Usually, these words have no effect on thou and well, yeah, blame it on 22 day gorging on the gorengs of Indonesia (Sundanese cuisine is to die for!), tom yums of Thailand and laksas of Singapore - add these to the sisig and crispy pata of home!

I don't know if it was guilt for being away so long or plain 'rising to a challenge' response - I said YES to having a stroll!!

AND, oh boy,  was I glad I did!  For, on this chilly Sunday morning, we discovered a not-so-hidden paradise very close to home - the Donau Park!

Donaupark is a haven in the midst of the city featuring a rich assembly of sights, such as the Donauturm (Danube Tower) and garden sections with various plants. Its 800,000 square meters of lush trees and magnificent gardens!!

pretty flowers everywhere in the park

and these too...

wild flowers....

and of course, these trees.....

trees of various colors, shapes and sizes....

 The park also boasts of several entertainment facilities that cater to both young and the not so young!

Take the web challenge! I got on the first web...hehe..

The hubby after  having hurdled this maze...Happy, Yipee, Yehey!! :)

There's more, a lot, lot, more - all worthy to be featured here but best experienced personally! For us, it was one day of amazing discoveries and 'inexpensive' :) but truly memorable 'together time'.

Its really embarrasing to have just discovered this sanctuary after having lived in Vienna for more than 3 years! Hidden treasures lie near, indeed! I guess more Sunday morning discovery walk from now on....