Graz is beautiful

I am in love with this town. I want to move here for a while - but only if I can buy a puffy down jacket and fur lined boots...

Seriously, it is extremely beautiful. During the day, with the carpet of golden leaves and in the evening, with the sparkling Christmas lights...

We got up as early as we could and did a walk of the old town. We saw the Painted House opposite the Landhaus, wandered around the Christmas markets (see pic on left) in the Hauptplatz (central square), spotted the 'Turkish warrior' under the cornice of the Palais Saurau and admired the pastries in the Edegger Tax bakery.

After pausing in the Cathedral, we left our mark in the Burg (at the top of the spiral staircase), before playing in the leaves in the Burggarten and the snow(!) in the Stadtpark. Oh, and I can see why there are so many Maroni (chestnut) stalls in this country - you need something to keep you warm!

In the Stadtpark (see pic on right), is one of the best things about Graz. Right next to a beautiful fountain is the 'Rusty Nail' (as you may guess, a modern, very tall nail) - Graz has beautiful old buildings and cobbled streets, but it also has some brilliant modern architecture and art. Same deal with the Opera House and the steel sculpture 'Light Sword'.

We made our way through the Farmers Market at Kaiser-Josef-Platz before deciding we needed lunch. Rewarding ourselves for bounding up the stairs to the Schlossberg (amazing view!), we snapped away at the Bell Tower, the Clock Tower (with hands back to front!) and a bizarre message from space before warming up with some soup. We decided to take the funicular down - beautiful view again.

We quickly visited The Bug aka Grazer Kunsthaus (see pic on left), another modern building, before cramming in some shopping. Then it suddenly turned very cold. Taking refuge in the Sacher Cafe (I LOVE their hot chocolates), we went home to rest before our night out...