This week, we're off to Vienna — and we’ve got the perfect local guide: our amazing friend @Vanessa Harrer, who grew up in the Austrian capital and shares it all with heart, humor, and insider tips!

🌟 What’s inside this episode?
🎄 The magic of Vienna’s 50+ Christmas markets — from big city squares to hidden neighborhood gems
👑 The legacy of Empress Maria Theresa, Austria’s powerful female ruler who reformed education and ruled for 40 years
🎶 The real impact of Mozart on daily life in Vienna — including music for babies!
☕ Why Vienna’s coffeehouses are more than cafés — they’re cultural institutions and social hubs
🍽️ What Austrians really eat — sweet dumplings for lunch, Wiener Schnitzel, and the legendary Sachertorte
📚 Book tips rooted in Austria:

• The Royal Game (Schachnovelle) by Stefan Zweig

• The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal

💬 Vanessa also breaks down the cultural differences between Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, and gives us ideas for travel beyond Vienna — think mountain lakes, spa hotels, and ski resorts with family-friendly vibes.

🎧 Whether you’ve been to Vienna or it's still on your list, this episode is your invitation to see it like a local — through the eyes of someone who truly loves it.