Vienna, clad in its silvery garb, welcomed the annual Christmas festival once again. The severe cold did not dispel everyone's enthusiasm, as the festive atmosphere had already filled Vienna.
In shop windows, a dazzling array of Christmas gifts were displayed; around the Gothic fountain at the center of the square, colorful game tents for the Christmas market had been erected.
Street performers had also started their shows, filling the air with music that was warm, sweet, sorrowful, and melancholic, along with pleasing and graceful dances.
The charm of an international metropolis was undeniable, and Vienna, the capital of art, was undoubtedly so. Here, one could appreciate music from Europe with distinct characteristics, dances and magic of various styles.
Franz had still not received any good news from South Africa, and it seemed that the war could not end before Christmas. Without surprise, all this was within Franz's expectations.
