Hey ULGers, The base reason for our last enormous holiday in November and December was the celebration of Jin’s older brother Jinki’s marriage to his gorgeous new Slovakian bride Andrea. Yes, a Wedding in Slovakia. Jinki has lived there for about 16 years with his first family working for the Korean car companies.

On our way to Europe we grabbed Jin’s Mum, Dad and Aunty and took them for their first European adventure. Jin being who he is couldn’t just take them for the wedding. He decided that if they are coming to Europe they need to see more than just the mountains of Slovakia. So a plan was hatched. We’d hire a people mover from our landing city Vienna and give the crew a tour of a few of our favourite parts nearby. This way we could really see the beauty of Europe and all have stories that will last a lifetime. It couldn’t be too extravagant, there are finite funds. So, two nights in Vienna, two in Prague, three in mountainous Zilina near the Polish border for the wedding, two in Budapest and then back to Vienna to send the family home. It was a big task, took nearly a year of preparation. All put together by Jin, dealing with factions, personalities, wants and needs of all five big, strong personalities.

Here is a mainly photo story of our adventures.

Wedding in Slovakia 2023

Collecting the Family

When flying Korean Air from Sydney to Europe the flights don’t match up so they give you a night in a 5* hotel with breakfast and coach transfers to and from the airport. It’s a very civilised way to travel, we arrive so much more relaxed and refreshed. We were lucky enough to get a 4 seat row to ourselves on the first leg.

Our first stop when arriving in South Korea is Lotteria at the airport. A Bulgogi Burger for Jin and Fried Cheesesticks for me.

Jin and I took a wander to a new-ish casino near Incheon with dozens of very Insta moments created to lure gamblers. They even had a Yayoi Kasuma very tall dot pumpkin in their stairwell.

Mum, Dad and Aunty met us at Incheon Airport next morning and we took them into the lounge. Their first time doing that too.

Vienna, Austria

Arriving in Vienna Jin grabbed the car and we moved into our AirBnB. We took the crew to St Stephen’s cathedral and a wander around the area. We lit candles for all our friends and family (yes, you included), wishing them health, wealth and contentment.

Then were met at 1794 opened Cafe Mozart by Jin’s older brother Jinki and his gorgeous bride to be Andrea. Yes, I know it’s expensive and not the coolest cafe in Vienna but its old world charm, view of the Albertina and the impeccably dressed waiters are always a sure fire hit. Did you know Graham Greene wrote The Third Man there? It’s the perfect place to make some happy memories.
We also did the Sisi City Palace tour.

Next day we were off to Shonbrunn. The golden castle just outside Vienna.

Jin and I had decided a full night at the opera, ballet or symphony in the Vienna Stat Opera would be lost on the crew so we would take them to one of the tourist concerts. They’re much shorter, really well known pieces, usually have a couple a couple of singers and are set in gorgeous crumbling old palaces or churches. It was definitely the right choice. Jetlag hit Mum and she fell asleep in the second piece.

Breakfast at the AirBnB.

Every place we visit they must try the Korean food. It’s always just a little different but a nice reminder of home.

Prague, Czech Republic

In the car the autumn foliage was breathtaking. Sadly my photographic skills are not up to the task of capturing such majesty.

The legendary Charles Bridge at sunset had the family swooning.

When Jin and I can’t sleep we get dressed and go wandering. Here we are in 2am Prague, seeing all the beautiful things without the pesky tourists.

Sorry, I didn’t take a picture of the famous clock this trip. Here’s as close as I got.

 

Though we didn’t go inside the beautifully Mucha decorated hall we did take the family to the adjacent cafe with its sweeping roof and lavish deco light fittings. A quiet boozy bevy and cake. This place really impressed them.

I feel like we didn’t show the family enough of Prague. Not one museum or gallery. I know they have zero interest and it would be wasted but still, life is so much better with memories of the extraordinary.
Honestly, though I know they loved the adventure and will talk about it for decades, I really think they would have been just as happy with us in their kitchen at home eating, talking and laughing.

Zilina, Slovakia

Here we are for the main event. The wedding of Jinki and Andrea.

They have put us all up in the wedding reception venue. It’s a gorgeous old 1600s home recreated as a hotel and reception centre with a lovely original chapel on the grounds.

First night was a welcome banquet for family. Our friends Rocco and Vera, who moved to London this year, popped over so I would have some English speaking buddies. The whole family made them feel like they were our newest relatives. It was awesome.

Andrea chose to wear the traditional Korean dress, the Hanbok, in Slovakian pure white. Jin and I ordered and had it made from South Korea earlier in the year, then it was sent to Slovakia in September.

Jin was best man and made a lovely speech in English and Korean.

This family can dance the night away.

Andrea and Jinkin had a Photo Booth. These are my two favourite pics from the dozens we were involved in. Such and excellent idea.

Farewells are hard. This is the Chapel attached to the house. There were hugs and smiles and plenty of tears. Aren’t they a gorgeous couple? We wish them decades of comfortable living.

Budapest