Letters from Vienna

[Norajane]

My 24 year old sister is currently on a two-week internship in Vienna, and has been sending me her impressions. I've really been getting a kick out of them, so thought I'd post parts of them here for your reading pleasure (with her permission):

I have been in Vienna for two days now - three if you count Sunday which I slept through. I was so tired for some reason. The only reason I was even awake for a couple of hours that day was because Mama called me and I felt that I should get up because it wasn't healthy to sleep so many hours.

Anyway, I am really liking Vienna. It is a beautiful city. Everything is so old. The best part of it all is that everything is so easily accessible by public transportation. I take the Tram to work which is just like the MUNI in San Francisco. Same cable cars with wires everywhere and everything, only there are over 40 lines. It's incredible. Then they also have the U-Baun which is an underground Metro, the S-Baun which is like the EL in Chicago, and the CET which is basically used to get to and from the airport and other areas outside of Vienna but within Austria.

The best part of it all though is that all of these modes of transportation including their bus lines all use the same ticket. The tickets are awesome as well. You can buy either a daily, weekly, weekend, or monthly pass, and you get unlimited amount of rides for whatever time period you bought it for. It's all based on the honor system. You validate the ticket once and then there is no sticking the card into machines to track where and how long you have been on the train. Very convienient. I was very proud of myself for learning how to use all these systems without speaking a word of German.

So far, I have been to visit St. Micheal's Cathedral, which is basically an enormous church that has been through hell and back. Wars, fires, occupation, you name it, this church has been through it. It is still being renovated but it basically looks burnt from the outside. It's very beautiful on the inside as far as churches go. I had trouble taking pictures of it because it was so dark inside and because it is so large, so I just bought postcards.

The church also has these towers where you can go up and see the whole city. I went after work so by the time I got there they had closed the tower with the elevator so I had to walk up the 300 some odd stairs. I was pretty out of breath by the time I was finished. It didn't help that it was cold outside and the tower is not insulated. The staircase is this very narrow curving staircase. The whole time I was worried that they would forget I was in there and that they were going to lock the tower while I was still in it, lol. The view was pretty cool though. You could pretty much see all of Vienna by walking around the Tower.

After I went to go see the Cathedral, I was very brave and and randomly walked into a restaurant a little bit off the beaten path. I was lucky the waitress spoke a little English and I ordered Weiner Snitchsal (I can't spell it) which is basically deep fried breaded veal and salad. This is the food that Austria is known for so I thought I should have it at least once. It all worked out very well.

The hotel that I am staying in is really nice. It's not the Hilton but it's close enough. Everything is really modern and the staff is super nice and helpful and they all speak English really well. The hotel is also very close to all sorts of public transportation, and is located about midway between where I go to work and where all of the tourist attractions are located in the Inner City. The bathroom is also top notch, which as you know is super important.

Something that was very wierd when I first got here was hearing all the German. Since my only exposure to spoken German is from movies about WWII, all I could think about when I first got here was concentration camps. It was creepy, but now I have heard German in all voices and it's not creepy anymore. I am probably going to go visit the area where the Jewish Ghettos were on Sunday. They have all kinds of memorials and things like that that I want to see. On Saturday I am going to visit the Summer home of the Habsburg family, which is enormous and looks beautiful and is also conviently located near a metro stop. The two Thursdays that I am here I am going to go to see the Museums because that is the only time they will be open late enough for me to actually vist them.

Tonight I think I am going to go with this other American girl who is here to get tickets to an opera. I don't really like the Opera but I figured that since I was here I should probably go, so hopefully that will work out.

Right now, it is snowing with these huge very beautiful snowflakes the size of fifty cent pieces. It's very pretty. I know that it would probably have been better if I had come here during the spring, but Vienna is very charming in the winter.

Another thing that I really like about Vienna is that I don't stick out like a sore thumb. I blend in very nicely with the Austrians and everyone keeps trying to speak German to me so that must be a good sign. The other thing that helps me blend is there are a lot of people here who are from somewhere else. It makes walking around more comfortable, without having people stare at you because they know you are from America.

 

[Carmenica Diaz]

Vienna is a wonderful city at anytime of the year- and so close to Prague, Bratislava any others. The UN is there so English is spoken in most places.

 

[Norajane]

Next installment:

So I went to the Opera last night. It was completely sold out, so we opted to stand in line for standing room tickets. We only had to wait about 15 minutes for the tickets, but, apparently, in the summer people wait out there for hours (I'm talking like 9 hours) to get tickets. What is really awesome about these tickets is that they cost 3.50 Euro for ground level standing room and 2.00 Euro for the balcony level.

We managed to get the bottom floor spaces and the view was incredible. Basically you stand behind the people who have paid over 200 Euros for their seats and you have a center stage view. The balcony seats are not as good because they are way on the edges so you have a bad view. The downfall to these seats is obviously you have to stand for the 3 1/2 hour performance. Apparently this area used to just be an open space but now they have created rows and have given you a bar to lean on, thank goodness. On the bars they have also attached boxes that give you the translation in various different languages, also thank goodness. It's much more pleasant to watch an Opera when you know what going on.

Anyway, it is the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth so Austria, Italy, and the Chech Republic are presenting all of his Operas and people are going nuts. The Opera we went to see was Don Giovanni (Don Juan) and I liked it. As I said, I am not a big fan of Opera but the first half of this one was very good, surprisingly good. The second half on the other hand, in my opinion could have been cut completely with the exception of the very last scene. All in all, I am glad I went. It was a fun experience.

As for an update on the bathroom, Austria seems to understand the idea of a nice bathroom, with the exception of the toilet paper. It's not exactly what I would call soft. As for the handheld showers, they are still handheld but they also have the option of hanging it up on this adjustable rod so you can place it at the height that you would like. That is they only thing I am not sure exists in all bathrooms, but I am going to assume that it is because in all other respects Austria seems to have it's act together.

I forgot to mention that I am working with a bunch of British people which is very interesting. I find myself drinking tea with milk (and sugar at my request) all day long, and looking for people's specs that they have misplaced. This Bosnian lady and her husband who met and worked in London for a while gave me a ride home one night, and they referred to many of our counterparts on the road as bloody buggers. Very fun. They are all a bit quirky.

I seemed to have come down with a bit of a cold and am feeling a little tired so I think I might just go home tonight, find something to eat and stay in rather than go to all the museums that I had planned. I don't think that I could go out into the cold feeling the way that I do all night again. They are going to let me sit the night shift one day next week to learn about that position so I might take that chance to go see something that is only open during the day.

On Saturday after I visit the palace my plan is to go to one of the numerous famous cafes to have some of their desserts. The ones that are in the normal cafes actually don't really look all that yummy, or maybe I just haven't been in the mood.

I wish I had time to go shopping while I was here! I keep seeing all these cute shoes in the windows of small shops but I can never go in because they are always closed in the morning when I leave for work and they are always closed when I return. How would you like to work those hours, lol!

Maybe I will go to the Museum tonight that is across the street from my hotel and look at the stuff that is in there. This one has been recently opened and it is open late every night so I have been saving it for when I need a filler. It won't take that much energy to get to and I think there are even some restaurants in it, but on the other hand a nap is really looking good right now. Problem is if I lie down I will sleep until tomorrow. Oh the problems I face, to nap or not to nap! To go to a beautiful amazing museum or not to go to a beautiful amazing museum! LOL!

 

[Norajane]

Vienna is a wonderful city at anytime of the eyar - and so close to Prague, Bratislava any otehrs. The UN is there so English is spoken in most places.

She says she hasn't been having much trouble being understood even when she's trying to talk to someone who doesn't speak any English. She went into a Chinese restaurant today, ordered, started feeling her cold descending, and somehow managed to get it across that she needed take-out instead of sitting and eating. She says people don't get upset there if you don't speak German, unlike Greece where people looked at you funny, even in restaurants.

She's having a great time, and says that the Viennese are very friendly. I'm envious! I'd love to visit Vienna.

 

[OhMissScarlett]

She says she hasn't been having much trouble being understood even when she's trying to talk to someone who doesn't speak any English. She went into a Chinese restaurant today, ordered, started feeling her cold descending, and somehow managed to get it across that she needed take-out instead of sitting and eating. She says people don't get upset there if you don't speak German, unlike Greece where people looked at you funny, even in restaurants.

She's having a great time, and says that the Viennese are very friendly. I'm envious! I'd love to visit Vienna.

What a delightful idea for a thread. I'm so jealous though, lol. If I start saving now, maybe I can visit Europe by the time I'm 50.

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Thank you for the share.

 

[rgraham666]

I've been thinking about moving to Europe. Paris, Berlin or the Rivera.

Now adding Vienna to that list.

Thanks for sharing Norajane. And to your sister as well.

 

[Norajane]

Glad you enjoyed. I'll post some more when she sends another installment.

I can't wait to hear about her visit to the Hapsburg palace!

 

[Norajane]

What a delightful idea for a thread. I'm so jealous though, lol. If I start saving now, maybe I can visit Europe by the time I'm 50.

When I was a starving college student, I tried to put away about $10-20 a week in my 'travel fund' - tried being the operative word. It's actually not a bad way to do it, but having a place in mind that you want to go is a good motivator.

It's just about the price of a large pizza per week, and $520 could get you a cheap fare to Europe!

 

[Munachi]

I've been thinking about moving to Europe. Paris, Berlin or the Rivera.

Now adding Vienna to that list.

Thanks for sharing Norajane. And to your sister as well.

i'd say move to berlin, it's the best city ever!

but vienna is quite nice as well, just that my only visit there was spoilt by a very annoying friend and her even more annoying mother... but it is quite a pretty city... though not a cheap place...

 

[McKenna]

Thanks for sharing. It's interesting to read of her impressions.

Is this her first trip to Europe?

 

[Norajane]

Thanks for sharing. It's interesting to read of her impressions.

Is this her first trip to Europe?

She was in Greece for about three months for a semester abroad her junior year in college. I was lucky enough to be able to join her for a week during her spring break. We spent most of our time on Santorini and Ios, but also a couple of days back in Athens so I could visit the Parthenon and stuff.

The funny thing about that trip is that we were there during Greek Orthodox Easter, and discovered they have this little tradition that involves shooting off firecrackers and big scary explosives around the churches after the midnight service.

 

[McKenna]

She was in Greece for about three months for a semester abroad her junior year in college. I was lucky enough to be able to join her for a week during her spring break. We spent most of our time on Santorini and Ios, but also a couple of days back in Athens so I could visit the Parthenon and stuff.

The funny thing about that trip is that we were there during Greek Orthodox Easter, and discovered they have this little tradition that involves shooting off firecrackers and big scary explosives around the churches after the midnight service.

LOL! I'm sure it's something you won't ever forget!

 

[Norajane]

LOL! I'm sure it's something you won't ever forget!

After you dodge explosives in the pitch dark night, hoping you don't lose a toe or worse, noooo, you don't forget that! I hear that they usually don't end up with major injuries each year, but I actually find that hard to believe.

 

[dysphemist]

She was in Greece for about three months for a semester abroad her junior year in college. I was lucky enough to be able to join her for a week during her spring break. We spent most of our time on Santorini and Ios, but also a couple of days back in Athens so I could visit the Parthenon and stuff.

The funny thing about that trip is that we were there during Greek Orthodox Easter, and discovered they have this little tradition that involves shooting off firecrackers and big scary explosives around the churches after the midnight service.

They do it to celebrate Christ's resurrection at midnight. It also happens at Greek churches in Canada (and possibly the US but I'm not sure about that) but the police have been trying to stop a lot of it because of the danger to those in the vicinity.

 

[McKenna]

After you dodge explosives in the pitch dark night, hoping you don't lose a toe or worse, noooo, you don't forget that! I hear that they usually don't end up with major injuries each year, but I actually find that hard to believe.

I was in Amsterdam at the turn of the millennium. OMG! I've never seen so many fireworks in all my life --and I doubt I ever will again.

With your adventure in Greece, it is a wonder no one got hurt! Especially if they've had a bit of ouzo. I hear that stuff is rather potent.

 

[Norajane]

They do it to celebrate Christ's resurrection at midnight. It also happens at Greek churches in Canada (and possibly the US but I'm not sure about that) but the police have been trying to stop a lot of it because of the danger to those in the vicinity.

It is dangerous! It's not like they fire those things into the air, which would be bad enough. They toss them onto the ground, not so far from where people are walking after they leave the church. It's almost like they're trying to get you.

 

[Norajane]

I was in Amsterdam at the turn of the millennium. OMG! I've never seen so many fireworks in all my life --and I doubt I ever will again.

With your adventure in Greece, it is a wonder no one got hurt! Especially if they've had a bit of ouzo. I hear that stuff is rather potent.

Oh, I'll bet Amsterdam was gorgeous! I watched a lot of the millenium celebrations on TV, and was just mesmerized by the different way people celebrated.

As for the ouzo, erm, I don't really remember too much about THAT. Potent is an understatement.

I remember eating a lot of Greek salads, which, of course, they just call salad. The fresh tomatoes and feta were out of this world delicious!

 

[McKenna]

I remember eating a lot of Greek salads, which, of course, they just call salad. The fresh tomatoes and feta were out of this world delicious!

Damn it. Now I'm craving Greek food. Feta! Mmmmmm....

 

[dysphemist]

It is dangerous! It's not like they fire those things into the air, which would be bad enough. They toss them onto the ground, not so far from where people are walking after they leave the church. It's almost like they're trying to get you.

As kids we loved going because of the fireworks but those ground things were terrifying. I think a lot of the time the people who were setting them off were trying to get you. I think some people did get hurt and that's why the police got involved (at least here). In Greece I don't think the police would stop anything, more than likely, they are also setting those things off.

 

[OhMissScarlett]

When I was a starving college student, I tried to put away about $10-20 a week in my 'travel fund' - tried being the operative word. It's actually not a bad way to do it, but having a place in mind that you want to go is a good motivator.

It's just about the price of a large pizza per week, and $520 could get you a cheap fare to Europe!

I have no will power when it comes to saving money, it's definitely something I could work on if I had a particular goal in mind.

I can't wait to hear about her visit to the Hapsburg palace!

Me either. I used to be a little obsessed with the Hapsburg dynasty.

 

[Norajane]

As kids we loved going because of the fireworks but those ground things were terrifying. I think a lot of the time the people who were setting them off were trying to get you. I think some people did get hurt and that's why the police got involved (at least here). In Greece I don't think the police would stop anything, more than likely, they are also setting those things off.

You're probably right about the police!

Greece is a funny place. We were there as they were preparing for the Olympics, sort of. They're big procrastinators over there, but, in the end, it all somehow gets done.

Except for the ruins, like the Temples and the Parthenon. The Parthenon is constantly undergoing restoration so there's always scaffolding all over the place. There are also pieces of it - huge chunks of stone - scattered all over the hilltop. They're numbered and there's a rope partition from the visitors. Eventually the pieces will make their way back onto the structure, but they keep digging up more pieces here and there.

It's not uncommon for them to dig up ruins. One we saw was in the heart of the city, after a homeowner had dug into his front yard. So much history is so casually scattered about in the midst of this crowded, busy city. Ho, hum. They're very blase about their ruins, though they are fiercy proud of their history.

 

[Norajane]

I have no will power when it comes to saving money, it's definitely something I could work on if I had a particular goal in mind.

The planning and anticipation is half the fun!

 

[Belegon]

Thank you for posting these Nora....I really love them...I sooooo want to visit europe...

 

[dysphemist]

You're probably right about the police!

Greece is a funny place. We were there as they were preparing for the Olympics, sort of. They're big procrastinators over there, but, in the end, it all somehow gets done.

Except for the ruins, like the Temples and the Parthenon. The Parthenon is constantly undergoing restoration so there's always scaffolding all over the place. There are also pieces of it - huge chunks of stone - scattered all over the hilltop. They're numbered and there's a rope partition from the visitors. Eventually the pieces will make their way back onto the structure, but they keep digging up more pieces here and there.

It's not uncommon for them to dig up ruins. One we saw was in the heart of the city, after a homeowner had dug into his front yard. So much history is so casually scattered about in the midst of this crowded, busy city. Ho, hum. They're very blase about their ruins, though they are fiercy proud of their history.

When you are around ruins every day of your life, it's easy to take them for granted. The restoration isn't done because the average greek wants to preserve the ruins, it's mostly done so that they are there for tourists to visit. Tourism is the main income for Greece.

No matter where you dig in Greece you are bound to find artifacts. When they dug up the land to build the new airport in Athens, they found quite a few artifacts which are now on display in the "museum" section of the airport.

They are extremely proud of their history because, even though they take the ruins for granted, they are constantly surrounded by their history. It is also heavily emphasized in their education. A lot of their pride also comes from their knowledge of their enslavement of 400 years under the Ottoman Empire and their liberation in 1821. They are determined to fight to hold on to what is theirs, now more than ever.