(no subject)
I am thoroughly enjoying our trip to Austria and feel like I am getting very familiar with Vienna. It is interesting to notice little things here. There are several signs in the underground subway area that say "no smoking", but this is far from enforced. In fact, you can enter the underground at night and find yourself descending into a light fog of cigarette smoke. It just isn't a popular law.
I am going to miss the ridiculous amounts of mineralwasser (mineral water) I have been drinking in cafes, mit gas of course. You order water here with or without gas in it, bread usually comes to the table but without any butter or oil, and meals are leisurely. They will not bring you the bill until you ask for it. When they do bring it to you, they will stand there and wait while you count out your cash or sign the credit card slip (which can feel very rushed and awkward when you aren't expecting it). If you pay with a credit card, they request that you tip with cash. Meals and beverages are meant to be consumed while seated and relaxed, not to be prepared for 'take-away'. I /really/ wanted to take home the rest of my salad from lunch yesterday and the waiter told me that they don't have boxes like McDonald's. Ahahahaha. Stupid Americans and their take-away McDonald's boxes.
I loved Salzburg. It is beautiful. It has what Vienna seems to be lacking: unmanicured trees and grass. Vienna is paved for miles and miles, while Salzburg actually reminded me of home. The town is smaller, has more character, and apparently more locals.
This morning after we saw the cultural history museum I thought I would shoot myself if I saw another museum or cathedral. I am astounded by the amount of those here. Seriously. The architecture is amazing in practically every building here, and even moreso with the museums and cathedrals. They are breathtaking. But by lunchtime, I needed a break. Six days of non-stop touristy goodness with my in-laws nearly brought me to tears this morning. Prior to this morning, I was perfectly fine with the entire situation really. Funny how emotionally challenging life can be when my blood sugar is crashing. My mood was quickly remedied by lunch at a local pizzeria.
Now it is late here and we are getting ready to settle in. Joan and Roger leave first thing in the morning and we have a few days to slum around the city in whatever way we see fit.
I am going to miss the ridiculous amounts of mineralwasser (mineral water) I have been drinking in cafes, mit gas of course. You order water here with or without gas in it, bread usually comes to the table but without any butter or oil, and meals are leisurely. They will not bring you the bill until you ask for it. When they do bring it to you, they will stand there and wait while you count out your cash or sign the credit card slip (which can feel very rushed and awkward when you aren't expecting it). If you pay with a credit card, they request that you tip with cash. Meals and beverages are meant to be consumed while seated and relaxed, not to be prepared for 'take-away'. I /really/ wanted to take home the rest of my salad from lunch yesterday and the waiter told me that they don't have boxes like McDonald's. Ahahahaha. Stupid Americans and their take-away McDonald's boxes.
I loved Salzburg. It is beautiful. It has what Vienna seems to be lacking: unmanicured trees and grass. Vienna is paved for miles and miles, while Salzburg actually reminded me of home. The town is smaller, has more character, and apparently more locals.
This morning after we saw the cultural history museum I thought I would shoot myself if I saw another museum or cathedral. I am astounded by the amount of those here. Seriously. The architecture is amazing in practically every building here, and even moreso with the museums and cathedrals. They are breathtaking. But by lunchtime, I needed a break. Six days of non-stop touristy goodness with my in-laws nearly brought me to tears this morning. Prior to this morning, I was perfectly fine with the entire situation really. Funny how emotionally challenging life can be when my blood sugar is crashing. My mood was quickly remedied by lunch at a local pizzeria.
Now it is late here and we are getting ready to settle in. Joan and Roger leave first thing in the morning and we have a few days to slum around the city in whatever way we see fit.