Quick, Quick, Quick
I'm at an internet cafe and have a bit of time left, so I thought that I would post something quick here. I have just under a week left, and already wish that I had more time to stay. So far, I've taken over 100 photo's, but I will have to wait until I get home to load them to Flickr. I am out walking for the most of every day, either seeing sights or running errands with my roommate and his mother. I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to see Vienna this way. Staying at a home, instead of in a hotel. I would miss out on so much as a regular tourist. This way, I've been able to experiance as close to real life as I can with out moving to this city. My roommate's mother, Mutti, completely dotes on me and has overwhelmed me with her generosity.
The area where she lives, is a very old part of the city. But then again, most areas in Vienna is old, with new buildings made to look old mixed in. My first few days here, I had to stop and simply look around from time to time. It would hit me, how old and filled with history everything around me is, and yet, here I am, simply on my way to the store to get groceries or stamps and I am walking the same streets where Mozart, Beethoven and many other famous people have also walked. And many of the buildings and streets look very much the same as when they lived. It's simply overwhelming when you stop and think about it.
Though I don't speak the language, besides basic greetings and politenesses, it is not hard to get around. Of course, I have a native as a tour guide/translator. When I hear English being spoken in a crowd or on the street, it is very odd and out of place. I am so used to not understanding most of what is being said around me, and in some way, it's actually kind of nice. I can now successfully navagate my way in the public toilets or rather, water closets. The first time I used them, was a very odd experiance. A kindly old gentleman not only walked me to my stall after paying him € .50, but also opened the door for me and ushered me in. The concept of the water closet is a rather nice thing, and very utiliarian at home. If someone is showering or using the bathroom, one can still use the toilet.
I'm starting to recognize our normal bus, trolley and subway stops and can navigate my way home from our last stop. I know that the transportation system is one thing I am going to miss once I'm back home. I've only been in a car 3 times since I've been here, and they were all taxis.
For now, this is all I have time for. I will have much to post once I get home. For those on my email list, my suitcase did finally arrive on Sunday, much to my surprise. Only five days after arriving.
Happy New Year!
The area where she lives, is a very old part of the city. But then again, most areas in Vienna is old, with new buildings made to look old mixed in. My first few days here, I had to stop and simply look around from time to time. It would hit me, how old and filled with history everything around me is, and yet, here I am, simply on my way to the store to get groceries or stamps and I am walking the same streets where Mozart, Beethoven and many other famous people have also walked. And many of the buildings and streets look very much the same as when they lived. It's simply overwhelming when you stop and think about it.
Though I don't speak the language, besides basic greetings and politenesses, it is not hard to get around. Of course, I have a native as a tour guide/translator. When I hear English being spoken in a crowd or on the street, it is very odd and out of place. I am so used to not understanding most of what is being said around me, and in some way, it's actually kind of nice. I can now successfully navagate my way in the public toilets or rather, water closets. The first time I used them, was a very odd experiance. A kindly old gentleman not only walked me to my stall after paying him € .50, but also opened the door for me and ushered me in. The concept of the water closet is a rather nice thing, and very utiliarian at home. If someone is showering or using the bathroom, one can still use the toilet.
I'm starting to recognize our normal bus, trolley and subway stops and can navigate my way home from our last stop. I know that the transportation system is one thing I am going to miss once I'm back home. I've only been in a car 3 times since I've been here, and they were all taxis.
For now, this is all I have time for. I will have much to post once I get home. For those on my email list, my suitcase did finally arrive on Sunday, much to my surprise. Only five days after arriving.
Happy New Year!