Today was a pretty normal day. At least...it started that way:
I studied for my Information Architecture class in the morning, washed dishes, cleaned up in my room and wrote some e-mails.
In the early afternoon I decided to go straighten things out regarding my cellphone. I had planned to take Mariahilferstrasse. Didn't happen. The whole street towards the city centre was blocked off with police cars and police tape. There were probably about 60 people standing around watching the ongoings. Exactly what was going I wasn't sure, but I really did have to go get the my cellphone issues straightened out.
An hour later I was strolling through the Naschmarkt with a new cellphone tucked away in my purse. After doing some research I had decided to go with a loadable (no contract) no-frills phone. Originally I'd planned to buy one of the new models and then use it in Canada too...unfortunately our networks aren't the same though and wouldn't be able to support a European cell phone.
The cell phone technology here is far ahead of North American cell phone technology: we're talking flip phones, phones thinner than the Razor, phones with three megapixel cameras, phones with tops that spin instead of slide or flip open and features like you would find if you meshed a blackberry with a laptop with an mp3 player with a GPS navigator with a camera with who knows what else. A guy from church is currently working in London and was telling us about the latest cellphone Porsche is designing: it sounds so useful I'm wondering whether it could act as a third arm.
Anyways, I was strolling through the Naschmarkt looking for a large salmon. Tomorrow I'm doing a trial run Canadian dinner and am hoping to serve baked stuffed salmon. I have five or six girls coming over and so far have only been able to find little rainbow trouts in the grocery store. Now, I had selection...just not quite the selection I was hoping for. I could choose between whole octopus, frozen mini cocktail shrimp, catfish swimming in a barrel, a whole list of different fish and my personal favourite - sting ray. Perfect. (How do you serve sting ray anyway?) I did see one salmon, but it was huge...as in what I would serve if I was having 20+ people over.
Some of the other intersting sights at the Naschmarkt included a wide variety of exotic fruit (I didn't even know half this stuff existed):
- Rambutan (from Malaysia - red with hairy spikes...supposedly has a sweet mildly acidic flavour)
- Dragonfruit (Central/South America and parts of Asia - pink with green spiky things growing out of it...supposedly tastes kind of like a melon with little black seeds)
- Rollinia (from the Amazon - kinda like an artichoke but yellow with brown spine things...supposedly tastes like lemon sherbet)
- Soursop (South America - green with little spikes...supposedly very juicy and refreshing)
- Durian (Asia - browny green with spikes...famous for it's great taste but horrible smell...apparently Anthony Burgess said that eating durian is like eating vanilla custard in the washroom...think I'll stay clear of this fruit)
There you have a brief description of some of the more interesting fruits that were available. I didn't end up buying any, but I did end up buying some goat cheese and Persian bread for dinner that evening.
On the way back home I wanted to take Mariahilferstrasse but it was still blocked off. From what I could see they had closed down almost four blocks. There were still police men standing about and no one was allowed access. TV crews were swarming about but I couldn't find out exactly what was going on.
I found out later what had happened: apparently there was a hostage taking. An armed (with a toy pistol) man held up the Bawag bank on Mariahilferstrasse and took seven hostages including bank employees and bank customers. This sparked an hours long stand off including negotiators, snipers, members of Vienna's version of the SWAT team, members of some Russian security force (they were in Vienna to see how security personnel is trained) and of course members of the media.
Somehow a reporter managed to get a hold of a phone number leading into the bank and somehow made contact with the hostage taker. Exactly what was said I don't know, but the police are furious. A few hours later, a camera crew somehow managed to get into the closed off area and started reporting just down the street but in plain view of the bank. This was shut down pretty quickly too, with the police citing that reporting in plain view of the hostage location could give the hostage taker a tactical advantage ("I know what's going on outside, I know I have an audience, I can play my cards accordingly", or something like that). Despite the hours long hostage and all the theatrics going on outside, the hostage taker ended up releasing his hostages and surrendering to police. No one was shot.
Most recent media reports say the hostage taker had recently broken up with his girlfriend, was unemployed and had spent the previous night drinking with friends. While in the bank he apparently wasn't asking for money, but rather cigarettes and alcohol.
What can be learned from this?
Let's start with the obvious (but apparently not so obvious to the hostage taker): think before you act. If you're looking for cigarettes and alcohol, chances are you'll have more luck if you hold up the local liquor or tobacco shop...the bank is more if you're looking for money.
Second, think before you act. How is holding up a bank going to help you: get your girl back, find employment and recover from last night's hangover? I don't see the connection. From the sounds of things, this little escapade is going to get you 20 years in prison which is not only not appealing (no girl), but also looks horrible to potential employers (no job). I guess the one plus is, you'll probably get over your hang over pretty quick. But still, that's really not a good situation.
Final piece of advice: think before you act.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
**This is a back post from last Sunday. I wrote it, but wasn't sure if I wanted to post it or not...don't bother reading it if you're looking for something light and entertaining.**
Today was...I'm not sure how'd you describe it. There were some moments that were great, others that were alright and others that were lonely.
When do you step back and sit on the sidelines?
Every so often I stop and think. Today's topic: when do you let things go?
Let me give you some background. Over the weeks, I've come to realize how focused mankind is. Whether it's focusing on a hockey game, focusing on making next month's rent or focusing on moment, we really like to focus.
Today one of the girls at church was celebrating her birthday. There were two birthday cakes, presents and the younger single church crowd all went over to the local chinese restaurant for lunch.
How do you integrate into your surroundings? Do you integrate at all?
Today has been a day of paradoxes. Actually, to be honest, this whole trip has so far been (and I think will continue to be) filled with paradoxes.
One the one hand, I struggle because I have such a hard time understanding the abstract mix of German, Yiddish, Czech and ??? but on the other hand, I often am mistaken as an exchange student from Germany.
On the one hand I'm included in some of the events (such as working in the cafe at church or going out for lunch for one of the girls' birthdays) but on the other hand, I don't understand all the jokes or stories.
So when do you know when to stop? I appreciate how friendly some of the people have been, but when do I say "No"? Talking to a few of the girls today I realized how brief my time here is. I've walked into their worlds for a few months and then I'm gone. Is it fair for me to expect us to become good friends? Is it fair to expect to be drawn into their worlds? I almost think not. Sure, we'll talk and make plans, but it's not nearly the same. My conflict management Prof. was talking about "Ebenen" (levels or layers) in relationships and how they influence interaction. If someone who you have placed on one of the outer relationship levels tries to interact in a way that doesn't correspond with that level, it creates a conflict. It might just be something minor or it might be really odd and disconcerting (e.g. the grocery store clerk asks you to witness the signing of his will). Personally I think my Prof. has a solid case.
For the most part, I've been accepted here in Austria. In some cases I've been accepted and categorized into one of the outer levels while in other cases I've been accepted and categorized a little closer to the middle. Cool. No big deal, right? That is, until I started thinking about what levels I'm placed into and what influences where I'm placed. Then I started thinking about where I place people.
At first I thought I wasn't categorizing people at all. But I was. For example, every Sunday I have a choice: I can go home on my own, or I can ask for a ride (I've been going home on my own). In refusing to ask for a ride, I've been setting a boundary without even realizing it: "You people are great, but - I don't want you to take me home. We're just not at that point." Yes, it's something small and really, quite insignificant, but pause, and think about it for second.
Everything you do (even the things that you don't do) communicate what level of relationship you've categorized the other person into. Ordinary decisions are not actually so ordinary are they? By deciding not to eat lunch with your colleagues, or by calling to chat with someone you're either consciously or unconsciously categorizing and re-categorizing people. Maybe you're trying to keep some further away on the outer levels or maybe you're trying to keep some closer on the inner levels. Either way, everyone is categorized.
Realizing this, was freeing and at the same time a little frightening. It means that at the end of the day, if I've done my best to befriend someone that's all I can do. I can only work with my own levels, I can try and try to come closer, ultimately though, you decide what level to put me on.
Another example that (I think) portrays the concept of relationship levels really well is pre-teen and teenage girl friendships. From my own personal experience and from watching lives around me, I think we tend to place new friends on our inner levels very quickly. I'd suggest in most cases we place them too quickly (hmmm...this opens up new theory possibilities...I'll have to think about the consequences of placing people too quickly...hmmm). After awhile (days, weeks, months ...or even hours) the friendship withers and someone else (who usually has been on one of the outer relationship levels) is re-categorized and placed on one of the inner levels. How often does this happen? Ask any girl who her best friends were from three years ago. Two years ago? One year ago? Six months ago? You'll probably get a number of different names and maybe even an explanation or two as to why a relationship went sour.
Is this "relationship level" concept wrong? No, I don't think so. Is overhyped? I'm not sure. I'm looking forward to what else the Prof. has to the say though. I'd especially like to hear his thoughts on fear in relationships.
In one of my last theory classes one of the Profs emphasised the importance of guilt in life and how guilt affects us and the decisions we make. Although I agreed with some of his points, I do think that fear also plays a huge role. I can't speak for society, but I know that for me, fear plays a larger role than I'd like to admit. Sometimes fear can have a positive effect (e.g. I'm too fearful of the consequences, so I don't rob banks) on the other hand, I think fear effects how and what relationship levels people are categorized into and this can have a negative effect.
Last spring I was faced with a tough decision: do I go ahead even though this is something completely new and foreign or do I stop and not risk getting hurt. It was hard. There was the possibility of something new and exciting but at the same time it was unfamiliar and like all unfamiliar things there was fear of the unknown. Looking back I'm glad with the decision I made. Yes, things weren't always perfect but, there were moments when they were. And those moments? Those moments, were worth it.
How does this relate to you? That depends on you. I've gone on and on about levels and fear and effects. You didn't actually have to read this far. But you did, and that action would imply that you've placed me on a layer where reading my whole blog post is important to you. Would you go do something then? Would you go think about the relationship levels you place people on? And, would you pause and think about those people who you've kept on the outer levels? Why are they there?
Today was...I'm not sure how'd you describe it. There were some moments that were great, others that were alright and others that were lonely.
When do you step back and sit on the sidelines?
Every so often I stop and think. Today's topic: when do you let things go?
Let me give you some background. Over the weeks, I've come to realize how focused mankind is. Whether it's focusing on a hockey game, focusing on making next month's rent or focusing on moment, we really like to focus.
Today one of the girls at church was celebrating her birthday. There were two birthday cakes, presents and the younger single church crowd all went over to the local chinese restaurant for lunch.
How do you integrate into your surroundings? Do you integrate at all?
Today has been a day of paradoxes. Actually, to be honest, this whole trip has so far been (and I think will continue to be) filled with paradoxes.
One the one hand, I struggle because I have such a hard time understanding the abstract mix of German, Yiddish, Czech and ??? but on the other hand, I often am mistaken as an exchange student from Germany.
On the one hand I'm included in some of the events (such as working in the cafe at church or going out for lunch for one of the girls' birthdays) but on the other hand, I don't understand all the jokes or stories.
So when do you know when to stop? I appreciate how friendly some of the people have been, but when do I say "No"? Talking to a few of the girls today I realized how brief my time here is. I've walked into their worlds for a few months and then I'm gone. Is it fair for me to expect us to become good friends? Is it fair to expect to be drawn into their worlds? I almost think not. Sure, we'll talk and make plans, but it's not nearly the same. My conflict management Prof. was talking about "Ebenen" (levels or layers) in relationships and how they influence interaction. If someone who you have placed on one of the outer relationship levels tries to interact in a way that doesn't correspond with that level, it creates a conflict. It might just be something minor or it might be really odd and disconcerting (e.g. the grocery store clerk asks you to witness the signing of his will). Personally I think my Prof. has a solid case.
For the most part, I've been accepted here in Austria. In some cases I've been accepted and categorized into one of the outer levels while in other cases I've been accepted and categorized a little closer to the middle. Cool. No big deal, right? That is, until I started thinking about what levels I'm placed into and what influences where I'm placed. Then I started thinking about where I place people.
At first I thought I wasn't categorizing people at all. But I was. For example, every Sunday I have a choice: I can go home on my own, or I can ask for a ride (I've been going home on my own). In refusing to ask for a ride, I've been setting a boundary without even realizing it: "You people are great, but - I don't want you to take me home. We're just not at that point." Yes, it's something small and really, quite insignificant, but pause, and think about it for second.
Everything you do (even the things that you don't do) communicate what level of relationship you've categorized the other person into. Ordinary decisions are not actually so ordinary are they? By deciding not to eat lunch with your colleagues, or by calling to chat with someone you're either consciously or unconsciously categorizing and re-categorizing people. Maybe you're trying to keep some further away on the outer levels or maybe you're trying to keep some closer on the inner levels. Either way, everyone is categorized.
Realizing this, was freeing and at the same time a little frightening. It means that at the end of the day, if I've done my best to befriend someone that's all I can do. I can only work with my own levels, I can try and try to come closer, ultimately though, you decide what level to put me on.
Another example that (I think) portrays the concept of relationship levels really well is pre-teen and teenage girl friendships. From my own personal experience and from watching lives around me, I think we tend to place new friends on our inner levels very quickly. I'd suggest in most cases we place them too quickly (hmmm...this opens up new theory possibilities...I'll have to think about the consequences of placing people too quickly...hmmm). After awhile (days, weeks, months ...or even hours) the friendship withers and someone else (who usually has been on one of the outer relationship levels) is re-categorized and placed on one of the inner levels. How often does this happen? Ask any girl who her best friends were from three years ago. Two years ago? One year ago? Six months ago? You'll probably get a number of different names and maybe even an explanation or two as to why a relationship went sour.
Is this "relationship level" concept wrong? No, I don't think so. Is overhyped? I'm not sure. I'm looking forward to what else the Prof. has to the say though. I'd especially like to hear his thoughts on fear in relationships.
In one of my last theory classes one of the Profs emphasised the importance of guilt in life and how guilt affects us and the decisions we make. Although I agreed with some of his points, I do think that fear also plays a huge role. I can't speak for society, but I know that for me, fear plays a larger role than I'd like to admit. Sometimes fear can have a positive effect (e.g. I'm too fearful of the consequences, so I don't rob banks) on the other hand, I think fear effects how and what relationship levels people are categorized into and this can have a negative effect.
Last spring I was faced with a tough decision: do I go ahead even though this is something completely new and foreign or do I stop and not risk getting hurt. It was hard. There was the possibility of something new and exciting but at the same time it was unfamiliar and like all unfamiliar things there was fear of the unknown. Looking back I'm glad with the decision I made. Yes, things weren't always perfect but, there were moments when they were. And those moments? Those moments, were worth it.
How does this relate to you? That depends on you. I've gone on and on about levels and fear and effects. You didn't actually have to read this far. But you did, and that action would imply that you've placed me on a layer where reading my whole blog post is important to you. Would you go do something then? Would you go think about the relationship levels you place people on? And, would you pause and think about those people who you've kept on the outer levels? Why are they there?
Friday, February 23, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Magic carpet rides, the number 99 and sea blue fashions
Ever seen a concert pianist play only using his left hand? I did...just a few hours ago.
Yesterday I was offered a free ticket to the Vienna Konzerthaus. As it turns out, the parents of one of my hosts have some special ticket package. They were not feeling well, my hosts had plans and friends weren't interested. So, instead of wasting perfectly good tickets, I got to go.
It was fantastic. We, (insert fictional story about meeting a cute Italian here - was actually with my host's sister), sat first row on the balcony, directly across from the stage. Perfect seats. Excluding church and homeschool events, I've never sat so close to the orchestra before. Wonderful, would definitely recommend it.
The program included:
Richard Strauss
- Don Juan op. 20
- Tondichtung nach Nikolaus Lenau
Igor Strawinski
- Capriccio fuer Klavier und Orchester
- Presto
- Andante rapsodico
- Allegro capriccioso, ma tempo guisto
Paul Hindemith
- Klaviermusik mit Orchester (Klavier: linke Hand) op. 29 **the special left hand only piece**
- Einleitung
- Sehr lebhafte Halbe
- Trio. Basso ostinato
- Finale
Richard Strauss
- Till Eulenspiegels lustige Strieche op. 28
- In Roneauform
And as an encore:
Richard Wagner
- Lohengrin, Act III vorspiel
Who was playing all this? The Guerzenich-Orchester Koeln with Olli Mustonen as pianist and Markus Stenz as conductor.
Now, I've been to a few concerts before, but never to one in Vienna. Have you? Well next time you go, here are a few things you should know (based on what I learned tonight):
- Wait. Yes. Wait before clapping. Yes the piece was fantastic, your heart is ready to leap out of your chest and you feel like the last hour was a magical carpet ride across the shimmering Mediterranean, over the blistering desert, up the majestic Himalayas and down into a jungle of exotic flowers, sparkling waterfalls and wild animals. You feel like you've just experienced paradise. Wonderful. But please, wait. According the Konzerthaus guide to etiquette, before clapping:
a) Wait for the music to stop (Yes, seems obvious to me, but maybe not to everyone).
b) Take a deep breath (No, you don't have to hold it to ten, just breath: in...and....out).
c) Slowly count to three...1...2...3 (Come on, you remember how to do this...).
d) Ok, now you can clap (Yes, go for it, clap all you want, go, go, go).
- During the intermission be sure to check out the miniature hockey rink conveniently located on the east side between the Konzerthaus and Hotel Intercontinental. While it doesn't meet NHL standards, the little boys can put on quite the show (watch for a #99 jersey and an Avalanche jersey...yes, I saw both). Also, since you're on that side of the Konzerthaus, order a coffee...not only will it help keep you awake in case the last half of the evening is not as rousing as the first, but it is also so delicious you can drink it black. There is not bitter taste, it smoothly slips down your throat.
- At all times be prepared to make mental notes of the various fashion tastes wandering around the halls. For example: did you know that some manufacturer somewhere makes sea blue opaque nylons? Neither did I...until tonight. Sea blue. Uh huh.
So when you go, have a marvelous time, soar on the carpet, spot the 99 and don't let the sea blue fashions shock you.
Yesterday I was offered a free ticket to the Vienna Konzerthaus. As it turns out, the parents of one of my hosts have some special ticket package. They were not feeling well, my hosts had plans and friends weren't interested. So, instead of wasting perfectly good tickets, I got to go.
It was fantastic. We, (insert fictional story about meeting a cute Italian here - was actually with my host's sister), sat first row on the balcony, directly across from the stage. Perfect seats. Excluding church and homeschool events, I've never sat so close to the orchestra before. Wonderful, would definitely recommend it.The program included:
Richard Strauss
- Don Juan op. 20
- Tondichtung nach Nikolaus Lenau
Igor Strawinski
- Capriccio fuer Klavier und Orchester
- Presto
- Andante rapsodico
- Allegro capriccioso, ma tempo guisto
Paul Hindemith
- Klaviermusik mit Orchester (Klavier: linke Hand) op. 29 **the special left hand only piece**
- Einleitung
- Sehr lebhafte Halbe
- Trio. Basso ostinato
- Finale
Richard Strauss
- Till Eulenspiegels lustige Strieche op. 28
- In Roneauform
And as an encore:
Richard Wagner
- Lohengrin, Act III vorspiel
Who was playing all this? The Guerzenich-Orchester Koeln with Olli Mustonen as pianist and Markus Stenz as conductor.
Now, I've been to a few concerts before, but never to one in Vienna. Have you? Well next time you go, here are a few things you should know (based on what I learned tonight):
- Wait. Yes. Wait before clapping. Yes the piece was fantastic, your heart is ready to leap out of your chest and you feel like the last hour was a magical carpet ride across the shimmering Mediterranean, over the blistering desert, up the majestic Himalayas and down into a jungle of exotic flowers, sparkling waterfalls and wild animals. You feel like you've just experienced paradise. Wonderful. But please, wait. According the Konzerthaus guide to etiquette, before clapping:
a) Wait for the music to stop (Yes, seems obvious to me, but maybe not to everyone).
b) Take a deep breath (No, you don't have to hold it to ten, just breath: in...and....out).
c) Slowly count to three...1...2...3 (Come on, you remember how to do this...).
d) Ok, now you can clap (Yes, go for it, clap all you want, go, go, go).
- During the intermission be sure to check out the miniature hockey rink conveniently located on the east side between the Konzerthaus and Hotel Intercontinental. While it doesn't meet NHL standards, the little boys can put on quite the show (watch for a #99 jersey and an Avalanche jersey...yes, I saw both). Also, since you're on that side of the Konzerthaus, order a coffee...not only will it help keep you awake in case the last half of the evening is not as rousing as the first, but it is also so delicious you can drink it black. There is not bitter taste, it smoothly slips down your throat.
- At all times be prepared to make mental notes of the various fashion tastes wandering around the halls. For example: did you know that some manufacturer somewhere makes sea blue opaque nylons? Neither did I...until tonight. Sea blue. Uh huh.
So when you go, have a marvelous time, soar on the carpet, spot the 99 and don't let the sea blue fashions shock you.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Wiener Eistraum
On February 8, I met up with some of the other exchange students. We met at Stephansplatz and wandered over into a cafe. Over the next few hours we introduced ourselves, shared some of our hopes and dreams for the exchange and generally had a good time.
By 21.00 there were just four of us and we decided to wander around the innerstadt (the very centre of Vienna were most of the famous sights, monuments and museums are located). It took us awhile as we stopped every few minutes to take pictures or read signs but we ended up at the Rathaus (city hall). During the winter the grounds in front of the Rathaus are boarded over and turned into two skating rinks connected by skating paths: der Wiener Eistraum (the Vienna Ice dream). One of the Finnish girls went to check on prices. It turned out it was five euros to skate and an additional six for the skates. A bit much for poor students...especially as it was less than two hours to closing. As she turned to go, some gentleman came up and handed her four entrance tickets. Whether he had overheard her conversation at the ticket booth or whether he was smitten by her beauty (my favourite reason) or whether he was just going home and wanted someone else to use the tickets we don't know.
It was almost 22.00 and now we had entrance tickets to the Eistraum. Should we? Could we? Well, when else were we going to get free entrance tickets? All four of us rented skates and off we went: two Canadians (one's actually Czech), one Finnlander and one Chinese. After a bit of a row at the gates onto the ice we were on.
Now imagine this: two skating rinks (smaller though than the standard hockey size) with flashing lights and disco balls connected by paths that wind around trees, past benches and along the street. All the while music from the last fifty years in English, French, German and some other languages plays in the background. The Rathaus and the trees in front of it are lit up with reds, blues, pinks, greens, purples and yellows. There are about five little refreshment stands selling everything from Hungarian goulash, to Turkish donars to Croatian hot dogs. This is an experience for the senses.
There we were, four girls, strangers in the country, but enjoying ourselves immensely. We skated together, we split into pairs, we even sung along with the music. (The electronic-but-sung-in-a-country-twang-style version of "Country roads, take me home" was actually pretty good. I'd download the song if I only knew who sang it.) Two of the girls even decided to bust out the dance moves underneath the disco ball. We skated almost until closing, our feet sore we headed first to the Croatian hot dog stand and then to the underground.
Why don't you join us next time?
By 21.00 there were just four of us and we decided to wander around the innerstadt (the very centre of Vienna were most of the famous sights, monuments and museums are located). It took us awhile as we stopped every few minutes to take pictures or read signs but we ended up at the Rathaus (city hall). During the winter the grounds in front of the Rathaus are boarded over and turned into two skating rinks connected by skating paths: der Wiener Eistraum (the Vienna Ice dream). One of the Finnish girls went to check on prices. It turned out it was five euros to skate and an additional six for the skates. A bit much for poor students...especially as it was less than two hours to closing. As she turned to go, some gentleman came up and handed her four entrance tickets. Whether he had overheard her conversation at the ticket booth or whether he was smitten by her beauty (my favourite reason) or whether he was just going home and wanted someone else to use the tickets we don't know.
It was almost 22.00 and now we had entrance tickets to the Eistraum. Should we? Could we? Well, when else were we going to get free entrance tickets? All four of us rented skates and off we went: two Canadians (one's actually Czech), one Finnlander and one Chinese. After a bit of a row at the gates onto the ice we were on.
Now imagine this: two skating rinks (smaller though than the standard hockey size) with flashing lights and disco balls connected by paths that wind around trees, past benches and along the street. All the while music from the last fifty years in English, French, German and some other languages plays in the background. The Rathaus and the trees in front of it are lit up with reds, blues, pinks, greens, purples and yellows. There are about five little refreshment stands selling everything from Hungarian goulash, to Turkish donars to Croatian hot dogs. This is an experience for the senses.
There we were, four girls, strangers in the country, but enjoying ourselves immensely. We skated together, we split into pairs, we even sung along with the music. (The electronic-but-sung-in-a-country-twang-style version of "Country roads, take me home" was actually pretty good. I'd download the song if I only knew who sang it.) Two of the girls even decided to bust out the dance moves underneath the disco ball. We skated almost until closing, our feet sore we headed first to the Croatian hot dog stand and then to the underground.
Why don't you join us next time?
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Tonight is THE night
Tonight is the society night of the year here in Vienna. Tonight is the Opernball - the highlight of the ball season here in Vienna.
Those mere mortals (like myself and my hosts) who either waited too long (tickets sold out in under two hours), or didn't have the money (cheap tickets start at 250 Euros ($381.46 Cdn) are watching the live broadcast on national TV. To celebrate the evening we have brought along a bottle of champagne and once the actual ball gets started (we've been watching the pre-ball show for the past hour) I'll be able to report all the nitty details.
Some interesting facts:
- The whole floor of the operahall is stripped of seating and becomes a dancefloor.
- This year the decoration theme seems to tropical green with plenty of white orchids.
- You can rent a Loge (one of the opera boxes) starting at 4,000 Euros for a peasant box.
- 360 men and women (180 couples) open the night with the Poloniase - try outs are conducted at the famous Elmayr school and couples are choosen months in advance.
- All you men, don't bother coming unless you're properly attired - tuxedos are mandatory.
- Ladies, you could try wearing your grad dresses, but unless you picked out something really spectacular, I wouldn't recommend it. Good ball dresses (won't rip, beading won't fall off, etc.) start at 200 Euros.
Here is a picture of the inside of the Staatsoper from last week when I went to the opera. You'll have to imagine it decorated with thousands upon thousands of white orchids and thousands upon thousands of tropical palm leaves.
Oh yay, it's starting....
OK new facts I just found out:
- Miss Ukraine is part of one of the opening couples
- Yeah, grad dresses are not going to cut it...ladies...use this as an excuse to go shopping.
- There are 5,500 guests who have plan on making an appearance tonight.
- This is the 165th Opernball.
- Oh my. There is a horse on the floor. A horse and a carriage with one of the opera prima donnas in it. Oh wow that lady can sing....my goodness...now there's an ivy swing suspended from the ceiling.
- As some of you may have heard, Paris Hilton is the special guest of the evening. So far the cameras have shown her checking her self out in her hand mirror, peering into her purse and looking completely bored. How typical. Somehow I don't think this ball stuff is quite Paris' thing.
- Alright, an update...that opera prima donna I wrote about? Anna Netrebko, currently one of Russia's most loved opera singers. She is starring in Massenet's Manon which debuts in March at the Staatsopera.
- Oh dear me...I think I'm going to be sick. Paris was just on live interview and how pathetic she sounds....she just said that she loves being here and it's a new experience and she loves new experiences. Uh huh. But when she's not up and close the cameras she looks completely bored.
- A Bulgarian author was just interviewed, according to him if this was held in Bulgaria it would last three days and there would be dancing on the tables.
- This is the first Opernball where there is a poker table for guests who haven't spent enough on the tickets and Loge.
- At midnight there is a famous dance the Quadrattanz. I haven't seen it yet, but the TV spokespeople are busy asking all the celebrities to dance it. I'll post more once I've seen it.
- Next dress code wear update...men are not allowed to wear wrist watches....pocket watches are ok, wrist watches are not. Got that all you men just itching to go to the 2008 Opernball?
Alright...so finally some pictures. Yes, I know the quality is quite horrible but it was the best I could do. Want better pictures? Send me as your official correspondent to next year's Opernball.
The opening couples.
One of the first dances, the floor is packed.
Richard Lugner, some girl that he paid to be his guest and his wife Mousie Lugner.
Anna Netrebko, the real star of the evening, in a raspberry red Escada dress.
Please note: all pictures with ORF 2 in the top corner are from the live broadcast on national TV.
Those mere mortals (like myself and my hosts) who either waited too long (tickets sold out in under two hours), or didn't have the money (cheap tickets start at 250 Euros ($381.46 Cdn) are watching the live broadcast on national TV. To celebrate the evening we have brought along a bottle of champagne and once the actual ball gets started (we've been watching the pre-ball show for the past hour) I'll be able to report all the nitty details.
Some interesting facts:
- The whole floor of the operahall is stripped of seating and becomes a dancefloor.
- This year the decoration theme seems to tropical green with plenty of white orchids.
- You can rent a Loge (one of the opera boxes) starting at 4,000 Euros for a peasant box.
- 360 men and women (180 couples) open the night with the Poloniase - try outs are conducted at the famous Elmayr school and couples are choosen months in advance.
- All you men, don't bother coming unless you're properly attired - tuxedos are mandatory.
- Ladies, you could try wearing your grad dresses, but unless you picked out something really spectacular, I wouldn't recommend it. Good ball dresses (won't rip, beading won't fall off, etc.) start at 200 Euros.
Here is a picture of the inside of the Staatsoper from last week when I went to the opera. You'll have to imagine it decorated with thousands upon thousands of white orchids and thousands upon thousands of tropical palm leaves.
Oh yay, it's starting....
OK new facts I just found out:
- Miss Ukraine is part of one of the opening couples
- Yeah, grad dresses are not going to cut it...ladies...use this as an excuse to go shopping.
- There are 5,500 guests who have plan on making an appearance tonight.
- This is the 165th Opernball.
- Oh my. There is a horse on the floor. A horse and a carriage with one of the opera prima donnas in it. Oh wow that lady can sing....my goodness...now there's an ivy swing suspended from the ceiling.
- As some of you may have heard, Paris Hilton is the special guest of the evening. So far the cameras have shown her checking her self out in her hand mirror, peering into her purse and looking completely bored. How typical. Somehow I don't think this ball stuff is quite Paris' thing.
- Alright, an update...that opera prima donna I wrote about? Anna Netrebko, currently one of Russia's most loved opera singers. She is starring in Massenet's Manon which debuts in March at the Staatsopera.
- Oh dear me...I think I'm going to be sick. Paris was just on live interview and how pathetic she sounds....she just said that she loves being here and it's a new experience and she loves new experiences. Uh huh. But when she's not up and close the cameras she looks completely bored.
- A Bulgarian author was just interviewed, according to him if this was held in Bulgaria it would last three days and there would be dancing on the tables.
- This is the first Opernball where there is a poker table for guests who haven't spent enough on the tickets and Loge.
- At midnight there is a famous dance the Quadrattanz. I haven't seen it yet, but the TV spokespeople are busy asking all the celebrities to dance it. I'll post more once I've seen it.
- Next dress code wear update...men are not allowed to wear wrist watches....pocket watches are ok, wrist watches are not. Got that all you men just itching to go to the 2008 Opernball?
Alright...so finally some pictures. Yes, I know the quality is quite horrible but it was the best I could do. Want better pictures? Send me as your official correspondent to next year's Opernball.
The opening couples.
One of the first dances, the floor is packed.
Richard Lugner, some girl that he paid to be his guest and his wife Mousie Lugner.
Anna Netrebko, the real star of the evening, in a raspberry red Escada dress.
Please note: all pictures with ORF 2 in the top corner are from the live broadcast on national TV.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
My place
Alright, so for all of you who have been worrying about where I am living, these pictures are for you:
After coming through a wrought iron gate, these stairs lead to the lobby area.
The host's cat "Katze"
The kitchen
The living/dining room
After coming through a wrought iron gate, these stairs lead to the lobby area.
The host's cat "Katze"
The kitchen
The living/dining room
Finally
I am thrilled to announce that I have my own internet connection. What does that mean for you? Well, you will now be able to not only read about my adventures, but also see photographic proof. You will now be able to chat with me at all hours of the day as I have access to the computer 24/7. And, for those of you who have been e-mailing me attachments to review, you can now expect a response. (Unfortunately that also means that I no longer have an excuse for not getting my schoolwork done)
Keep checking back as I start adding pictures to the blog...
Keep checking back as I start adding pictures to the blog...
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
My first class
Yesterday from 17.30 till 22.00 I had my introduction to school life in Austria. I had enrolled in Consumer and Marketresearch thinking it would be full of theories and practical advice. From the sounds of things, it will be interesting, but not quite what I had expected.
We're working for an actual client (the association of custom tailors and milliners in Vienna is a loose translation of their German name). So basically, seamstresses, tailors, hat makers and haute couture designers. Should be interesting.
We will be researching and survying two groups: the tailors and seamstresses and the clients who use their services. From the tailors and seamstresses our client wants to know where they see the custom-made industry going, what the association can do to further help their members and other similar information such as how each member advertises. From the clients the association wants to know why they choose custom-made: is it the uniqueness of having something no one else has?, the quality?, the prestige (a custom business suit starts at €1,500 or $2,288. Cdn using today's exchange rate...sorry Dad, but that's a little out of my price range)?, physical reasons (missing a limb or one leg longer than the other)?. Anways, the class has been divided into groups and each group is responsible for part of the project. I'm in the group responsible for designing a survey that will be sent to the clients who order custom-made clothing.
I think this class will be a blend of Research Methods for Public Relations that I took a few years ago and a Marketing class I took last semester. I haven't decided whether or not I'm going to stay enrolled or drop out and choose something different. On one hand, it will be fun to talk about sampling, research procedures and SPSS again, on the other hand, it may be better to take something new. Any thoughts or opinions?
Now on to something related, but different. Some of you have been asking exactly how classes work here in Austria. So far I've only been to one, but I'll use it as my example. This whole semester the class (about 35 students - including a Vin Diesel look alike) only meets six times. Yes, you read correctly....six times (that's about two weeks, possibly four weeks of a class in Canada). When we do meet though, the class is ridiculously long - such as last night when we were scheduled to go from 5:30 p.m. till 10 p.m..
The course is part of the Sales and Marketing program and is taught at one the business schools in the centre of the city. If I walked there from my place (which I could) I'd pass the Museumsquartier, the Hoffburg gates, the Staatopera and some movie theatre. Guess what street the school building is on? Akadamiestraße. Appropriate eh?
Well, I hope that answers some of your questions. If not, just let me know. The rest of my courses start next Monday, so I should have some more examples for you after that.
P.S. Thanks for all your comments and e-mails. I like hearing from you.
We're working for an actual client (the association of custom tailors and milliners in Vienna is a loose translation of their German name). So basically, seamstresses, tailors, hat makers and haute couture designers. Should be interesting.
We will be researching and survying two groups: the tailors and seamstresses and the clients who use their services. From the tailors and seamstresses our client wants to know where they see the custom-made industry going, what the association can do to further help their members and other similar information such as how each member advertises. From the clients the association wants to know why they choose custom-made: is it the uniqueness of having something no one else has?, the quality?, the prestige (a custom business suit starts at €1,500 or $2,288. Cdn using today's exchange rate...sorry Dad, but that's a little out of my price range)?, physical reasons (missing a limb or one leg longer than the other)?. Anways, the class has been divided into groups and each group is responsible for part of the project. I'm in the group responsible for designing a survey that will be sent to the clients who order custom-made clothing.
I think this class will be a blend of Research Methods for Public Relations that I took a few years ago and a Marketing class I took last semester. I haven't decided whether or not I'm going to stay enrolled or drop out and choose something different. On one hand, it will be fun to talk about sampling, research procedures and SPSS again, on the other hand, it may be better to take something new. Any thoughts or opinions?
Now on to something related, but different. Some of you have been asking exactly how classes work here in Austria. So far I've only been to one, but I'll use it as my example. This whole semester the class (about 35 students - including a Vin Diesel look alike) only meets six times. Yes, you read correctly....six times (that's about two weeks, possibly four weeks of a class in Canada). When we do meet though, the class is ridiculously long - such as last night when we were scheduled to go from 5:30 p.m. till 10 p.m..
The course is part of the Sales and Marketing program and is taught at one the business schools in the centre of the city. If I walked there from my place (which I could) I'd pass the Museumsquartier, the Hoffburg gates, the Staatopera and some movie theatre. Guess what street the school building is on? Akadamiestraße. Appropriate eh?
Well, I hope that answers some of your questions. If not, just let me know. The rest of my courses start next Monday, so I should have some more examples for you after that.
P.S. Thanks for all your comments and e-mails. I like hearing from you.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Manon Lescaut
I had my evening all planned out. As I spent the day at home doing homework for my correspondence course, I was going to clean my room, read the Austrian paper and relax for a few hours before meeeting some of the exchange students. Needless to say, it didn't quite work out that way.
At 15.30 I called Caroline to invite her over for dinner on Sunday (my host family is having a family dinner and they've invited us). As it turns out yesterday was the birthday of one of her friends and to celebrate everyone was going to the opera. Did I want to come?
(Sidebar: For those of you who haven't been to Vienna, it's one of the main classical music cities of the world...perhaps even the capital city. Going to the opera is talked about with the same enthusiasm as going to watch a hockey game.)
Anyways, I managed to arrange things so I could meet Caroline and her friends for the opera and then meet the exchange students later. I have to confess though, I committed an unpardonable sin....I wore jeans to the opera. (Yes, I know...call the executioner and disown me now.) I wasn't planning on wearing jeans though. I was all dressed, ready to go and had just put on my shoes when I realized that one of my dress pant legs was shorter than the other. Yes. And not by a little either....my left leg was a whole inch shorter than the right. Great. I didn't have time to change into a skirt, so I slipped on my jeans and off I went into the night.
At the Staatsopera I met up with Caroline and five other friends. Everyone one of us was from a different country all spoke either German or English. After waiting in line for just over an hour, we had our tickets (€2 for Standing tickets). We found our spots, checked our coats and explored the opera house. I'd been there three years ago with a girlfriend but there were still things I hadn't seen. One of Caroline's friends is from South Korea and between the two of us we played the typical tourists until the lights began to dim.
Promptly at 19.30, Puccini's Manon Lescaut began. What a performance. I'd completely forgotten how dramatic operas are. (Disclaimer: If you plan on seeing the opera for yourself stop reading now.)
Manon Lescaut...a condensed version
Des Grieux is a depressed student. By chance he sees this girl (Manon) and is dumbstruck by her beauty (but of course, not so dumbstruck that he can't sing). He goes up and talks (well actually, sings) to her. She tells him her name and he declares his undying love and devotion. He then tries to persuade her to run away with him...it works...he only has to ask once (keep in mind she just met the guy). They agree to meet in the evening.
Meanwhile, her brother (who's escorting her) is approached by a wealthy banker who, like Des Grieux, is struck by Manon's beauty. The brother comments that they are on their way to drop Manon off at a convent. The banker is saddened (sort of) and plots to abduct Manon that very night. One of the Des Grieux's friends just happens to overhear this (convenient, eh?). Manon and Des Grieux rendezvous and manage to escape to Paris where they live happily everafter...no actually, not everafter....just for a while.
Manon ends up leaving Des Grieux and going to live with the banker. He lavishes her with clothes, jewels and composes songs for her (which in the modern version that we saw, she then plays the lead female singer and actress in the acompanying music video). So she has all these beautiful things (you should see her closet!) but she misses the love of Des Grieux. (There's more, but I don't want to spill all the details)
Anyways, she meets Des Grieux again but before they can run away the banker comes (if Manon didn't try and have her maids pack all ten of her suitcases they would have gotten away). The Banker of course gets all mad and calls the guards. (I'm skipping stuff here because otherwise this post would just keep on going and going.)
Des Grieux pulls a dagger and threatens anyone who tries to come near him and Manon. Then he collapses and begs the banker to take him along as a servant.
Manon and Des Grieux both are sent into exile in America (that's what the opera says...so don't ask me to explain that). Manon is dehydrated and starts to hallucinate. She sees the jewellery that the banker gave her and keeps wondering if she is still as beautiful as she once was. It now takes her almost 45 minutes to decide whether she wants to die or not (and you thought I was drama queen). Des Grieux comes back (she sent him to look for water after declaring that as a woman she was weak and could go no further). He can't find any water. And so, (insert dramatic orchestra music here), on the streets of America, a beautiful (but rather conceited and obsessed with wealth) Manon dies.
The end.
At 15.30 I called Caroline to invite her over for dinner on Sunday (my host family is having a family dinner and they've invited us). As it turns out yesterday was the birthday of one of her friends and to celebrate everyone was going to the opera. Did I want to come?
(Sidebar: For those of you who haven't been to Vienna, it's one of the main classical music cities of the world...perhaps even the capital city. Going to the opera is talked about with the same enthusiasm as going to watch a hockey game.)
Anyways, I managed to arrange things so I could meet Caroline and her friends for the opera and then meet the exchange students later. I have to confess though, I committed an unpardonable sin....I wore jeans to the opera. (Yes, I know...call the executioner and disown me now.) I wasn't planning on wearing jeans though. I was all dressed, ready to go and had just put on my shoes when I realized that one of my dress pant legs was shorter than the other. Yes. And not by a little either....my left leg was a whole inch shorter than the right. Great. I didn't have time to change into a skirt, so I slipped on my jeans and off I went into the night.
At the Staatsopera I met up with Caroline and five other friends. Everyone one of us was from a different country all spoke either German or English. After waiting in line for just over an hour, we had our tickets (€2 for Standing tickets). We found our spots, checked our coats and explored the opera house. I'd been there three years ago with a girlfriend but there were still things I hadn't seen. One of Caroline's friends is from South Korea and between the two of us we played the typical tourists until the lights began to dim.
Promptly at 19.30, Puccini's Manon Lescaut began. What a performance. I'd completely forgotten how dramatic operas are. (Disclaimer: If you plan on seeing the opera for yourself stop reading now.)
Manon Lescaut...a condensed version
Des Grieux is a depressed student. By chance he sees this girl (Manon) and is dumbstruck by her beauty (but of course, not so dumbstruck that he can't sing). He goes up and talks (well actually, sings) to her. She tells him her name and he declares his undying love and devotion. He then tries to persuade her to run away with him...it works...he only has to ask once (keep in mind she just met the guy). They agree to meet in the evening.
Meanwhile, her brother (who's escorting her) is approached by a wealthy banker who, like Des Grieux, is struck by Manon's beauty. The brother comments that they are on their way to drop Manon off at a convent. The banker is saddened (sort of) and plots to abduct Manon that very night. One of the Des Grieux's friends just happens to overhear this (convenient, eh?). Manon and Des Grieux rendezvous and manage to escape to Paris where they live happily everafter...no actually, not everafter....just for a while.
Manon ends up leaving Des Grieux and going to live with the banker. He lavishes her with clothes, jewels and composes songs for her (which in the modern version that we saw, she then plays the lead female singer and actress in the acompanying music video). So she has all these beautiful things (you should see her closet!) but she misses the love of Des Grieux. (There's more, but I don't want to spill all the details)
Anyways, she meets Des Grieux again but before they can run away the banker comes (if Manon didn't try and have her maids pack all ten of her suitcases they would have gotten away). The Banker of course gets all mad and calls the guards. (I'm skipping stuff here because otherwise this post would just keep on going and going.)
Des Grieux pulls a dagger and threatens anyone who tries to come near him and Manon. Then he collapses and begs the banker to take him along as a servant.
Manon and Des Grieux both are sent into exile in America (that's what the opera says...so don't ask me to explain that). Manon is dehydrated and starts to hallucinate. She sees the jewellery that the banker gave her and keeps wondering if she is still as beautiful as she once was. It now takes her almost 45 minutes to decide whether she wants to die or not (and you thought I was drama queen). Des Grieux comes back (she sent him to look for water after declaring that as a woman she was weak and could go no further). He can't find any water. And so, (insert dramatic orchestra music here), on the streets of America, a beautiful (but rather conceited and obsessed with wealth) Manon dies.
The end.
Monday, February 5, 2007
It's officially been a week
That's right. I've been in Vienna for over a week already.
Today I met two of the ladies in charge of my exchange. Somehow, somewhere, someone enrolled me into Journalism instead of Public Relations. Yeah. I've made them aware of the mistake, I hope it can be easily remedied. According to the school here it's no big deal, but I'm going to double check with the school at home and make sure I won't have problems there.
In other news, I'm currently operating on three hours of sleep. Caroline invited me to go watch the Superbowl with her. Now, you have to understand, I've never watched a full Superbowl game before. I've watched bits and pieces of football games but never a Superbowl. Why? Well, why should I? I find the game rather confusing, a lot more boring than hockey and even the men running around in tight pants don't attract me. So, I was going to decline Caroline's invitation. But then. I thought again. Why not experience the Superbowl through the eyes of Austrians? Sure, football isn't my favourite sport but this would sure make a great story. So off I went.
We left my place at 11 p.m. so that we wouldn't miss the last U-bahn and have to walk to the party. As we still had plenty of time before the game started we got off a few stations early and took a number of pictures outside the gates of Schönbrunn Schloß (just before midnight is a perfect time to go as there are hardly any tourists milling about).
From Schönbrunn Caroline and I walked the rest of the way to the party. On route she told me that we probably wouldn't get home until six in the morning as the U-bahns don't run in the early morning hours. I gulped. I had to be at school at 10:30 the next morning but I kept on walking.
By the time Caroline and I arrived at the party there were already a number of people staked out on couches and chairs throughout the apartment. Caroline and I found seats and shortly after the game started. What a riot. I'm not sure what was more amusing...watching the football enthusiasts yell and shout at the TV (and each other) or listening to the Austrian sportscasters translate what was going on on the field. At one point we had a couple of people throwing footballs around the room, two arguements about which team was better, a discussion about snow levels in Canada and a group of people crowded around a laptop watching Superbowl commercials.
After the game we all sat around and talked for awhile about cults, football and Christianity before heading home. One of the guys left his car behind so that the girls could get rides home instead of having to wait for the U-bahns to start running. What an experience (I still like hockey better though...and...I still don't have any Oilers wear...hint, hint).
Today I met two of the ladies in charge of my exchange. Somehow, somewhere, someone enrolled me into Journalism instead of Public Relations. Yeah. I've made them aware of the mistake, I hope it can be easily remedied. According to the school here it's no big deal, but I'm going to double check with the school at home and make sure I won't have problems there.
In other news, I'm currently operating on three hours of sleep. Caroline invited me to go watch the Superbowl with her. Now, you have to understand, I've never watched a full Superbowl game before. I've watched bits and pieces of football games but never a Superbowl. Why? Well, why should I? I find the game rather confusing, a lot more boring than hockey and even the men running around in tight pants don't attract me. So, I was going to decline Caroline's invitation. But then. I thought again. Why not experience the Superbowl through the eyes of Austrians? Sure, football isn't my favourite sport but this would sure make a great story. So off I went.
We left my place at 11 p.m. so that we wouldn't miss the last U-bahn and have to walk to the party. As we still had plenty of time before the game started we got off a few stations early and took a number of pictures outside the gates of Schönbrunn Schloß (just before midnight is a perfect time to go as there are hardly any tourists milling about).
From Schönbrunn Caroline and I walked the rest of the way to the party. On route she told me that we probably wouldn't get home until six in the morning as the U-bahns don't run in the early morning hours. I gulped. I had to be at school at 10:30 the next morning but I kept on walking.
By the time Caroline and I arrived at the party there were already a number of people staked out on couches and chairs throughout the apartment. Caroline and I found seats and shortly after the game started. What a riot. I'm not sure what was more amusing...watching the football enthusiasts yell and shout at the TV (and each other) or listening to the Austrian sportscasters translate what was going on on the field. At one point we had a couple of people throwing footballs around the room, two arguements about which team was better, a discussion about snow levels in Canada and a group of people crowded around a laptop watching Superbowl commercials.
After the game we all sat around and talked for awhile about cults, football and Christianity before heading home. One of the guys left his car behind so that the girls could get rides home instead of having to wait for the U-bahns to start running. What an experience (I still like hockey better though...and...I still don't have any Oilers wear...hint, hint).
My first Sunday
(Backpost from Sunday, February 4, 2007)
I left the house at 9:50 a.m. to attend Calvary Wien (Caroline's church). As I was walking along the Mariahilferstrasse to the U-bahn something caught my attention. There, walking towards me was a little piece of home. I looked again. No, I must be mistaken. Could it be? Really? Here in Vienna? A little piece of home? I blinked and looked closer. Yes, it was definitely a piece of home. Fantastic. Really truly fantastic. There, walking towards me was a girl proudly wearing...wait for it...an Oilers t-shirt. Sweet.
I made it to Calvary Wien a few minutes before the service started. It's a small (as in 50 people) congregation. Worship was rather interesting as all the songs had either German or English subtitles. The congregation is quite international. I met individuals from Iran, Turkey, Russia, the United States and a couple from South Africa who reminded me of wonderful family friends.
On a side note: I think I need an official editor's hat. Today I've caught myself editing everything from the worship slides to the writing on my coffee mug to the music titles on my media player. My English teachers would be proud.
I left the house at 9:50 a.m. to attend Calvary Wien (Caroline's church). As I was walking along the Mariahilferstrasse to the U-bahn something caught my attention. There, walking towards me was a little piece of home. I looked again. No, I must be mistaken. Could it be? Really? Here in Vienna? A little piece of home? I blinked and looked closer. Yes, it was definitely a piece of home. Fantastic. Really truly fantastic. There, walking towards me was a girl proudly wearing...wait for it...an Oilers t-shirt. Sweet.
I made it to Calvary Wien a few minutes before the service started. It's a small (as in 50 people) congregation. Worship was rather interesting as all the songs had either German or English subtitles. The congregation is quite international. I met individuals from Iran, Turkey, Russia, the United States and a couple from South Africa who reminded me of wonderful family friends.
On a side note: I think I need an official editor's hat. Today I've caught myself editing everything from the worship slides to the writing on my coffee mug to the music titles on my media player. My English teachers would be proud.
Canada as we know it - comments and concerns expressed by Non-Canadians pt. 1
(Also a backpost from Thursday, February 1, 2007)
Picture this: I've just been introduced to a number of people and we are all making polite chit chat.
Non-Canadian 1: "So you're from Canada right?"
Me: " Yes."
Non-Canadian 1: "Mmmm.....right. Where is that again?"
(this would have been an understandable question if the asker was from some remote country. He wasn't. He lives a two hour flight away from Toronto.)
Non-Canadian 2: "You're from Calgary?"
Me: "Yes, we're famous for the Stampede with its outdoor rodeo show aswell as for hosting one of the best run Winter Olymipcs."
Non-Canadian 2: "Oh. I didn't know Canada had cowboys. I thought they were only in Texas. How big is your town anyway?"
Non-Canadian 3: "Alberta. That's the one that goes all the way up to North Pole right?" and a few minutes later, "Who needs Canada anyway? What do you do anyways?"
Yes readers. Those were snippets from actual conversations today. Stay tuned for more updates on the Canada non-Canadians know.
Picture this: I've just been introduced to a number of people and we are all making polite chit chat.
Non-Canadian 1: "So you're from Canada right?"
Me: " Yes."
Non-Canadian 1: "Mmmm.....right. Where is that again?"
(this would have been an understandable question if the asker was from some remote country. He wasn't. He lives a two hour flight away from Toronto.)
Non-Canadian 2: "You're from Calgary?"
Me: "Yes, we're famous for the Stampede with its outdoor rodeo show aswell as for hosting one of the best run Winter Olymipcs."
Non-Canadian 2: "Oh. I didn't know Canada had cowboys. I thought they were only in Texas. How big is your town anyway?"
Non-Canadian 3: "Alberta. That's the one that goes all the way up to North Pole right?" and a few minutes later, "Who needs Canada anyway? What do you do anyways?"
Yes readers. Those were snippets from actual conversations today. Stay tuned for more updates on the Canada non-Canadians know.
Yes, I'm still alive...
I still don't have my own internet connection yet so I've been writing my posts on my laptop. I was going to wait to upload them until I have my own connection, but it could still be a week or two so I'll start adding them now already.
Here is the first (pictures will hopefully be added once my connection is up)...
Thursday, February 1, 2007
The elusive connection...
There we were - two girls in deserate need. It had been almost ten hours and we were already craving our next session. It wasn't a matter of want, it was a matter of need. And we needed our next session.
So there we sat: two girls, on the kitchen floor, with our laptops on chairs in front of us. What were we doing? Surfing the internet of course. I'd discovered a public wireless connection shortly after my arrival. As Ruth and Caroline didn't have school this morning we spent exploring which room in the apartment had the best reception. In the end, we ended up in the kitchen where we happilz sat for three hours. I was relieved to get caught up on most of my e-mail correspondence and blog work.
Partway through the afternoon Ruth decided she needed to go shopping. Of course, I went along (Refuse to go shopping? How could I?). Ruth has four weddings to attend this summer so she was on the search for some fabulous outfits. Once again our path led us to the Mariahilferstrasse. While she looked around at clothing I enjoyed the sights and the sounds.
Ok. Maybe not all the sights and sounds. We were accosted three times by males begging us to stop, spare a few minutes and listen to them (we didn't). Apparently a certain environmental group is in dire need of supporters. So much so, that they have taken to recruiting people off the street. Except, (yes, of course there's a catch) instead of marching against seal hunting or throwing pies at fur-wearing celebrities, you donate your money. That's right. Now, along with supporting whatever charity you normally support, you, yes you, can help save the whales...all by signing a contract stating that you will donate X amount/monthly. Great.
In other rather depressing (although entertaining) news...I met a few guys today. (Yeah, yeah, stop the catcalls already...I'm not finished yet.) My experiences with them made me decide to do a series of posts intitled: "Canada as we know it - comments and concerns expressed by Non-Canadians". Check the next post for the first installment.
Here is the first (pictures will hopefully be added once my connection is up)...
Thursday, February 1, 2007
The elusive connection...
There we were - two girls in deserate need. It had been almost ten hours and we were already craving our next session. It wasn't a matter of want, it was a matter of need. And we needed our next session.
So there we sat: two girls, on the kitchen floor, with our laptops on chairs in front of us. What were we doing? Surfing the internet of course. I'd discovered a public wireless connection shortly after my arrival. As Ruth and Caroline didn't have school this morning we spent exploring which room in the apartment had the best reception. In the end, we ended up in the kitchen where we happilz sat for three hours. I was relieved to get caught up on most of my e-mail correspondence and blog work.
Partway through the afternoon Ruth decided she needed to go shopping. Of course, I went along (Refuse to go shopping? How could I?). Ruth has four weddings to attend this summer so she was on the search for some fabulous outfits. Once again our path led us to the Mariahilferstrasse. While she looked around at clothing I enjoyed the sights and the sounds.
Ok. Maybe not all the sights and sounds. We were accosted three times by males begging us to stop, spare a few minutes and listen to them (we didn't). Apparently a certain environmental group is in dire need of supporters. So much so, that they have taken to recruiting people off the street. Except, (yes, of course there's a catch) instead of marching against seal hunting or throwing pies at fur-wearing celebrities, you donate your money. That's right. Now, along with supporting whatever charity you normally support, you, yes you, can help save the whales...all by signing a contract stating that you will donate X amount/monthly. Great.
In other rather depressing (although entertaining) news...I met a few guys today. (Yeah, yeah, stop the catcalls already...I'm not finished yet.) My experiences with them made me decide to do a series of posts intitled: "Canada as we know it - comments and concerns expressed by Non-Canadians". Check the next post for the first installment.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
I'm moving...
As you may have already heard, I have found a room to move into. Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement regarding this.
I don't have all the pictures and information now, but as I move in tomorrow evening expect an update with pictures and more detailed information soon.
I'll be living in the 7 district (7. Bezirk as it's known here) on the Stiftgasse which connects to Mariahilferstrasse. Mariahilferstrasse is one of the main shopping streets in Vienna and also leads to the MQ (were all the museums are) and into downtown. It's also close to two underground lines and plenty of buses and S-bahns which makes it easier for me access the rest of the city.
The apartment itself is on the first floor (Germans and Austrians don't count the ground floor). I share an apartment with an older couple (they're renting their son's room while he's gone on a school exchange). You should really all come for a visit. I have a huge room (probably close to 4x the size of my room at home) with high (ca. 20 ft.) ceilings and yes, you guessed it, hardwood floor. Woohoo! I have a large east facing window and can enter my room through the dining room or also through a hallway that leads to the kitchen, a guest bedroom, a washroom and the entrance. I'll write more later.
I don't have all the pictures and information now, but as I move in tomorrow evening expect an update with pictures and more detailed information soon.
I'll be living in the 7 district (7. Bezirk as it's known here) on the Stiftgasse which connects to Mariahilferstrasse. Mariahilferstrasse is one of the main shopping streets in Vienna and also leads to the MQ (were all the museums are) and into downtown. It's also close to two underground lines and plenty of buses and S-bahns which makes it easier for me access the rest of the city.
The apartment itself is on the first floor (Germans and Austrians don't count the ground floor). I share an apartment with an older couple (they're renting their son's room while he's gone on a school exchange). You should really all come for a visit. I have a huge room (probably close to 4x the size of my room at home) with high (ca. 20 ft.) ceilings and yes, you guessed it, hardwood floor. Woohoo! I have a large east facing window and can enter my room through the dining room or also through a hallway that leads to the kitchen, a guest bedroom, a washroom and the entrance. I'll write more later.
Wednesday, 30. January
(I'm posting this a day late as my Internet connection kept kicking me out)
Today has gone well. I officially have my own room now and will move in Friday evening (more on the room in upcoming posts). As the sun was shining and the wind had died down Caroline (one of the girls I'm living with until I move into my own place) and I went shopping. Yes, shopping. She had to get groceries and since I'm going to be living minutes from one of the main shopping districts in Vienna we figured I should start getting acquainted with the area.
From where Caroline lives (in the 8 district) we took the S-bahn (Vienna's street train) down to Mariahilferstrasse. As it turns out I had stayed in a pension (Bed and breakfast) just off the Mariahilferstrasse on my last trip to Vienna so I still remembered some of the sights. Caroline showed me a good cobbler and we browsed through Merkur (one of the higher-end grocery chains). I'm so glad she let me come along on her grocery shopping trip as I have very little experience buying groceries in Europe. At Merkur we looked at prices and she explained what to look for in a grocery store. She also pointed out some of the better labels and where quality could be had for a lower price (think President's Choice or Safeway Select in Canada).
After Merkur we strolled down the street and looked at the sights and sounds. Every so often there was a stand selling potatoes and chestnuts ...similar to how you see hot dog stands in Canada. I didn't think to take a picture of one, but as I have to order from these stands at least once during my stay you'll get to see one at some point.
In the evening we had Maedchenhauskreis (like a girls' small group) at Caroline's so I was able to meet two more girls from the Calvary Wien congregation. It's been a long time since I was in a small group and it was interesting to see how they're held here. On Sunday I'm planning on taking the U-bahn (subway) and attending Calvary Wien.
Here is a picture of a flower shop a few streets away from where Caroline and her friends live. This is a common sight in Austria and in Germany. I like how the flowers are out in the open thus cheering those walking past.
Today has gone well. I officially have my own room now and will move in Friday evening (more on the room in upcoming posts). As the sun was shining and the wind had died down Caroline (one of the girls I'm living with until I move into my own place) and I went shopping. Yes, shopping. She had to get groceries and since I'm going to be living minutes from one of the main shopping districts in Vienna we figured I should start getting acquainted with the area.
From where Caroline lives (in the 8 district) we took the S-bahn (Vienna's street train) down to Mariahilferstrasse. As it turns out I had stayed in a pension (Bed and breakfast) just off the Mariahilferstrasse on my last trip to Vienna so I still remembered some of the sights. Caroline showed me a good cobbler and we browsed through Merkur (one of the higher-end grocery chains). I'm so glad she let me come along on her grocery shopping trip as I have very little experience buying groceries in Europe. At Merkur we looked at prices and she explained what to look for in a grocery store. She also pointed out some of the better labels and where quality could be had for a lower price (think President's Choice or Safeway Select in Canada).
After Merkur we strolled down the street and looked at the sights and sounds. Every so often there was a stand selling potatoes and chestnuts ...similar to how you see hot dog stands in Canada. I didn't think to take a picture of one, but as I have to order from these stands at least once during my stay you'll get to see one at some point.
In the evening we had Maedchenhauskreis (like a girls' small group) at Caroline's so I was able to meet two more girls from the Calvary Wien congregation. It's been a long time since I was in a small group and it was interesting to see how they're held here. On Sunday I'm planning on taking the U-bahn (subway) and attending Calvary Wien.
Here is a picture of a flower shop a few streets away from where Caroline and her friends live. This is a common sight in Austria and in Germany. I like how the flowers are out in the open thus cheering those walking past.
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