The departure countdown stands at 8 days. I'm really torn about how I feel, leaving Vienna. I've truly grown to love this city--not for it's people or it's "perfect fit" for me--but because of its charm... its history and its beauty. In the past few weeks, I've finally been able to invest in my relationships with people here: our neighbor, Julia, our voice teacher, my music professor, our friends Greg and Verina, my English professor, a few native couples from Austria... and now, I have to abandon them and bank on the fact that I might never see them again. I will miss them, true. But like I said--it's the city I will miss most. Going to the opera will no longer be a nightly entertainment option and passing historical monuments and incredible architecture on the public transportation will no longer be typical. Hearing German will no longer be the norm. Experiencing the excitement of the big city will be few and far between. I've finally come to the point where living a day-to-day life in Vienna seems entirely normal... like I belong here... like I'm just like any other person.
But I miss home--not because of its charm, history or beauty--but because of the people and the memories. If I were a completely independent and free person I would imagine I might be perfectly fine with staying abroad for another semester... another year... another five years, even. But I'm not. My friends and family mean the world to me, and a large fraction of my happiness is centered in those people. I've missed out on so many birthdays, family gatherings, and important events, and I am anxious to re-enter that world to which I was so accustomed 4 months ago. I don't think I've ever missed anyone so much to the point of it literally being painful--but there were times recently where this was the case. Whether it be Eric, my mom, my dad, my aunt and her boys, my wonderful friends at BW--they truly have never left my mind during my excursions here!
Christmas truly is one of the most beautiful and incredible times of the year for me... and this year it is even moreso true.
I worry about it being awkward, for my friends and family, when I return home. Where do I even begin?? So much has happened during these past 4 months--on both ends of the spectrum! Ideally, I want to come home with the feeling that no time has passed. That I've been trapped in a giant time warp where I've been living my life normally (okay, well, better than "normally" I would like to think) since August, but everyone else has been frozen in time. I'll pick up right where I left off.
I'm curious as to whether I'll experience culture shock or not... I mean, Austria is a westernized country... not extremely culturally different from the States.... so surely it can't be all that bad. I suppose we'll have to see!
Anyway... this is really a hodge-podge post... but essentially I wanted to do an official "sign-off" for my Vienna Monologues. This next week will be insane for me, what with preparing for finals, packing, and preparing for our recital, and I doubt I'll have time to write. I leave December 23rd, bright and early, and will be home (weather permitting) later that night. Please pray for a safe and smooth flight and I can't wait to see you all very soon :)
Much love! Tschuss, ciao, baba!
Laura
Monday, December 15, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wagner, Weihnachtmarkts, and Wunderbar-ness :)
Hello all!
Many of you have been pestering me to post a new update (**cough cough** Krista Schupbach **cough cough**) so here's a nice little recap of the past few weeks!
First of all, Happy Thanksgiving!! And no, they don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Europe (Mitch!). When that realization dawned on me during the summer, I literally wanted to cry. The idea of not having turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie with my family was just devastating! But luckily Webster sponsors a Thanksgiving dinner for all of the American students here. The Austrians have a similar "Thankful Harvest Festival" during September, which they call "Ernte Dankfest," but it (of course) has nothing to do with the Pilgrims!
For the first time in my life, I had class on Thanksgiving... 3 hours of Deutschkurs! So Jessica, Olivia and I went out to celebrate Thanksgiving--Vienna style--with a hearty lunch of Weinerschnitzel vom Schwien at the Schnitzel Land across the street from the school! So we sat there, laughing hysterically between being glued to the Euro wintersports televised on the big screen. There were frickin' BOCCI BALL tournaments and this ski jump stuff that resembled flying squirrels. Sounds weird, but we couldn't stop watching!! The whole 2 hours we were there we were "Oooo!"-ing and "Aaaah!"-ing... yelling out with authentic frustration and disappointment when our Oesterreich players didn't do as well as we hoped. It got to the point where the worker actually came over to see what we were watching... took one look at the TV, shook his head and went back to his Schnitzel-y business! Ha! We Americans like to make a scene... what can I say?!
Dinner was at the University. Olivia and I (along with most of the Americans) were among the first in line to this incredible shmorgasbord. REAL turkey... stuffing... mashed potatoes... vegetables... sweet potato cassarole... pumpkin pie... cranberry sauce... spinach rolls... an entire conference room full of crammed tables. They practically had to roll me out of the place! Ha! But, although I didn't have my actual family with my on Thanksgiving, I had a great fellowship with my friends :) And a lot of local American families attended as well, families of faculty. SO MANY BABIES! lol
Among the Americans that attended was a girl we'd actually met on the way to the Presidential Election Re-cap a few weeks ago--Sojourner. We met her randomly on the bus to Webster, and were thrown off when she said she was from New York... she had an incredible Austrian accent! She has quite a story, too! She's an 18 year old from a small, small town in New York. Why is she in Vienna, you ask? Well, she's the FIRST GIRL in the history of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna to be accepted. That's breaking nearly 500 years of men-only tradition right there! She dropped out of high school to attend this highly prestigious and strenuous riding school for the next few years. Made a lot of the local papers here in Vienna--quite the big deal! She's a sweetheart, too! Very kind girl, and very down to earth for a girl who has every reason to be full of herself.
I also got the chance to speak with most of my family on the phone! I invested in some Skype minutes and made the calls--to my Uncle Floyd in Chicago, my step-dad, my mom, both of my aunts, my Grandpa in Arizona, my dad in Baltic, my Great-Grandma in Uniontown, Eric and his family :)--and it was exactly what I needed. You know, if I were in school at BW for these four months I wouldn't have seen half of my extended family either. But somehow, being on the other side of the world, it makes me miss them SO much. I've always loved and appreciated my family... but it seems that now I cherish them even more. My family honestly makes me happy. If there's one thing I'm grateful for about this trip, it is having truly realized that value in my life.
Unfortunately, most of my free time these past two weeks has been taken up with the term paper I have to turn in as my "final" for my argumentative writing class. I've been researching and notating this entire semester, and the time finally came to actually WRITE the darn thing. So with 12 books, 10 articles, and 3 websites in toe, I got to work. I'm a slow at writing papers (particularly research papers) because I'm nit-picky and usually unsatisfied... constantly revising. I literally spent an entire weekend shut in my room--as in, I didn't leave the building! Ha! But the good thing is that it is done... all 21 pages (end-notes and appendix included)... and I can breathe again! I fear I may always be haunted by Richard Wagner and Friederich Nietzsche. Their philosophical slash musical drama somehow, by process of literary osmosis, became my drama. I have never been so glad to be rid of a research topic in my life--and I PICKED it, for crying out loud! Trying to organize a coherent and structured paper about philosophy and subjectivism is a REAL task for me... ugh. So THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is why I haven't been updating :)
ANYWAY--Mom sent me Christmas-in-a-Box last week and so I attacked the room (much to Olivia's dismay!). She sent foily pipe-cleaners, snowflakes, tinsel, a mini-light-up-Christmas tree, window clings, ribbon, garland, stockings, a jingly Santa door hanger, Christmas socks, Christmas aprons, and a chalkboard that will help me count down the days until Christmas (we've also used it to count down the days until our return to the States). I joked with Olivia, saying that she was going to go to bed one night and wake up to the department store scene from "Elf," with the place completely decked out! Haha! Well, needless to say I wasn't THAT crafty, but I think I did a pretty good job considering my materials! Our neighbor, Julia, took one step in our room and shook her head: "Soooo American..." Hahaha. I love Christmas!
As a person who loves Christmas, I've apparently picked the creme-de-la-creme of European Christmas cities. Vienna is famous for its Weihnachtmakts (can also be called Chriskindlmarkts) which are lovely, quaint outdoor Christmas markets. Local vendors, artists, bakers and stores set up itty-bitty wooden shops in places like the Rathaus (town hall), Karlsplatz (the center of the city), Schoenbrunn Palace gardens, the Belvedere Palace gardens, Spittleberg, and Maria-Theresa platz. The largest is, by far, at the Rathaus. It's literally like being in a winterwonderland! You could spend hours there... really. Some of my favorite shops have been the hand painted Viennese Christmas ornaments, the candle shops, and the confectioneries. They sell these indicatively German gingerbread hearts, outlined in colored icing and spelling German phrases like "Ich liebe dich," or "Mein Opa ist am besten!" One of the greatest things about the Wiehnachtmarkts is the Weihnachtpunsch--a hot spiced wine that is a Christmas speciality. Everyone is walking up and down the midway, bundled up... their hands clasping steaming mugs of Weihnactspunsch... noses red, smiling... children mesmerized by all the glittering ornaments and old-fashioned toys. It's the perfect cure for seasonal depression :) Knowing how Eric shares (and probably tops) my enthusiasm for the Christmas spirit, I could only imagine what he would do if he were here! Haha!
Stephansplatz (which includes the Graben, Stephansdom, Julius Meinl, and some of the best cafes around) is my favorite place in Vienna... and this is even more so true in the evenings during Advent. It is a spectacular scene! Thousands and thousands of white lights are draped over the street, giant "chandeliers" made of Christmas lights dangling over the square... Stars, twinkles, Christmas... everywhere. It's enough to take your breath away. Sehr romantisch!
Speaking of German, the language is really coming along for me. I'm doing well in my class, and am learning SO much... we cover so much in a weeks time, it's crazy. My conversational German could use some practice, but I'm working on it. I really like this language (despite it's fickle grammar and gender rules) and am catching on relatively quickly... but then again, you have to considering the pace of the class. Prof. Possett says it must be somewhere in my Swiss blood (lol). But it's difficult to practice any further than just "supermarket" and "restaurant" lingo... because once you begin an actual convo with someone, they recognize your non-Austrian dialect (we learn High German, not the Austrian dialect... it is different believe it or not) and begin speaking to you in English. Which is convenient, don't get me wrong, but it certainly isn't helpful to learning the language :P
Olivia and I took our last (well, at least MY last) travelling excursion two weekends ago. We did two day-trips in a weekend. Saturday we went to Salzburg, Austria and then Sunday we went to Budapest, Hungary. Salzburg was as beautiful as I left it two years ago. It may still be my favorite quaint European village. Let's combine my favorite things--Sound of Music, Mozart, Music, Brezels, and castles--and then you have Salzburg. Olivia and I toured our first castle and were able to see even more beautiful skylines and landscapes from the castles north tower. I may have to wait until later to recap specific details--but the important part is that you know it was a wonderful time!
AH! But there IS a funny slash scary story connected with our trip to Salzburg. We had a significantly early start to our day of travel--we had to be AT the train station around 8... so Olivia and I were not exactly all there. As we were rushing out of the room, I threw a banana in my bookbag for a breakfast on-the-go. Cleary I must have entirely forgotten about this banana, because as I reached in my bag to take out my pencil on the way to the train station, I felt.... slimey banana mush. ALL over the inside of my bookbag. ALL over my books. ALL over my professor's books that had been lended to me! Yet, all Olivia and I could do was laugh hysterically... we were so loopy! But I managed to clean the most of it up... but I did leave a trail of banana scent wherever I went :)
I'm not sure what about that experience made Olivia want to check her purse for her tickets, but she began rummaging, and then looked at me with an expression of panic and horror: "Ohmigosh, Laura... I forgot my rail pass!!!!" I had already made reservations for the train, and having already gotten a late start, we couldn't go back to get it. Olivia began a bonafide freak out session and was contemplating not going at all, but we'd seen people get fined on the trains before for not having their tickets/rail-passes. They had to pay 40 euro and life was fine again. And oftentimes, the conductor wont even check the railpass if you've made a reservation. So we began scheming... Olivia would pretend to be asleep when the conductor came by to check tickets. I would hand him our TICKETS first, hoping that he wouldn't ask for our railpasses. If he asked to see them, I would see if it would be possible to use one of MY unused railpass days to count for her (luckily I still had one un-used!).
Well, we boarded the train and Olivia was a nervous wreck! I'm pretty sure she thought they were going to throw her right out of the moving train! Haha! We heard the conductor coming around to nearby cabins. Cue Olivia's iPod induced sleep. Sure enough, this conductor was keen and observant, and actually did ask to see my pass... AND Olivia's. Cue Olivia's Oscar-winning performance. She rummages calmly through her purse... then a little more feverishly... then grabs my backpack in a panicked manner... "Laura... ohmigosh I left it on my bed at home!!!" We told the conductor our sob story, but he was unsympathetic. He whips out the electronic fine-maker-of-death. Here's where I step in--"WAIT! Can she use one of my days?" With a slight roll of his eyes, he caved in. PHEW! And amazingly, the conductor didn't say a word about the situation on the train back. Karma was on our side :)
The train ride to Budapest was interesting. We were in a full car--a cute, elegant old couple on my left and a young, trendy couple on my right. HOWEVER, when the older couple got off at an earlier stop, this was apparently the cue for the younger couple to start making out. No joke, they actually pushed the seats together were LAYING on top of each other... with Olivia and I STILL in the cabin. Talk about awkward! I just stared out the window the entire time, trying to drain out the mouth noises with my iPod! Hahaha!
Budapest, however... hmmm... think Los Angeles... but dirtier... if that's even possible. First of all, there is a serious language barrier here. I am not even slightly familiar with Hungarian. In fact, it looks like gibberish. Random syllables in words that don't belong together, with accents going every which way! There is also a currency change, which made shopping and ATM VERY confusing... they use the Forrint. And 2,000 Forrint equals approximately 7 Euro (10 dollars). But, of course we didn't know this until we found a currency exchange down the road. So here we are at the ATM, which is giving us the option to take out 1,000 2,000 4,000 20,000 Forrint. First of all, I've never taken out thousands of ANY kind of currency before, so I was a little scared lol!
But anyway... Budapest. We walk out of the trainstation to grey, drab buildings marked with grafitti... in fact, every monument and open wall space was covered in grafitti. The air was so polluted that Olivia and I actually had to step inside every so often to get "fresh" air. I could feel the dirt gritting in my teeth when I closed my mouth... ew. But as we walked further and further into the downtown, it got more and more bearable. Olivia and I made our way to the Buda Palace on the top of this hilltop. It's this entirely gated in palace grounds, and you feel like you're stepping into the 16th century. It's a whole new city up there... with restaurants, shops, outdoor markets, and some beautiful architecture. We spent most of our time in Budapest in those palace grounds. It was so peaceful up there! And we got to try some authentic Hungarian Funnel Cakes that looks like giant bee-hives. A-mazing!
Olivia's old roommate, Lindsey, and her friend Jessica (both from BW!) who are both studying abroad in York England came to visit Vienna. We had the wonderful honor of showing them and their friend, Will, around our beautiful city :) Although it was spitting rain most of the time, it was still enjoyable to be around BW people! Overall it was a good time. Later that night, we all went out to Waxy's to get a drink or two (and, as usual, watched the rest of our Webster friends get completely drunk) and then followed the experience with some good ol' Karaoke! So much fun! We even did a pretty decent rendition of "Kuss die hand schoene Frau," which is a signature 80's Austrio-pop song by this group called EAV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qujrHt99MdI (Beware! The video's creepy!) But anyway, the Karaoke place stayed open JUST for the Webster kids--there were 12 of us still there--and we didn't get home until 5 am. It was an absolute blast. I finally felt like I was able to have a good time with these people... even if half of them were drunk. Nothing like singing your heart out to corny 80's and 90's pop songs to bring people together! Haha!
Much to my delight, this past weekend Vienna experienced its first snow :) As long as I'm not driving in it, I absolutely LOVE when it snows.... the way it smells... the way it looks... the way it crunches when you walk on it... the way it glitters in the lights at night! Unfortunately, it has warmed up a bit since and all the snow has melted away. I'm anxiously awaiting for the next snowstorm!!
Speaking of driving, I'm pretty sure I'm going to forget how to drive. Sounds like an irrational fear, true, but for someone who'd only been officially driving for a year-and-a-half it's almost reasonable to think that 4 months of not driving could make me a little rusty. Stay off the streets in January!!! lol
Olivia and I also got the chance to see our voice teacher, Althea, perform in a recital this past week at the Arnold Schoenberg Center. She was fantastic, as we expected! It was so nice to hear her in full-voice... usually I only hear her giving me examples of a passage from my songs or demonstrating an exercise. She did some contemporary pieces for voice and piano, many by Kurt Weill (whom I love dearly), and even did a few pieces that included her husband, Alexander, on the violin. Their daughter, Ariadne (who's 4), was greeting everyone at the door with a big smile and "HALLOOO!" The guests would then stoop down and give their charming hostess the traditional bussi and compliment her on her lovely sparkly purple dress. That child has no reservations and is incredibly charming without even trying. She may take after her father in her appearance, but she has Althea's personality! According to Prentiss, though, "She's a pill! She ruined my favorite bunny!" Hahahaha.
Althea's other voice student from Webster, Todd, was at the recital too. It was good to finally meet him! He's a music education major in his 5th year and is actually doing his student teaching in Vienna! How cool is that?! He is teaching general music at the Vienna International School... the school where all the UN members send their children (it's an English speaking school). Someday I would hope to have the chance to teach in Europe. The education is so student-focused and the arts are never taken for granted... how refreshing! But Todd is a pretty cool guy and I'm sad that he didn't get here until half-way through the semester.
A group of girls from Webster and I went to go see Verdi's opera "Otello" (an adaptation of the Shakespeare play) at the Staatsoper. I'm usually not impressed with the leads chosen by the Staatsoper, but I was pleasantly surprised. Desdemona (the female lead) had an INCREDIBLE voice that literally brought me to tears during the "Ave Maria." She had an effortless sound but insane control.... and a heartbreaking pianissimo. And she's just gorgeous anyway! That usually never happens--you either have a bombshell babe with a so-so voice or a massive woman with a voice of gold. The man who played Otello was huge, but effective. This particular production was a modern spin, taking place in a glorified, illuminated boxing ring. I think "Die Fliedermaus" has been the only production I've seen in Vienna that has actually been the original period production interpretation. Otherwise, I've seen some prrretty interesting interpretations of classic operas lol! Not like I mind, of course, but sometimes you just want to see it as the composer intended it.
Anyway, Olivia's leaving for Milan, Italy to meet some friends tonight so I need to see her off to the airport! Miss you all and can't wait to see you in 24 days :) Much love!
Laura
Many of you have been pestering me to post a new update (**cough cough** Krista Schupbach **cough cough**) so here's a nice little recap of the past few weeks!
First of all, Happy Thanksgiving!! And no, they don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Europe (Mitch!). When that realization dawned on me during the summer, I literally wanted to cry. The idea of not having turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie with my family was just devastating! But luckily Webster sponsors a Thanksgiving dinner for all of the American students here. The Austrians have a similar "Thankful Harvest Festival" during September, which they call "Ernte Dankfest," but it (of course) has nothing to do with the Pilgrims!
For the first time in my life, I had class on Thanksgiving... 3 hours of Deutschkurs! So Jessica, Olivia and I went out to celebrate Thanksgiving--Vienna style--with a hearty lunch of Weinerschnitzel vom Schwien at the Schnitzel Land across the street from the school! So we sat there, laughing hysterically between being glued to the Euro wintersports televised on the big screen. There were frickin' BOCCI BALL tournaments and this ski jump stuff that resembled flying squirrels. Sounds weird, but we couldn't stop watching!! The whole 2 hours we were there we were "Oooo!"-ing and "Aaaah!"-ing... yelling out with authentic frustration and disappointment when our Oesterreich players didn't do as well as we hoped. It got to the point where the worker actually came over to see what we were watching... took one look at the TV, shook his head and went back to his Schnitzel-y business! Ha! We Americans like to make a scene... what can I say?!
Dinner was at the University. Olivia and I (along with most of the Americans) were among the first in line to this incredible shmorgasbord. REAL turkey... stuffing... mashed potatoes... vegetables... sweet potato cassarole... pumpkin pie... cranberry sauce... spinach rolls... an entire conference room full of crammed tables. They practically had to roll me out of the place! Ha! But, although I didn't have my actual family with my on Thanksgiving, I had a great fellowship with my friends :) And a lot of local American families attended as well, families of faculty. SO MANY BABIES! lol
Among the Americans that attended was a girl we'd actually met on the way to the Presidential Election Re-cap a few weeks ago--Sojourner. We met her randomly on the bus to Webster, and were thrown off when she said she was from New York... she had an incredible Austrian accent! She has quite a story, too! She's an 18 year old from a small, small town in New York. Why is she in Vienna, you ask? Well, she's the FIRST GIRL in the history of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna to be accepted. That's breaking nearly 500 years of men-only tradition right there! She dropped out of high school to attend this highly prestigious and strenuous riding school for the next few years. Made a lot of the local papers here in Vienna--quite the big deal! She's a sweetheart, too! Very kind girl, and very down to earth for a girl who has every reason to be full of herself.
I also got the chance to speak with most of my family on the phone! I invested in some Skype minutes and made the calls--to my Uncle Floyd in Chicago, my step-dad, my mom, both of my aunts, my Grandpa in Arizona, my dad in Baltic, my Great-Grandma in Uniontown, Eric and his family :)--and it was exactly what I needed. You know, if I were in school at BW for these four months I wouldn't have seen half of my extended family either. But somehow, being on the other side of the world, it makes me miss them SO much. I've always loved and appreciated my family... but it seems that now I cherish them even more. My family honestly makes me happy. If there's one thing I'm grateful for about this trip, it is having truly realized that value in my life.
Unfortunately, most of my free time these past two weeks has been taken up with the term paper I have to turn in as my "final" for my argumentative writing class. I've been researching and notating this entire semester, and the time finally came to actually WRITE the darn thing. So with 12 books, 10 articles, and 3 websites in toe, I got to work. I'm a slow at writing papers (particularly research papers) because I'm nit-picky and usually unsatisfied... constantly revising. I literally spent an entire weekend shut in my room--as in, I didn't leave the building! Ha! But the good thing is that it is done... all 21 pages (end-notes and appendix included)... and I can breathe again! I fear I may always be haunted by Richard Wagner and Friederich Nietzsche. Their philosophical slash musical drama somehow, by process of literary osmosis, became my drama. I have never been so glad to be rid of a research topic in my life--and I PICKED it, for crying out loud! Trying to organize a coherent and structured paper about philosophy and subjectivism is a REAL task for me... ugh. So THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is why I haven't been updating :)
ANYWAY--Mom sent me Christmas-in-a-Box last week and so I attacked the room (much to Olivia's dismay!). She sent foily pipe-cleaners, snowflakes, tinsel, a mini-light-up-Christmas tree, window clings, ribbon, garland, stockings, a jingly Santa door hanger, Christmas socks, Christmas aprons, and a chalkboard that will help me count down the days until Christmas (we've also used it to count down the days until our return to the States). I joked with Olivia, saying that she was going to go to bed one night and wake up to the department store scene from "Elf," with the place completely decked out! Haha! Well, needless to say I wasn't THAT crafty, but I think I did a pretty good job considering my materials! Our neighbor, Julia, took one step in our room and shook her head: "Soooo American..." Hahaha. I love Christmas!
As a person who loves Christmas, I've apparently picked the creme-de-la-creme of European Christmas cities. Vienna is famous for its Weihnachtmakts (can also be called Chriskindlmarkts) which are lovely, quaint outdoor Christmas markets. Local vendors, artists, bakers and stores set up itty-bitty wooden shops in places like the Rathaus (town hall), Karlsplatz (the center of the city), Schoenbrunn Palace gardens, the Belvedere Palace gardens, Spittleberg, and Maria-Theresa platz. The largest is, by far, at the Rathaus. It's literally like being in a winterwonderland! You could spend hours there... really. Some of my favorite shops have been the hand painted Viennese Christmas ornaments, the candle shops, and the confectioneries. They sell these indicatively German gingerbread hearts, outlined in colored icing and spelling German phrases like "Ich liebe dich," or "Mein Opa ist am besten!" One of the greatest things about the Wiehnachtmarkts is the Weihnachtpunsch--a hot spiced wine that is a Christmas speciality. Everyone is walking up and down the midway, bundled up... their hands clasping steaming mugs of Weihnactspunsch... noses red, smiling... children mesmerized by all the glittering ornaments and old-fashioned toys. It's the perfect cure for seasonal depression :) Knowing how Eric shares (and probably tops) my enthusiasm for the Christmas spirit, I could only imagine what he would do if he were here! Haha!
Stephansplatz (which includes the Graben, Stephansdom, Julius Meinl, and some of the best cafes around) is my favorite place in Vienna... and this is even more so true in the evenings during Advent. It is a spectacular scene! Thousands and thousands of white lights are draped over the street, giant "chandeliers" made of Christmas lights dangling over the square... Stars, twinkles, Christmas... everywhere. It's enough to take your breath away. Sehr romantisch!
Speaking of German, the language is really coming along for me. I'm doing well in my class, and am learning SO much... we cover so much in a weeks time, it's crazy. My conversational German could use some practice, but I'm working on it. I really like this language (despite it's fickle grammar and gender rules) and am catching on relatively quickly... but then again, you have to considering the pace of the class. Prof. Possett says it must be somewhere in my Swiss blood (lol). But it's difficult to practice any further than just "supermarket" and "restaurant" lingo... because once you begin an actual convo with someone, they recognize your non-Austrian dialect (we learn High German, not the Austrian dialect... it is different believe it or not) and begin speaking to you in English. Which is convenient, don't get me wrong, but it certainly isn't helpful to learning the language :P
Olivia and I took our last (well, at least MY last) travelling excursion two weekends ago. We did two day-trips in a weekend. Saturday we went to Salzburg, Austria and then Sunday we went to Budapest, Hungary. Salzburg was as beautiful as I left it two years ago. It may still be my favorite quaint European village. Let's combine my favorite things--Sound of Music, Mozart, Music, Brezels, and castles--and then you have Salzburg. Olivia and I toured our first castle and were able to see even more beautiful skylines and landscapes from the castles north tower. I may have to wait until later to recap specific details--but the important part is that you know it was a wonderful time!
AH! But there IS a funny slash scary story connected with our trip to Salzburg. We had a significantly early start to our day of travel--we had to be AT the train station around 8... so Olivia and I were not exactly all there. As we were rushing out of the room, I threw a banana in my bookbag for a breakfast on-the-go. Cleary I must have entirely forgotten about this banana, because as I reached in my bag to take out my pencil on the way to the train station, I felt.... slimey banana mush. ALL over the inside of my bookbag. ALL over my books. ALL over my professor's books that had been lended to me! Yet, all Olivia and I could do was laugh hysterically... we were so loopy! But I managed to clean the most of it up... but I did leave a trail of banana scent wherever I went :)
I'm not sure what about that experience made Olivia want to check her purse for her tickets, but she began rummaging, and then looked at me with an expression of panic and horror: "Ohmigosh, Laura... I forgot my rail pass!!!!" I had already made reservations for the train, and having already gotten a late start, we couldn't go back to get it. Olivia began a bonafide freak out session and was contemplating not going at all, but we'd seen people get fined on the trains before for not having their tickets/rail-passes. They had to pay 40 euro and life was fine again. And oftentimes, the conductor wont even check the railpass if you've made a reservation. So we began scheming... Olivia would pretend to be asleep when the conductor came by to check tickets. I would hand him our TICKETS first, hoping that he wouldn't ask for our railpasses. If he asked to see them, I would see if it would be possible to use one of MY unused railpass days to count for her (luckily I still had one un-used!).
Well, we boarded the train and Olivia was a nervous wreck! I'm pretty sure she thought they were going to throw her right out of the moving train! Haha! We heard the conductor coming around to nearby cabins. Cue Olivia's iPod induced sleep. Sure enough, this conductor was keen and observant, and actually did ask to see my pass... AND Olivia's. Cue Olivia's Oscar-winning performance. She rummages calmly through her purse... then a little more feverishly... then grabs my backpack in a panicked manner... "Laura... ohmigosh I left it on my bed at home!!!" We told the conductor our sob story, but he was unsympathetic. He whips out the electronic fine-maker-of-death. Here's where I step in--"WAIT! Can she use one of my days?" With a slight roll of his eyes, he caved in. PHEW! And amazingly, the conductor didn't say a word about the situation on the train back. Karma was on our side :)
The train ride to Budapest was interesting. We were in a full car--a cute, elegant old couple on my left and a young, trendy couple on my right. HOWEVER, when the older couple got off at an earlier stop, this was apparently the cue for the younger couple to start making out. No joke, they actually pushed the seats together were LAYING on top of each other... with Olivia and I STILL in the cabin. Talk about awkward! I just stared out the window the entire time, trying to drain out the mouth noises with my iPod! Hahaha!
Budapest, however... hmmm... think Los Angeles... but dirtier... if that's even possible. First of all, there is a serious language barrier here. I am not even slightly familiar with Hungarian. In fact, it looks like gibberish. Random syllables in words that don't belong together, with accents going every which way! There is also a currency change, which made shopping and ATM VERY confusing... they use the Forrint. And 2,000 Forrint equals approximately 7 Euro (10 dollars). But, of course we didn't know this until we found a currency exchange down the road. So here we are at the ATM, which is giving us the option to take out 1,000 2,000 4,000 20,000 Forrint. First of all, I've never taken out thousands of ANY kind of currency before, so I was a little scared lol!
But anyway... Budapest. We walk out of the trainstation to grey, drab buildings marked with grafitti... in fact, every monument and open wall space was covered in grafitti. The air was so polluted that Olivia and I actually had to step inside every so often to get "fresh" air. I could feel the dirt gritting in my teeth when I closed my mouth... ew. But as we walked further and further into the downtown, it got more and more bearable. Olivia and I made our way to the Buda Palace on the top of this hilltop. It's this entirely gated in palace grounds, and you feel like you're stepping into the 16th century. It's a whole new city up there... with restaurants, shops, outdoor markets, and some beautiful architecture. We spent most of our time in Budapest in those palace grounds. It was so peaceful up there! And we got to try some authentic Hungarian Funnel Cakes that looks like giant bee-hives. A-mazing!
Olivia's old roommate, Lindsey, and her friend Jessica (both from BW!) who are both studying abroad in York England came to visit Vienna. We had the wonderful honor of showing them and their friend, Will, around our beautiful city :) Although it was spitting rain most of the time, it was still enjoyable to be around BW people! Overall it was a good time. Later that night, we all went out to Waxy's to get a drink or two (and, as usual, watched the rest of our Webster friends get completely drunk) and then followed the experience with some good ol' Karaoke! So much fun! We even did a pretty decent rendition of "Kuss die hand schoene Frau," which is a signature 80's Austrio-pop song by this group called EAV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qujrHt99MdI (Beware! The video's creepy!) But anyway, the Karaoke place stayed open JUST for the Webster kids--there were 12 of us still there--and we didn't get home until 5 am. It was an absolute blast. I finally felt like I was able to have a good time with these people... even if half of them were drunk. Nothing like singing your heart out to corny 80's and 90's pop songs to bring people together! Haha!
Much to my delight, this past weekend Vienna experienced its first snow :) As long as I'm not driving in it, I absolutely LOVE when it snows.... the way it smells... the way it looks... the way it crunches when you walk on it... the way it glitters in the lights at night! Unfortunately, it has warmed up a bit since and all the snow has melted away. I'm anxiously awaiting for the next snowstorm!!
Speaking of driving, I'm pretty sure I'm going to forget how to drive. Sounds like an irrational fear, true, but for someone who'd only been officially driving for a year-and-a-half it's almost reasonable to think that 4 months of not driving could make me a little rusty. Stay off the streets in January!!! lol
Olivia and I also got the chance to see our voice teacher, Althea, perform in a recital this past week at the Arnold Schoenberg Center. She was fantastic, as we expected! It was so nice to hear her in full-voice... usually I only hear her giving me examples of a passage from my songs or demonstrating an exercise. She did some contemporary pieces for voice and piano, many by Kurt Weill (whom I love dearly), and even did a few pieces that included her husband, Alexander, on the violin. Their daughter, Ariadne (who's 4), was greeting everyone at the door with a big smile and "HALLOOO!" The guests would then stoop down and give their charming hostess the traditional bussi and compliment her on her lovely sparkly purple dress. That child has no reservations and is incredibly charming without even trying. She may take after her father in her appearance, but she has Althea's personality! According to Prentiss, though, "She's a pill! She ruined my favorite bunny!" Hahahaha.
Althea's other voice student from Webster, Todd, was at the recital too. It was good to finally meet him! He's a music education major in his 5th year and is actually doing his student teaching in Vienna! How cool is that?! He is teaching general music at the Vienna International School... the school where all the UN members send their children (it's an English speaking school). Someday I would hope to have the chance to teach in Europe. The education is so student-focused and the arts are never taken for granted... how refreshing! But Todd is a pretty cool guy and I'm sad that he didn't get here until half-way through the semester.
A group of girls from Webster and I went to go see Verdi's opera "Otello" (an adaptation of the Shakespeare play) at the Staatsoper. I'm usually not impressed with the leads chosen by the Staatsoper, but I was pleasantly surprised. Desdemona (the female lead) had an INCREDIBLE voice that literally brought me to tears during the "Ave Maria." She had an effortless sound but insane control.... and a heartbreaking pianissimo. And she's just gorgeous anyway! That usually never happens--you either have a bombshell babe with a so-so voice or a massive woman with a voice of gold. The man who played Otello was huge, but effective. This particular production was a modern spin, taking place in a glorified, illuminated boxing ring. I think "Die Fliedermaus" has been the only production I've seen in Vienna that has actually been the original period production interpretation. Otherwise, I've seen some prrretty interesting interpretations of classic operas lol! Not like I mind, of course, but sometimes you just want to see it as the composer intended it.
Anyway, Olivia's leaving for Milan, Italy to meet some friends tonight so I need to see her off to the airport! Miss you all and can't wait to see you in 24 days :) Much love!
Laura
Friday, November 7, 2008
In Seriously Good Company
This afternoon, as Olivia dined with our voice teacher and her husband for lunch, I realized that this trip has put so many new people, inspirations and just downright good company into our lives. The kind of experiences I've had here... I never could've dreamed of back home... I've met students from all over the world JUST in my classroom, not to mention on trains and trips... a famous cartoon artist... my voice teacher is a world renowned opera singer and her husband is the second chair violinist for the Wiener Philharmoniker (not to mention just a wonderful person)... I've met the US ambassador to Austria... Remi and Cormac, Jacqueline and Christophe, and various rich Viennese elitists.
As I mentioned earlier, last night Olivia and I met the newly appointed US Ambassador to Austria, David Girard-Dicarlo. We had the privlige of sitting in on an "Election Debriefing" lecture that he was giving at Webster. His lecture was very non-partisan and unbiased, especially for a Republican who (before he became ambassador) was one of the men heading up McCain's campaign... just a presentation of the facts, history and some great viewpoints. Lots of great quotes! I learned a lot of new information and established even more perspectives on old inforation. But overall, it was a very cool experience (and free food!). Olivia and I also enjoyed the fact that the man had an actual, legitimate entourage (lol!).
This morning, Olivia and I had our bi-weekly voice lessons. It was a good day for the both of us, vocally, and we've received some of the best praise thus far (Althea is by no means mean, but a good compliment should be cherished forever! lol). Althea has certainly warmed up to Olivia and I. She now enjoys taking a 1/2 hour outside our lesson time to discuss life, politics, dating, child-rearing, and everything under the sun. The woman is hilarious, and the kind of person I can see Olivia and I hanging out with on the weekends if we were closer in age--larger than life, passionate, Greek firecracker with serious opinions! Her husband, Alexander Steinberger, is this incredibly polite, soft spoken Austrian man who has kind eyes and and a sweet smile. His English is pretty decent, although he is much too modest about this fact. Ariadne, their adorable 4 1/2 year old daughter, takes a great deal after him in appearance... but she inherited her mother's wit and will power!
After our lessons and after our hour long conversation with her about politics, her Greek family, and how romantic it is to sleep under a mosquito net (don't ask!), Althea invited us to join her and Alexander for lunch. Excited about a free, home-cooked meal (yeah... we're in college, can you tell?) and the opportunity to enjoy their incredible company, Olivia and I stayed. We helped Althea prepare the typical Austrian dinner--potatoes and schnitzel. The potatoes were baked and then cooked in a butter and rosemary sauce (yes, she grows the rosemary herself) and I FINALLY learned how to make schnitzel :) Then, she threw in a Greek dish--long red peppers glazed in a lemon, olive oil, arregeno sauce and then baked until mushy. A-MAZING. This woman's kitchen is small, but mighty! Every appliance you could possibly imagine--and top-of-the-line no less! If I were a serious cooker, this would be the kitchen of my dreams.
So we all sat around the table, chowing down, sipping Elderflower water (super tasty) and Blauer Zwiegelt wine... talking about typical Greek hilarities, immigration, price-haggling, China shopping, culture, and music. In fact, the topic of School House Rock came up, and suddenly we were all busting out our belting voices to do our best renditions of "Preamble" "Just a Bill" and "Interjections." Alexander was happy to practice English, and thanked us for having such understandable, clear English dialects (lol). Olivia and I have decided that Althea and Alexander will be the most HILARIOUS old couple someday.... they interrupt each other ALL the time, and it goes from one story to another to another to another... conversational ADD! It was awesome!
Alexander also introduced us to Jascha Heifetz, one of the greatest violinists of all time and a huge influence on he and Althea, both. The most effective singing mimmicks this man's playing... it is truly incredible... truly. He was nice enough to make us both copies to take with us. Please do yourself a favor and look up some of this guy's stuff.
But, it was a good day. Really.
And tomorrow morning, Olivia and I are taking off for a day trip to Salzburg. It'll be raining all day, but we'll still be out and about :)
I've been in what you might call "a glass of emotion" these past few days. It's a combination of homesickness, the fact that I'm completely broke, that I haven't been able to talk to Eric in a bazillion years, other personal issues and the fact that I'm severely missing my family and friends. I felt like SUCH an idiot on the U-Bahn today... I had my iPod on shuffle, and LeAnn Womack's song "I Hope you Dance" began to play. Listening carefully to the lyrics for the first time in my life, I was so inspired and touched that I literally began to cry--on the UBahn!!! What is WITH me?! lol. It was just what the doctor ordered, though. It made me realize, in a time where I was beginning to doubt everything, that I live a wonderful life... it's not perfect, sure... but it is so enriched. I love and am loved. No matter what I will always have my faith. And to answer the question of whether I "sat it out" or "danced" in life... I think I have chosen to dance. I was thankful to realize this... to see past the crap in life and just see a beautiful, blessed life full of beautiful, blessed people.
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat, but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances, but they're worth taking
Loving might be a mistake, but it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
Time is a real and constant motion
always rolling us along
Tell me who wants to look back on their youth
and wonder where those years have gone?
Love you all SO much!
As I mentioned earlier, last night Olivia and I met the newly appointed US Ambassador to Austria, David Girard-Dicarlo. We had the privlige of sitting in on an "Election Debriefing" lecture that he was giving at Webster. His lecture was very non-partisan and unbiased, especially for a Republican who (before he became ambassador) was one of the men heading up McCain's campaign... just a presentation of the facts, history and some great viewpoints. Lots of great quotes! I learned a lot of new information and established even more perspectives on old inforation. But overall, it was a very cool experience (and free food!). Olivia and I also enjoyed the fact that the man had an actual, legitimate entourage (lol!).
This morning, Olivia and I had our bi-weekly voice lessons. It was a good day for the both of us, vocally, and we've received some of the best praise thus far (Althea is by no means mean, but a good compliment should be cherished forever! lol). Althea has certainly warmed up to Olivia and I. She now enjoys taking a 1/2 hour outside our lesson time to discuss life, politics, dating, child-rearing, and everything under the sun. The woman is hilarious, and the kind of person I can see Olivia and I hanging out with on the weekends if we were closer in age--larger than life, passionate, Greek firecracker with serious opinions! Her husband, Alexander Steinberger, is this incredibly polite, soft spoken Austrian man who has kind eyes and and a sweet smile. His English is pretty decent, although he is much too modest about this fact. Ariadne, their adorable 4 1/2 year old daughter, takes a great deal after him in appearance... but she inherited her mother's wit and will power!
After our lessons and after our hour long conversation with her about politics, her Greek family, and how romantic it is to sleep under a mosquito net (don't ask!), Althea invited us to join her and Alexander for lunch. Excited about a free, home-cooked meal (yeah... we're in college, can you tell?) and the opportunity to enjoy their incredible company, Olivia and I stayed. We helped Althea prepare the typical Austrian dinner--potatoes and schnitzel. The potatoes were baked and then cooked in a butter and rosemary sauce (yes, she grows the rosemary herself) and I FINALLY learned how to make schnitzel :) Then, she threw in a Greek dish--long red peppers glazed in a lemon, olive oil, arregeno sauce and then baked until mushy. A-MAZING. This woman's kitchen is small, but mighty! Every appliance you could possibly imagine--and top-of-the-line no less! If I were a serious cooker, this would be the kitchen of my dreams.
So we all sat around the table, chowing down, sipping Elderflower water (super tasty) and Blauer Zwiegelt wine... talking about typical Greek hilarities, immigration, price-haggling, China shopping, culture, and music. In fact, the topic of School House Rock came up, and suddenly we were all busting out our belting voices to do our best renditions of "Preamble" "Just a Bill" and "Interjections." Alexander was happy to practice English, and thanked us for having such understandable, clear English dialects (lol). Olivia and I have decided that Althea and Alexander will be the most HILARIOUS old couple someday.... they interrupt each other ALL the time, and it goes from one story to another to another to another... conversational ADD! It was awesome!
Alexander also introduced us to Jascha Heifetz, one of the greatest violinists of all time and a huge influence on he and Althea, both. The most effective singing mimmicks this man's playing... it is truly incredible... truly. He was nice enough to make us both copies to take with us. Please do yourself a favor and look up some of this guy's stuff.
But, it was a good day. Really.
And tomorrow morning, Olivia and I are taking off for a day trip to Salzburg. It'll be raining all day, but we'll still be out and about :)
I've been in what you might call "a glass of emotion" these past few days. It's a combination of homesickness, the fact that I'm completely broke, that I haven't been able to talk to Eric in a bazillion years, other personal issues and the fact that I'm severely missing my family and friends. I felt like SUCH an idiot on the U-Bahn today... I had my iPod on shuffle, and LeAnn Womack's song "I Hope you Dance" began to play. Listening carefully to the lyrics for the first time in my life, I was so inspired and touched that I literally began to cry--on the UBahn!!! What is WITH me?! lol. It was just what the doctor ordered, though. It made me realize, in a time where I was beginning to doubt everything, that I live a wonderful life... it's not perfect, sure... but it is so enriched. I love and am loved. No matter what I will always have my faith. And to answer the question of whether I "sat it out" or "danced" in life... I think I have chosen to dance. I was thankful to realize this... to see past the crap in life and just see a beautiful, blessed life full of beautiful, blessed people.
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat, but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances, but they're worth taking
Loving might be a mistake, but it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
Time is a real and constant motion
always rolling us along
Tell me who wants to look back on their youth
and wonder where those years have gone?
Love you all SO much!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
(See previous post)
This is a picture of where I was last night for the Democrats Abroad party!
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/presidential-elections-PRESIDENTIAL-ELECTION-CAMPAIGN-Vienna2C-Austria-US-Democratic-Party/photo//081105/ids_photos_wl/r3531920250.jpg/
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/presidential-elections-PRESIDENTIAL-ELECTION-CAMPAIGN-Vienna2C-Austria-US-Democratic-Party/photo//081105/ids_photos_wl/r3531920250.jpg/
Naked Biker Man and Political "Party"... literally
Hi again, all :)
Yes... I know... no Venice post and no Paris post yet... shame, shame on me! They're written, I just have to type them out ;) It's a long task needing long, consecutive periods of time... I'll get there eventually--promise!
So many interesting and exciting things have happened here in the past few days that I feel obligated and motivated to write about them!
I'd like to get the most forefront and important issue out of the way first--2008 Presidential Election. Was it a big deal here in Austria, you ask? Yes. Quite the big deal, actually. So big that if you asked an Austrian the name of the Independent Party leader in his own country's election, he wouldn't know--but you can almost bank on the fact that he can tell you the names of both US Presedential candidates! The papers and underground station TVs always had a little blurb everyday, following the campaign trail. It wasn't until I moved here that I realized how "big" the U.S. is in the global scope of things... how many people and countries we affect.... how many foreigners follow OUR news...
It is no secret that the Europeans, as a whole, preferred Sen. Obama. I haven't met one European who has supported McCain, and most of the people I've met have truly been adamant supporters. "The young and vibrant new face of America... the face of a change much needed!" seems to be the feeling here. My voice teacher, random strangers on the train, professors, grocery store clerks would spend five minutes lecturing you about how hopeful they were that Obama would win the Presidency... and with genuine sincerity and sometimes serious alarm. Europe is concerned about American, whether they hate us or like us, because they reap the run-off of our dumb mistakes. It's funny--before I came here I was admittably vague on either candidates' policies and political philosophies. When I realized that everyone here knew MORE than I, an American citizen, did about the election, I knew I had to get my butt in gear! I can honestly say that I have become a better, more informed citizen of MY country by being OUT of the country. It allows you to step back, evaluate from afar, and get other perspectives. Soooo enlightening.
Last night, I went to the Democrats Abroad:Vienna Election night party. Democrats abroad is an organization for Americans in foreign countries and frankly for anyone who takes interest in Liberal politics. It was held at a really nice English pub in the 7th district of Vienna, Lion Rampant Pub. The place was all decked out with red-white-and-blue decor, crepe paper, life size Obama and Hillary cut-outs, and various pro-Obama banners and paraphanilia. There had large plasma screens in the rooms, broadcasting CNN at high volume levels (but still never quite loud enough for everyone to hear lol). Let me tell assure you that we were in serious violation of fire codes last night--this place could probably hold about 100 people max. There were, and I kid you not, 500 people packed like sardines into this place. There was a significantly large crowd convened outside the door.
It was so wonderful to be there. Even though I really didn't know anyone else, it felt comforting to be in the presence of fellow Americans and English speakers ;) These people were coming together for a cause and to watch a historic event in their home country. Anyway... I met a few people: a man who worked for the UN, his wife, a few girls from Manhattan, a guy from Kansas City, and even saw a few familiar faces--Professor Horsfield (who's English, mind you lol) and his wife, and a few of our St. Louis friends who came later.
Long story short, we lucked out by getting actual SEATS in the far front--RIGHT by the T.V. screen! From about 9:30 to midnight we political "partied" it up. It was chill, and it helped me keep up to date with the election. Technically, the venue lasted until the election was called (EST) which is about 6:00 am here (!!!), but I had an exam this morning and Olivia and didn't want to take the night bus.
I've always wondered if there was a Republicans Abroad... hmm...
Anyway, so yeah. Stayed up until about 2:45 to see a few states get called, and then I simply couldn't keep my eyes open. I knew when I woke up, we would have a new President Elect--and I had done my part (sent in my absentee). I was scared to go to bed lol.
But I woke up. And I immediately went to my computer and refreshed the CNN browser that had been up the entire night while I slept. It felt like the world was on my shoulders. The weight was immediately lifted when I saw the headlines. I was proud and inwardly overjoyed (I had to contain my excitement, as Olivia was still sleeping). After watching both Obama's victory and McCain's concession speeches, I was nearly moved to tears by how far our country has come. I was proud of both candidates and how maturely they handled the results (people on Facebook, however, were not so polite... that's another story). I was inspired by the hope of the new frontier and honored to have taken part in such a historical event. I felt apprehension for the vivacious Obama, knowing the kind of crap he is getting into. This man is inheriting the most intense first day agenda since... in all seriousness... Abraham Lincoln.
Today I walked out of the apartment, hoping someone would ask me where I was from, because for once I wouldn't be associated with Bush. I was happy to be associated with Obama... especially in Europe. I went to the grocery store and the clerk said something other than "Gruss Gott" and "alles." As usual when I don't understand, I replied that I spoke English. "Oooh! You are from America, yes?" I nodded, nervous for her reply as always. "We love Obama. We are so happy for the US. Congratulations!" I smiled and felt very fufilled. I hope that he is able to live up to these expectations. We are placing our hopes and futures into his leadership.
ANYWAY, now that the political sheisse is out of the way... on to the most interesting part of this blog--the naked biker man.
Yessir, he was a biker. He was probably in his 60's. He had a pony tail of scragly, gray thinning hair. He had a significant pot belly and bird-like legs.
And he was stark naked.
Ah, such are the joys of my new art class... last week when the Prof mentioned that she would try to change up the body types of our nude models for variety and practice, Olivia joked: "Watch it be some HUGE trucker guy! Hahahaha!" Touche, Olivia. Touche.
Olivia may have dropped the class... but I had to reap the "benefits" of this ironic jinx. For two straight hours. I think the stigma of the old-man penis has worn off... I mean, staring at a marble statue of a ancient Roman's junk is one thing. When it's there in-living-color... eek. The situation might have been better if he were younger... perhaps better looking... But it was good practice for me in regards to my sketches. Lots of "contours" I never had to draw before. It's weird... you stop seeing the body as a whole body. You begin to see it as abstract shapes, lines and objects. I feel that this is ideal because your mind can't trick you out of drawing what's really there... you stop thinking "well, the leg should go here, and the belly button should be like soo..." and just see a continuous flow of shapes, shadows, highlights and contours that's more accurate.
(I'm just trying to Romanticize the fact that I just saw a 65 year old man naked. Don't worry.)
Oh... and to change the subject: Althea asked Olivia and I to sing for one of her friend's house recital/showcase or something like that. It's next Tuesday and Olivia and I have to get our duet and a few solo pieces ready by then. EEK! Oh well... should be a good experience :) We're just honored she asked us to perform!
Well shoot. It's late and I need to do Deutsch Hausaufgaben... Tschuss, ciao baba!
Laura
Yes... I know... no Venice post and no Paris post yet... shame, shame on me! They're written, I just have to type them out ;) It's a long task needing long, consecutive periods of time... I'll get there eventually--promise!
So many interesting and exciting things have happened here in the past few days that I feel obligated and motivated to write about them!
I'd like to get the most forefront and important issue out of the way first--2008 Presidential Election. Was it a big deal here in Austria, you ask? Yes. Quite the big deal, actually. So big that if you asked an Austrian the name of the Independent Party leader in his own country's election, he wouldn't know--but you can almost bank on the fact that he can tell you the names of both US Presedential candidates! The papers and underground station TVs always had a little blurb everyday, following the campaign trail. It wasn't until I moved here that I realized how "big" the U.S. is in the global scope of things... how many people and countries we affect.... how many foreigners follow OUR news...
It is no secret that the Europeans, as a whole, preferred Sen. Obama. I haven't met one European who has supported McCain, and most of the people I've met have truly been adamant supporters. "The young and vibrant new face of America... the face of a change much needed!" seems to be the feeling here. My voice teacher, random strangers on the train, professors, grocery store clerks would spend five minutes lecturing you about how hopeful they were that Obama would win the Presidency... and with genuine sincerity and sometimes serious alarm. Europe is concerned about American, whether they hate us or like us, because they reap the run-off of our dumb mistakes. It's funny--before I came here I was admittably vague on either candidates' policies and political philosophies. When I realized that everyone here knew MORE than I, an American citizen, did about the election, I knew I had to get my butt in gear! I can honestly say that I have become a better, more informed citizen of MY country by being OUT of the country. It allows you to step back, evaluate from afar, and get other perspectives. Soooo enlightening.
Last night, I went to the Democrats Abroad:Vienna Election night party. Democrats abroad is an organization for Americans in foreign countries and frankly for anyone who takes interest in Liberal politics. It was held at a really nice English pub in the 7th district of Vienna, Lion Rampant Pub. The place was all decked out with red-white-and-blue decor, crepe paper, life size Obama and Hillary cut-outs, and various pro-Obama banners and paraphanilia. There had large plasma screens in the rooms, broadcasting CNN at high volume levels (but still never quite loud enough for everyone to hear lol). Let me tell assure you that we were in serious violation of fire codes last night--this place could probably hold about 100 people max. There were, and I kid you not, 500 people packed like sardines into this place. There was a significantly large crowd convened outside the door.
It was so wonderful to be there. Even though I really didn't know anyone else, it felt comforting to be in the presence of fellow Americans and English speakers ;) These people were coming together for a cause and to watch a historic event in their home country. Anyway... I met a few people: a man who worked for the UN, his wife, a few girls from Manhattan, a guy from Kansas City, and even saw a few familiar faces--Professor Horsfield (who's English, mind you lol) and his wife, and a few of our St. Louis friends who came later.
Long story short, we lucked out by getting actual SEATS in the far front--RIGHT by the T.V. screen! From about 9:30 to midnight we political "partied" it up. It was chill, and it helped me keep up to date with the election. Technically, the venue lasted until the election was called (EST) which is about 6:00 am here (!!!), but I had an exam this morning and Olivia and didn't want to take the night bus.
I've always wondered if there was a Republicans Abroad... hmm...
Anyway, so yeah. Stayed up until about 2:45 to see a few states get called, and then I simply couldn't keep my eyes open. I knew when I woke up, we would have a new President Elect--and I had done my part (sent in my absentee). I was scared to go to bed lol.
But I woke up. And I immediately went to my computer and refreshed the CNN browser that had been up the entire night while I slept. It felt like the world was on my shoulders. The weight was immediately lifted when I saw the headlines. I was proud and inwardly overjoyed (I had to contain my excitement, as Olivia was still sleeping). After watching both Obama's victory and McCain's concession speeches, I was nearly moved to tears by how far our country has come. I was proud of both candidates and how maturely they handled the results (people on Facebook, however, were not so polite... that's another story). I was inspired by the hope of the new frontier and honored to have taken part in such a historical event. I felt apprehension for the vivacious Obama, knowing the kind of crap he is getting into. This man is inheriting the most intense first day agenda since... in all seriousness... Abraham Lincoln.
Today I walked out of the apartment, hoping someone would ask me where I was from, because for once I wouldn't be associated with Bush. I was happy to be associated with Obama... especially in Europe. I went to the grocery store and the clerk said something other than "Gruss Gott" and "alles." As usual when I don't understand, I replied that I spoke English. "Oooh! You are from America, yes?" I nodded, nervous for her reply as always. "We love Obama. We are so happy for the US. Congratulations!" I smiled and felt very fufilled. I hope that he is able to live up to these expectations. We are placing our hopes and futures into his leadership.
ANYWAY, now that the political sheisse is out of the way... on to the most interesting part of this blog--the naked biker man.
Yessir, he was a biker. He was probably in his 60's. He had a pony tail of scragly, gray thinning hair. He had a significant pot belly and bird-like legs.
And he was stark naked.
Ah, such are the joys of my new art class... last week when the Prof mentioned that she would try to change up the body types of our nude models for variety and practice, Olivia joked: "Watch it be some HUGE trucker guy! Hahahaha!" Touche, Olivia. Touche.
Olivia may have dropped the class... but I had to reap the "benefits" of this ironic jinx. For two straight hours. I think the stigma of the old-man penis has worn off... I mean, staring at a marble statue of a ancient Roman's junk is one thing. When it's there in-living-color... eek. The situation might have been better if he were younger... perhaps better looking... But it was good practice for me in regards to my sketches. Lots of "contours" I never had to draw before. It's weird... you stop seeing the body as a whole body. You begin to see it as abstract shapes, lines and objects. I feel that this is ideal because your mind can't trick you out of drawing what's really there... you stop thinking "well, the leg should go here, and the belly button should be like soo..." and just see a continuous flow of shapes, shadows, highlights and contours that's more accurate.
(I'm just trying to Romanticize the fact that I just saw a 65 year old man naked. Don't worry.)
Oh... and to change the subject: Althea asked Olivia and I to sing for one of her friend's house recital/showcase or something like that. It's next Tuesday and Olivia and I have to get our duet and a few solo pieces ready by then. EEK! Oh well... should be a good experience :) We're just honored she asked us to perform!
Well shoot. It's late and I need to do Deutsch Hausaufgaben... Tschuss, ciao baba!
Laura
Sunday, November 2, 2008
A New Quarter in Vienna...
Again, I hang my head in shame that I have gone so long without an update... with fall break travels and back-to-school errands it's been difficult to gather my thoughts and write! (And for those of you who are still waiting for the account of my Venice excursion--it's coming! After this one! Stay tuned!)
So, my new idea of a true Vienna experience is to try to listen online to Vienna's local radio stations... maybe listen to some good German/Austrian music, hear and try to translate commentary, weather, etc. Especially since Olivia and I don't have a TV at our apartment, I wanted to use some sort of other media outlet to help me feel like I actually live here! For the past few days--while doing homework, getting ready, facebook stalking, etc--I've had a multitude of radio stations streaming... and let me assure all of you that German music IS American music. I've known EVERY single song played on these top of the line, high rated "hip" radio stations. It makes me chuckle, actually, because until the radio hosts come on the air and start talking German, I forget that I'm not listening to 98.1 or 94.1 back home! While I'm writing this blog I currently have Vienna Energy 104.2 on. Just so you know :)
I have a new course this quarter: It's a second level art class entitled "Drawing Practice." And it is just that. For two hours on Tuesdays I sketch, and sketch, and sketch... receiving a bit of feedback from the prof who likes to intimidate everyone and stand over your shoulder as you draw... but essentially it's really a pass/fail... as long as you show up and make an effort, you pass. Sounds like a drag? It's actually not. I'm past the point of needing "art lessons" where a prof stands up front and does a 2 week session on shading. Right now, the best thing for me is to practice, try out different techniques, try different mediums. I know I wouldn't do it on my own, so I'm thankful that this class is kind of forcing me to do so. But here's the REAL kicker!
This class works specifically and solely with nude models. That's right. Real live people. Buck naked. Standing within 4 feet of me. Our first class last week, we had this mid-40s woman that you could tell had smoked a few packs in her life. But it was just SO awkward at first. After the first 10 minutes, the novelty and shock of it wore off and I was more concerned about getting the angle of her saggy boobs right than the fact that I was intentionally staring at her saggy boobs (LOL!) Our Prof. is an angel, really. Very sweet and helpful. There are only 5 other people in the class with me... and now that Olivia has dropped the class I'm the only non-art major! At first I was very intimidated by this, but I'm over it. And I'm very proud and impressed with my work. We started off with two 30 minute sessions, and then finished off with a series of 7 minute drawings/poses. I really can't imagine standing/sitting still for that long... naked... in front of a group of strangers!
I dread this coming week. Why? Because the prof let us know that she will vary the model body type AND SEX each week. So more than likely (and knowing my luck) I'm going to have to draw this massive Austrian man.... ohmigosh I honestly dread it with every fiber of my being! Mom assured me that it's no different than seeing those naked marble statues from the Rennaissance... but the difference is clear: Those are MARBLE. How awkward, seriously! "Oh, don't mind me sir... I know we've never met before, but I'm just going to stare at your goods for about 10 minutes straight. Thanks." And atleast naked women are just a series of curves and general lines... but guys?? How do you draw something like that?! Blech. I'll be sure to update you in a few days :/
On a more serious note, Olivia and I had to say goodbye to our dearest Vienna friends two weeks ago: Elisabeth and Ayla. Now they're back in St. Louis. They were wonderful companions because they were also music majors (and we geeks like to stick together) and had the same idea of what good clean fun was. When the rest of our acquaintances were out getting shmammered, we had two friends with whom to watch Eddie Izzard, cook dinner, go wandering around Vienna, go to Kahlenberg, study...
But now, Olivia and I really don't have any established friendships with people on this campus. We certainly have many acquaintences: Plenty of people from St. Louis who are still here, Brittany, Bre, Robert, Christina, Clay, Jessica... Donna from South Africa (who has so wonderfully let us stay with her in her flat the last few days before we leave Vienna), Pamela from Austrailia, Korrado from Austria, Helena from Austria...
The problem is that these friendships never really leave the Webster setting. A lot of it is because the social scenes never really cross... most of our acquaintances go out drinking and partying every other night, when Olivia and I would much rather read a book, go hike up a mountain, and stay in and watch "Baby Mama!" Which is not to say, however, that Olivia and I aren't enjoying ourselves. We are really having the time of our lives--but in just a more Olivia-Laura way.
Speaking of the "party" scene, Halloween isn't really celebrated here! I mean, as the country becomes more and more Americanized a lot of the younger generation makes a significant deal of Halloween. But it's rare to find costumes, face paint, masks, etc in your local drugstore like you would in the States. The Austrians celebrate what they call "Gedachtnistag," or All Souls Day. Everyone goes out to the cemetery to place flowers on the graves of their dearly departed. No trick or treat. No costume parties.
Granted there were a few clubs and bars who buy into the Americanized Halloween as an excuse to get young people out to their establishments. And the idea of a "costume" for a girl is just like in the U.S. I believe the movie Mean Girls said it best: "Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it." These girls just wore your average skimpy, fishnet hose clubbing outfits and sold it by putting on a pair of bunny ears (ANNA REGISTER! lol). And then you have the Americans who actually "dressed up!" I went as an iPod commerical, since I'm broke and couldn't buy a convincing outfit! I was in a black turtleneck, black leggings, black shoes, and black gloves. Then I fashioned an iPod out of sturdy white cardboard and attached my headphones. I think only the Americans got it! lol Olivia went as a Rockabiliy chick... suicide girl... 50's pin up girl... all of the above! We sprayed her hair black and gave her a fake nose ring (the scary thing is she can TOTALLY pull off this look) and her friend sent her tattoo sleeves in a Halloween package. Always a good time! lol. I told her she looked like a European :) A few other of our friends went as Antony and Cleopatra, Monica Lewinsky, and Andy Warhol.
Webster sponsors a series of "parties" throughout the year. They find a happenin' and cool club and Webster sponsors our entry fee and buys our drinks from 9-11. They did that last quarter at the Rote Bar, and they did it on Halloween as well. First of all, I'm not extactly used to a University being able to condone partying and drinking... it is truly beyond me... whatever... BUT this whole free-drinks-from-9-11 is ALWAYS a bad idea. People want to get their "moneys" worth, and so they're "forced" to down multiple glasses of wine in a three hour period--something they wouldn't normally do if the wine had cost them money. Whatever. I was somewhat guilty of this, but not on purpose. When I was at Remi's I could easily have 4 glasses of wine with dinner--no problem (you figure, there was an entirely new kind of wine for each course). The difference was, and I realize this now, the food aspect. It had been a few hours since I had eaten that night, and the wine hit me all at once. My stomach didn't feel well at all, and I didn't like how not-in-control I felt. I'm not sure if I was drunk (as I have never been and I was extremely aware of everything going on) but I knew I wanted to go home. Olivia was feeling the same way, and thank God I have a friend who is a party pooper like me :) So, we left the party... without really getting to dance... but it was for the best. And I will never do that again. Lesson learned. It amazes me, the people who are able to and who find it amusing to go out drinking almost every night. Call me a prude, but what a terrible feeling!
On a lighter note, Olivia and I had the great privlige of attending an Opera Class at the home of our music professor here, Prentiss Dunn. This man helps make his living by teaching the rich, English speaking elite of Vienna about opera and composers with weekly classes (just last week he taught a class to the American ambassador to Austria). He will look at the upcoming schedule for the Staatsoper/Volksoper and teach according to the season. The man is a wealth of knowledge, and strangely hilarious. He invited Olivia and I (the only remainig music majors from his class last quarter) and we gladly accepted. We arrived at his flat, which is awesome (cluttered, like your average musical genius, but awesome) and helped him set up for dinner. He was expecting four others: a wonderfully friendly couple, George and Meredith, an older woman, Hilda, and another younger woman whose name I can't remember. George was actually from the States before he met his wife, Meredith, who is from Austrailia. Hilda is a retired biology teacher who is living between the Abu Dhabi and Vienna with her husband who deals with the oil business. They were so incredibly nice to Olivia and I; very interested to hear about our travels and studies. Granted, there were times where it was somewhat awkward--mostly due to the significant generation gap between us--but it was still a good time! Prentiss made us homemade HuebnerSchnitzel (or chicken schnitzel) with a green salad, bread, and Julius Meinl chocolate for dessert.
Prentiss taught a class on the Verdi opera "Othello," which neither Olivia nor I knew anything about whatsoever (outside of the Shakespeare play). After his class, I am truly in love with this opera. We watched the old MGM video featuring Placido Domingo, but Prentiss would pause it every once in a while to offer "here's what to listen for" tidbits and underlying themes throughout. Granted, I could've watched the opera on my own... but it helped having him there to tell us about the composer, about the story, about the musical motives... etc. It was an enriched experience. The whole room was in tears at the end of the opera. That's some sad stuff right there... Death, vengance, and suicide... and all in the name of love! Olivia said something really interesting too: "You know, it's the kind of love that you can't help but admire... but it's also the kind of love I hope I NEVER have for someone!"
Althea, our voice teacher, has arranged a "House Concert" for Olivia and I while were here in Vienna. This isn't something she usually does for her students, but she says its because "she has enjoyed working with us so much and she wants to showcase the great progress we've made." It'll be a very intimate recital setting (probably in Prentiss's flat, since he's accompanying us) where we'll invite our Webster friends and professsors, and Althea will invite her music people, etc. It will be good preparation for our Junior recital in March, and I'm very honored that Althea would take the time and energy to arrange this for us. Olivia and I have also been working on our duet number, "Sull'aria," with her and I'm seriously in love. Our voices blend so well! Yay!
I'm pretty sure I saw myself in 25 years on the U-Bahn the other day. Random, yes. But I just thought I'd share.
Well... hmmm... I think that's a good Vienna summary as it currently stands. So, off I go to take a break, and I'll be back with Venice :)
Tschuss, ciao, baba!
Laura
So, my new idea of a true Vienna experience is to try to listen online to Vienna's local radio stations... maybe listen to some good German/Austrian music, hear and try to translate commentary, weather, etc. Especially since Olivia and I don't have a TV at our apartment, I wanted to use some sort of other media outlet to help me feel like I actually live here! For the past few days--while doing homework, getting ready, facebook stalking, etc--I've had a multitude of radio stations streaming... and let me assure all of you that German music IS American music. I've known EVERY single song played on these top of the line, high rated "hip" radio stations. It makes me chuckle, actually, because until the radio hosts come on the air and start talking German, I forget that I'm not listening to 98.1 or 94.1 back home! While I'm writing this blog I currently have Vienna Energy 104.2 on. Just so you know :)
I have a new course this quarter: It's a second level art class entitled "Drawing Practice." And it is just that. For two hours on Tuesdays I sketch, and sketch, and sketch... receiving a bit of feedback from the prof who likes to intimidate everyone and stand over your shoulder as you draw... but essentially it's really a pass/fail... as long as you show up and make an effort, you pass. Sounds like a drag? It's actually not. I'm past the point of needing "art lessons" where a prof stands up front and does a 2 week session on shading. Right now, the best thing for me is to practice, try out different techniques, try different mediums. I know I wouldn't do it on my own, so I'm thankful that this class is kind of forcing me to do so. But here's the REAL kicker!
This class works specifically and solely with nude models. That's right. Real live people. Buck naked. Standing within 4 feet of me. Our first class last week, we had this mid-40s woman that you could tell had smoked a few packs in her life. But it was just SO awkward at first. After the first 10 minutes, the novelty and shock of it wore off and I was more concerned about getting the angle of her saggy boobs right than the fact that I was intentionally staring at her saggy boobs (LOL!) Our Prof. is an angel, really. Very sweet and helpful. There are only 5 other people in the class with me... and now that Olivia has dropped the class I'm the only non-art major! At first I was very intimidated by this, but I'm over it. And I'm very proud and impressed with my work. We started off with two 30 minute sessions, and then finished off with a series of 7 minute drawings/poses. I really can't imagine standing/sitting still for that long... naked... in front of a group of strangers!
I dread this coming week. Why? Because the prof let us know that she will vary the model body type AND SEX each week. So more than likely (and knowing my luck) I'm going to have to draw this massive Austrian man.... ohmigosh I honestly dread it with every fiber of my being! Mom assured me that it's no different than seeing those naked marble statues from the Rennaissance... but the difference is clear: Those are MARBLE. How awkward, seriously! "Oh, don't mind me sir... I know we've never met before, but I'm just going to stare at your goods for about 10 minutes straight. Thanks." And atleast naked women are just a series of curves and general lines... but guys?? How do you draw something like that?! Blech. I'll be sure to update you in a few days :/
On a more serious note, Olivia and I had to say goodbye to our dearest Vienna friends two weeks ago: Elisabeth and Ayla. Now they're back in St. Louis. They were wonderful companions because they were also music majors (and we geeks like to stick together) and had the same idea of what good clean fun was. When the rest of our acquaintances were out getting shmammered, we had two friends with whom to watch Eddie Izzard, cook dinner, go wandering around Vienna, go to Kahlenberg, study...
But now, Olivia and I really don't have any established friendships with people on this campus. We certainly have many acquaintences: Plenty of people from St. Louis who are still here, Brittany, Bre, Robert, Christina, Clay, Jessica... Donna from South Africa (who has so wonderfully let us stay with her in her flat the last few days before we leave Vienna), Pamela from Austrailia, Korrado from Austria, Helena from Austria...
The problem is that these friendships never really leave the Webster setting. A lot of it is because the social scenes never really cross... most of our acquaintances go out drinking and partying every other night, when Olivia and I would much rather read a book, go hike up a mountain, and stay in and watch "Baby Mama!" Which is not to say, however, that Olivia and I aren't enjoying ourselves. We are really having the time of our lives--but in just a more Olivia-Laura way.
Speaking of the "party" scene, Halloween isn't really celebrated here! I mean, as the country becomes more and more Americanized a lot of the younger generation makes a significant deal of Halloween. But it's rare to find costumes, face paint, masks, etc in your local drugstore like you would in the States. The Austrians celebrate what they call "Gedachtnistag," or All Souls Day. Everyone goes out to the cemetery to place flowers on the graves of their dearly departed. No trick or treat. No costume parties.
Granted there were a few clubs and bars who buy into the Americanized Halloween as an excuse to get young people out to their establishments. And the idea of a "costume" for a girl is just like in the U.S. I believe the movie Mean Girls said it best: "Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it." These girls just wore your average skimpy, fishnet hose clubbing outfits and sold it by putting on a pair of bunny ears (ANNA REGISTER! lol). And then you have the Americans who actually "dressed up!" I went as an iPod commerical, since I'm broke and couldn't buy a convincing outfit! I was in a black turtleneck, black leggings, black shoes, and black gloves. Then I fashioned an iPod out of sturdy white cardboard and attached my headphones. I think only the Americans got it! lol Olivia went as a Rockabiliy chick... suicide girl... 50's pin up girl... all of the above! We sprayed her hair black and gave her a fake nose ring (the scary thing is she can TOTALLY pull off this look) and her friend sent her tattoo sleeves in a Halloween package. Always a good time! lol. I told her she looked like a European :) A few other of our friends went as Antony and Cleopatra, Monica Lewinsky, and Andy Warhol.
Webster sponsors a series of "parties" throughout the year. They find a happenin' and cool club and Webster sponsors our entry fee and buys our drinks from 9-11. They did that last quarter at the Rote Bar, and they did it on Halloween as well. First of all, I'm not extactly used to a University being able to condone partying and drinking... it is truly beyond me... whatever... BUT this whole free-drinks-from-9-11 is ALWAYS a bad idea. People want to get their "moneys" worth, and so they're "forced" to down multiple glasses of wine in a three hour period--something they wouldn't normally do if the wine had cost them money. Whatever. I was somewhat guilty of this, but not on purpose. When I was at Remi's I could easily have 4 glasses of wine with dinner--no problem (you figure, there was an entirely new kind of wine for each course). The difference was, and I realize this now, the food aspect. It had been a few hours since I had eaten that night, and the wine hit me all at once. My stomach didn't feel well at all, and I didn't like how not-in-control I felt. I'm not sure if I was drunk (as I have never been and I was extremely aware of everything going on) but I knew I wanted to go home. Olivia was feeling the same way, and thank God I have a friend who is a party pooper like me :) So, we left the party... without really getting to dance... but it was for the best. And I will never do that again. Lesson learned. It amazes me, the people who are able to and who find it amusing to go out drinking almost every night. Call me a prude, but what a terrible feeling!
On a lighter note, Olivia and I had the great privlige of attending an Opera Class at the home of our music professor here, Prentiss Dunn. This man helps make his living by teaching the rich, English speaking elite of Vienna about opera and composers with weekly classes (just last week he taught a class to the American ambassador to Austria). He will look at the upcoming schedule for the Staatsoper/Volksoper and teach according to the season. The man is a wealth of knowledge, and strangely hilarious. He invited Olivia and I (the only remainig music majors from his class last quarter) and we gladly accepted. We arrived at his flat, which is awesome (cluttered, like your average musical genius, but awesome) and helped him set up for dinner. He was expecting four others: a wonderfully friendly couple, George and Meredith, an older woman, Hilda, and another younger woman whose name I can't remember. George was actually from the States before he met his wife, Meredith, who is from Austrailia. Hilda is a retired biology teacher who is living between the Abu Dhabi and Vienna with her husband who deals with the oil business. They were so incredibly nice to Olivia and I; very interested to hear about our travels and studies. Granted, there were times where it was somewhat awkward--mostly due to the significant generation gap between us--but it was still a good time! Prentiss made us homemade HuebnerSchnitzel (or chicken schnitzel) with a green salad, bread, and Julius Meinl chocolate for dessert.
Prentiss taught a class on the Verdi opera "Othello," which neither Olivia nor I knew anything about whatsoever (outside of the Shakespeare play). After his class, I am truly in love with this opera. We watched the old MGM video featuring Placido Domingo, but Prentiss would pause it every once in a while to offer "here's what to listen for" tidbits and underlying themes throughout. Granted, I could've watched the opera on my own... but it helped having him there to tell us about the composer, about the story, about the musical motives... etc. It was an enriched experience. The whole room was in tears at the end of the opera. That's some sad stuff right there... Death, vengance, and suicide... and all in the name of love! Olivia said something really interesting too: "You know, it's the kind of love that you can't help but admire... but it's also the kind of love I hope I NEVER have for someone!"
Althea, our voice teacher, has arranged a "House Concert" for Olivia and I while were here in Vienna. This isn't something she usually does for her students, but she says its because "she has enjoyed working with us so much and she wants to showcase the great progress we've made." It'll be a very intimate recital setting (probably in Prentiss's flat, since he's accompanying us) where we'll invite our Webster friends and professsors, and Althea will invite her music people, etc. It will be good preparation for our Junior recital in March, and I'm very honored that Althea would take the time and energy to arrange this for us. Olivia and I have also been working on our duet number, "Sull'aria," with her and I'm seriously in love. Our voices blend so well! Yay!
I'm pretty sure I saw myself in 25 years on the U-Bahn the other day. Random, yes. But I just thought I'd share.
Well... hmmm... I think that's a good Vienna summary as it currently stands. So, off I go to take a break, and I'll be back with Venice :)
Tschuss, ciao, baba!
Laura
Friday, October 17, 2008
Bienvenue de... Strasbourg?! Hein?!
Yes, that's right. Olivia and I are spending the afternoon in Strasbourg... quite accidentally, actually.
I'm embarking on a 10 day excursion for fall break: 3 days in Nimes, France (south) where we are staying with some of Olivia's family friends, 3 days in Neuchatel, Switzerland where we are meeting up with my family again, and 3 days in Paris. <3 What a wonderful trip! All with Olivia's mommy in tow!
BUT It appears that all the trains to Paris are completely booked... even the afternoon trains that don't require reservations. Therefore, our plans to take a connecting train from Paris to Nimes (where we would meet Olivia's mother at 2pm) have been foiled. Luckily, if there's one thing that being European travelling students has taught us, it's being adaptable. We managed to get a train that takes us to Nimes, but it doesn't leave until noon and we've been here since six in the morning. We will be arriving at 8... and hopefully Olivia's mom was able to get the message that we're late (keep fingers crossed).
So... we're stranded in a beautiful, French-Germanic city... daaaaarrn! It happens to be one of my favorite citys too (having been here before with the Delphian Chorale). But because we don't necessarily feel like buying metro/street car/bus tickets and getting lost and missing our last hope of getting to Nimes, we are very limited on where we can go and what we can do. We've just been kind of walking around... reading... cafe-ing it up French style. Regardless, it's so nostalgic being here! I even passed the hotel where I stayed last time with the Chorale... cute :*)
I've found, at least thus far, that speaking French has been a terrible feat for me this trip. Two months ago I was semi-pro... and could conjure up sentences and vocab at the drop of a hat. But now... all I can think is German!!! Honestly! It's comforting to know that I have learned so much German already, but it's frightening because it's all I think. It will not help me in Paris. Ugh. I'm sure my brain will transition over... hopefully... but Remi also speaks German... tempting...
I'll blog more later about our awesome train experience soon... Tschuss, ciao baba!
I'm embarking on a 10 day excursion for fall break: 3 days in Nimes, France (south) where we are staying with some of Olivia's family friends, 3 days in Neuchatel, Switzerland where we are meeting up with my family again, and 3 days in Paris. <3 What a wonderful trip! All with Olivia's mommy in tow!
BUT It appears that all the trains to Paris are completely booked... even the afternoon trains that don't require reservations. Therefore, our plans to take a connecting train from Paris to Nimes (where we would meet Olivia's mother at 2pm) have been foiled. Luckily, if there's one thing that being European travelling students has taught us, it's being adaptable. We managed to get a train that takes us to Nimes, but it doesn't leave until noon and we've been here since six in the morning. We will be arriving at 8... and hopefully Olivia's mom was able to get the message that we're late (keep fingers crossed).
So... we're stranded in a beautiful, French-Germanic city... daaaaarrn! It happens to be one of my favorite citys too (having been here before with the Delphian Chorale). But because we don't necessarily feel like buying metro/street car/bus tickets and getting lost and missing our last hope of getting to Nimes, we are very limited on where we can go and what we can do. We've just been kind of walking around... reading... cafe-ing it up French style. Regardless, it's so nostalgic being here! I even passed the hotel where I stayed last time with the Chorale... cute :*)
I've found, at least thus far, that speaking French has been a terrible feat for me this trip. Two months ago I was semi-pro... and could conjure up sentences and vocab at the drop of a hat. But now... all I can think is German!!! Honestly! It's comforting to know that I have learned so much German already, but it's frightening because it's all I think. It will not help me in Paris. Ugh. I'm sure my brain will transition over... hopefully... but Remi also speaks German... tempting...
I'll blog more later about our awesome train experience soon... Tschuss, ciao baba!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
