Okay, so here's the quick and dirty ~ a few impressions of Vienna to be expounded upon in upcoming days, but something to get the complex, swirling, morphing thoughts and feelings about the city and the move out of my head and onto "paper."
Truth is, it wasn't love at first sight. I didn't LOVE Vienna the way I was hoping to LOVE Vienna. I never had the "This is THE city for me and feels like home already" experience that would have made the decision to move there a no-brainer.
But I didn't dislike it either. Well, unless you talked to me on Tuesday night, when I was tired from walking all over the city (and London the prior week), and the grocery store clerk sneered at me because I hadn't weighed my oranges before I got in line and I couldn't communicate with her because I don't know enough German, and I felt completely out of my element and out of sorts. In which case, I'd have very clearly told you, as I told my husband that night, "I don't like it. It's dirty, smelly, and unfriendly." (Not the most mature, thoughtful or productive conversation starter, I realize, but in my defense, I was really, really tired.)
Our time in Vienna, short as it was, was a combination of sight-seeing and doing real-life things, like going to the gym, going to the grocery store, eating in the small neighborhood cafe (where no one spoke English), riding the U-Bahn and walking through both tourist and residential areas throughout the city. We also met with an assortment of people that live in Vienna, people from all over the world who have been there anywhere from 2 months to 22 years, some who like the city, love the city, aren't quite sure yet and some who don't like it very much at all. We got lots of practical input on jobs, neighborhoods, rent, being foreigners/immigrants, learning German and we met some really nice, helpful, and supportive people.
My thoughts about Vienna were (and continue to be) more akin to a roller-coaster ride ~ up one minute, down the next, then up again. But if you think about it, this is probably far more realistic and telling about life anywhere, isn't it?
So, a couple of the ups and downs (in no particular order):
Up ~ culture and history abound! Can't walk more than a block without running into an overwhelmingly grand palace or church or theater or a small cafe where great intellectuals once sat and conversed. I find this incredibly fascinating and stimulating.
Down ~ smoking. People really do smoke everywhere. We were able to find seats and tables somewhat apart from smokers when we ate out, but the smell lingers everywhere.
Up ~ bike lanes everywhere. I'm not a biker myself (yet, perhaps), but there are marked biking lanes all over the city and loads of people using them. Rather than being part of the road, as they are in most American cities, the bike lanes are part of the sidewalk and this took a bit to get used to. The "sidewalks" are marked with a bike lane and a walking lane and I, for one, was not used to keeping an eye on where I was supposed to be as a pedestrian, particularly when coming up to a crosswalk. But, my walking skills and ability to pay attention aside, the infrastructure provided for bikers and walkers speaks very highly about a citizenry and culture that is healthy and active (smoking aside).
Down ~ unfriendliness. The individuals we met in Vienna, native Austrians and those from other countries and cultures, were all very friendly. A lot of the service personnel in the cafe's and restaurants and gyms were friendly as well. Now that I'm writing about it, I must admit that it seems that more people were friendly than not, which gives me pause about making the following statement ~ Vienna did not feel like a very friendly city. By this, I mean that people didn't look at me and say "Hi" when I passed them in the street, nobody smiled at me when I sat down next to them on the train, and the grocery store clerks were completely and utterly ambivalent about my presence, except to collect my money (I've been shopping at Trader Joe's in California too long ~ "How are you? How's your day? Find everything you need? Have a great day!"). I'm going to have to think on this one a little more, though.....
This post is getting very long (so much for quick and dirty impressions), so I'm going to break off and share more in bits and pieces as the days go by.
Let me just close by saying that when the time came for us to leave, neither of us wanted to come back to California; we wanted to stay in Vienna.
Showing posts with label honeymoon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label honeymoon. Show all posts
Politeness, Pudding, Pubs and a Prime Minister
A few observations thus far....
"Lovely, thank you." With the exception of one rather rude sales clerk at the local Sainsbury's grocery, the British have been the epitome of politeness. In the shops, in restaurants...driving. Who knew that people gave way rather than blocking, waved you on rather than making other, not so friendly, hand gestures. It's just lovely. And that word, "lovely." It's always been a favorite of mine and I've heard it more in the past three days than in my entire lifetime. I'm hoping its effect doesn't become dulled from overuse, but I'm simply basking in it for the moment.
Pudding ~
Pudding = dessert. Not that dessert is always pudding (although I've had my share of custard since we've been here). Rather, pudding is used as a general term for dessert.
Pubs~
We went to a proper English pub for dinner on Tuesday night and I had fish and chips with crushed peas and a pint of bitter.
Prime Minister ~
Today is election day here in Britain and it is quite the exciting contest between Gordon Brown and the Labour Party, David Cameron, the Conservative, and the LibDem, Nick Clegg. I won't pretend to know all the issues, but it is a momentous election and you can feel the tension and anticipation in the air.
Neither Kiefer nor I have experienced jet lag (yet??) and we've adjusted to the local time just fine. It is morning and it feels like it should be morning. I'm here with a cup of coffee and our laptop, in a house that is twice as old as the United States. Not a castle, more a manor house, maybe (I need to do a little more research on that). It is an estate, really. I don't know how many acres (or hectares, ha's), but it is quite large, with meadows and woods and streams, a public right of way path, a 400 year-old tree, hundreds and hundreds of rabbits and quite a few pheasants. I think I'll walk the grounds this morning and take photos. Our other friend's house is nearly as old, not as much land, but with quintessential English gardens and a meadow nearby that is home to two cows and a calf.
We spent Tuesday in Sussex County, with Kiefer acclimating to driving on the right side of the car, on the left side of the road, shifting with his left hand and me trying (and failing at first) to navigate through traffic circles and keep him moving in the right direction toward our destination. We developed a system not too long into our first excursion, but it was rather painful for a bit. We did make it to an 11th century castle, Arundel Castle, and had lunch in the local town.
We ditched the car on Wednesday and took the train to London. We had a day pass for the Underground as well, so we walked and took the train all over the city to see all the major landmarks and sites. Admission fees at all the sites is quite steep, so we just took in the buildings and surrounding areas. The plan is to spend another day in London on Friday and we may decide on one or two places to spend more time. I would like to tour the Tower of London, but Kiefer isn't so keen. I may do so myself, though.
Today, I'm really not sure what we'll do, but it will be something in the countryside again. Perhaps another castle (Leed's Castle or Bodiam Castle), perhaps Brighton, maybe Chartwell, which was Winston Churchill's home for a time. Right now, truthfully, I'd be happy with a leisurely stroll right where we're staying!
We spent Tuesday in Sussex County, with Kiefer acclimating to driving on the right side of the car, on the left side of the road, shifting with his left hand and me trying (and failing at first) to navigate through traffic circles and keep him moving in the right direction toward our destination. We developed a system not too long into our first excursion, but it was rather painful for a bit. We did make it to an 11th century castle, Arundel Castle, and had lunch in the local town.
Today, I'm really not sure what we'll do, but it will be something in the countryside again. Perhaps another castle (Leed's Castle or Bodiam Castle), perhaps Brighton, maybe Chartwell, which was Winston Churchill's home for a time. Right now, truthfully, I'd be happy with a leisurely stroll right where we're staying!
Now, I'm off to check the news. Heard yesterday that the volcanic ash cloud has closed air space in Scotland and Ireland. Please, please, please, don't let it affect our flight to Vienna on Saturday!
I'll try to post photos later today.
Meet up in Vienna - details
Well, today is the big day! Some final cleaning, packing, saying goodbye to the kitties and we're off across the pond! England is the first stop and then, Hello Wien!
And for any and all of you who would like to meet and greet ~ the day/time/location has been set (and thank you to those who helped).
Sunday ~ May 9, 2:00 - 4:00 at the MuseumsQuartier Main Entrance
(or 14:00 - 16:00, whichever is the right way to write it). In front of the gift shop ~ vis a vis the Natural Historic and Art Historic museums. We'll meet at 2:00 (14:00) and find a good place to grab a table and sit and chat.
Once we get to Wien, I'll have an international phone number and I'll post it to this site. If you can't make it right at 2:00, you can call to find out where we are.
Come one, come all! Can't wait to meet you.
And for any and all of you who would like to meet and greet ~ the day/time/location has been set (and thank you to those who helped).
Sunday ~ May 9, 2:00 - 4:00 at the MuseumsQuartier Main Entrance
(or 14:00 - 16:00, whichever is the right way to write it). In front of the gift shop ~ vis a vis the Natural Historic and Art Historic museums. We'll meet at 2:00 (14:00) and find a good place to grab a table and sit and chat.
Once we get to Wien, I'll have an international phone number and I'll post it to this site. If you can't make it right at 2:00, you can call to find out where we are.
Come one, come all! Can't wait to meet you.
To blog or not to blog....
I haven't yet decided if I'll be blogging while on our trip, but I have decided to not make the decision until I'm there. If it makes sense, if it fits in the flow of things, I shall. If it becomes a task with that "must do" air about it, I shan't.
Truth is, I'm hoping for the former. I'm hoping that there is a natural break, a natural down-time for reflecting, writing, sharing the experience. I love reading about other people's experiences in their blogs when they're on the road ~ sharing photos, impressions, experiences, feeling their enthusiasm and living vicariously. But, another truth is that previous, somewhat-relevant experience (bringing a journal with me on trips to write and reflect for myself) has not resulted in many, if any, filled pages.
So ~ we're packing the laptop (note to self: go to Radio Shack today to buy power adapter today) and we'll see what happens. Stay Tuned!
Oh ~ and we don't actually leave until tomorrow night, so this will likely not be my last post before departure.
Calling all American Girl blog readers in Vienna
I'm not sure exactly how to make it work, but I love the idea of a little meet & greet with folks in Vienna when we're there in a couple weeks. Perhaps I could pick a place, a day and time and anyone who is interested and available could join me for a coffee, a white wine spritzer, a chat. It's coming up quickly ~ we arrive on the afternoon of Saturday, May 8 and leave Thursday morning, May 13 ~ maybe something on Sunday, May 9 or one of the weekday evenings?
I have so thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated your thoughts, comments, suggestions on An American Girl these past few months and I'd love to say hello and thank you in person when I have the chance.
I have so thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated your thoughts, comments, suggestions on An American Girl these past few months and I'd love to say hello and thank you in person when I have the chance.
Can she do it?
I am inexplicably obsessed with the desire to use only a carry-on suitcase for our trip. One carry-on for my things, that is, not for both of our belongings. (I may be a little bit of a kook, but I'm not certifiable!)
I don't really have a good reason, so it would be futile to ask why. There is no practical need for it, as we won't be trekking around with our baggage daily. But there is something so satisfying about being thoughtful and planning just right. I dream that I am a jet-setting world-traveler who can throw a few items into a bag and yet spend two weeks in Europe looking as though she's delved into her closet-full-of-clothes each day. Every item just right, looks and feels stylish and fabulous each day, never feels at a loss for something left at home.
Today is "practice packing" day. Really, that's what I wrote on my calendar - "Practice Packing." Kiefer is skeptical. I am giddy with anticipation. We'll see if I can do it!
I don't really have a good reason, so it would be futile to ask why. There is no practical need for it, as we won't be trekking around with our baggage daily. But there is something so satisfying about being thoughtful and planning just right. I dream that I am a jet-setting world-traveler who can throw a few items into a bag and yet spend two weeks in Europe looking as though she's delved into her closet-full-of-clothes each day. Every item just right, looks and feels stylish and fabulous each day, never feels at a loss for something left at home.
Today is "practice packing" day. Really, that's what I wrote on my calendar - "Practice Packing." Kiefer is skeptical. I am giddy with anticipation. We'll see if I can do it!
Speaking of speaking...
The big question now is - will we be able to communicate our desire for a day pass, a guest pass, a temporary membership? I gather that we'll be able to navigate the city well enough in broken German phrases and English as tourists. But what about when we venture into the "real world," those activities that are more suited to residents than visitors? Like going to a gym and conversing with someone about the amenities, the membership rates, if it is possible to get a visitor's pass. How do you say Visitor's Pass in German? I wonder if the iTranslate app on my iPhone knows that one.
Speaking of those goals...
Just had a conversation with Kiefer:
Me (speaking with a hint of giddiness in my voice): Do you realize we'll have 2 weeks of no working out?
Him: What do you mean?
Me: In Europe, on our trip, we'll be gone for 2 weeks.
Him: So.
Me: So, we won't be going to the gym.
Him: Why wouldn't we be going to a gym? There are gyms in Vienna...gyms in England, too.
Me: And we'll go to them?
Him: Um, yea (slightly exasperated tone).
Me: To work out?
Him: Yea (again with the tone). And, actually, it's really important that we check out the gyms while we're in Vienna so we can find out what the situation is like before we move. It could be a deal-breaker.
Me: Oh. Um. Right.
All kidding aside, I have actually been thinking about this for a few days. I recently embarked on a new workout plan to get in shape for a Figure Competition . I don't think I'm actually going to compete (really can't see myself spray-tanned, sporting a bikini and heels onstage), but I do want to be in that kind of shape. I've been working hard for just two weeks now and I was, I kid you not, thinking that it'll be a shame to lose the momentum while we're out of town. I laughed at myself when I considered this because I am actually going a few steps beyond my normal diligence with that thought. But it did cross my mind. It didn't occur to me, however, to think of ways in which I wouldn't have to break my routine. It did occur to my husband, which shouldn't surprise me.
This brings me to the other question that has been on my mind. What is the fitness situation like in Vienna? Are there gyms like there are here? Small gyms? Big corporate gyms? Is there a fitness culture? Do people work out much? Are the gyms open early/late/all the time? I like to go to the gym first thing in the morning. Kiefer likes to go late at night. Will we be able to keep our routines?
For Kiefer, having access to a gym and the ability to work out daily is essential, personally and professionally. My career and livelihood is not tied to the fitness industry, as his is, but health and fitness is an integral part of my daily life. How much of our lifestyle, if any, will have to change? Will we be oddballs or will we fit in better there than we do here (being more focused on health and fitness than a lot of the general population around us)?
All I know is that I'll be packing my workout gear and my iPod, that part of our exploration will be to find a fitness center that offers day or guest passes and that I'll probably feel a whole heck of a lot better doing that than I would if I didn't workout for an entire two weeks.
I do draw the line at sticking to my strict no-carb diet on the trip. I will most certainly be partaking in all the glorious food and drink that Vienna has to offer. Which means that finding a gym may be even more important!
P.S. Gyms/Fitness Centers doesn't seem to be a major topic in any of my Vienna Guidebooks, so if anyone in the city has a recommendation, please don't hesitate to share! Danke shon.
Me (speaking with a hint of giddiness in my voice): Do you realize we'll have 2 weeks of no working out?
Him: What do you mean?
Me: In Europe, on our trip, we'll be gone for 2 weeks.
Him: So.
Me: So, we won't be going to the gym.
Him: Why wouldn't we be going to a gym? There are gyms in Vienna...gyms in England, too.
Me: And we'll go to them?
Him: Um, yea (slightly exasperated tone).
Me: To work out?
Him: Yea (again with the tone). And, actually, it's really important that we check out the gyms while we're in Vienna so we can find out what the situation is like before we move. It could be a deal-breaker.
Me: Oh. Um. Right.
All kidding aside, I have actually been thinking about this for a few days. I recently embarked on a new workout plan to get in shape for a Figure Competition . I don't think I'm actually going to compete (really can't see myself spray-tanned, sporting a bikini and heels onstage), but I do want to be in that kind of shape. I've been working hard for just two weeks now and I was, I kid you not, thinking that it'll be a shame to lose the momentum while we're out of town. I laughed at myself when I considered this because I am actually going a few steps beyond my normal diligence with that thought. But it did cross my mind. It didn't occur to me, however, to think of ways in which I wouldn't have to break my routine. It did occur to my husband, which shouldn't surprise me.
For Kiefer, having access to a gym and the ability to work out daily is essential, personally and professionally. My career and livelihood is not tied to the fitness industry, as his is, but health and fitness is an integral part of my daily life. How much of our lifestyle, if any, will have to change? Will we be oddballs or will we fit in better there than we do here (being more focused on health and fitness than a lot of the general population around us)?
All I know is that I'll be packing my workout gear and my iPod, that part of our exploration will be to find a fitness center that offers day or guest passes and that I'll probably feel a whole heck of a lot better doing that than I would if I didn't workout for an entire two weeks.
I do draw the line at sticking to my strict no-carb diet on the trip. I will most certainly be partaking in all the glorious food and drink that Vienna has to offer. Which means that finding a gym may be even more important!
P.S. Gyms/Fitness Centers doesn't seem to be a major topic in any of my Vienna Guidebooks, so if anyone in the city has a recommendation, please don't hesitate to share! Danke shon.
The Friday Five (Freitag funf)
1) Vienna Visit in May ~ plane tickets purchased and apartment rental secured. We used the service VRBO to find the rental and so far it has been an easy and pleasant experience (thanks, MJ, for the recommendation). The apartment is on on Max Winter Platz in District 2.
2) Sorted through books ~ Prior to our move six months ago, I weeded my book collection (librarian-speak for getting rid of unwanted books) so it was rather difficult to take another pass. I keep books. I re-read books. I have some books that have sentimental value. Some that I just plain love and with which I can and will never part. All this said, I was able to reduce my collection a bit. I am also consoled by the thought that a friend of ours is willing and able to store boxes of books for us for an indefinite period, so I don't have to weed aggressively. I have also been advised to keep a good collection; that I may long for the comfort of favorite books in English once I'm living in another country, surrounded by another language.
3) The Closet. I also took a first pass at my weeding my wardrobe. This is a very challenging task for me, although I will brag that I have been very good at keeping my clothing collection current for the past few years. Current does not equal small, unfortunately. Thing is...I have a lot of clothes, but I really do wear them. I swear. This is a big one for me. There will be oh so much more on this topic to come, I can assure you.
4) After a 2-3 week hiatus, I just completed another German lesson on the Rosetta Stone. I'm a little overwhelmed at the moment, mostly with possessive pronouns and still a little lost on learning/knowing the gender of nouns (it's important to know that to get the correct form of the pronoun). Learning the language will require much more time and attention that I've been giving it as of late. Must work on this.
5) I'm trying to do what I can to get An American Girl out there and to establish a broad, interesting and interested audience, share with others and have a forum for writing and learning. This week, I spent time in the blogosphere, looking for other blogs, commenting, linking, making connections. I've also been thinking about my content and approach and how to not only write the blips and blurts of what I'm doing, but widening my scope, making it more relevant for others. Give people a reason to want to read beyond just wanting to check up on my progress. As I figure it out, I thank everyone who is already here for reading and hope that if you like An American Girl, that you'll share it with others and spread the word.
To do: confirm dates & buy plane tickets
Neither Kiefer nor I have flown internationally. The first thing he asks me once we've got the flights confirmed....."what the heck are we going to do on a plane for 10 hours?"
Friday, yes. Five, no.
I only worked 2 1/2 days this week and spent the rest of the time at home on the couch. I didn't get a whole lot done from my living room perch, but I wasn't feeling so hot so my lack of productivity hasn't bothered me. It does mean, however, that I don't have much to report today and definitely not a whole Five Things. I did try a bit of German one day, but Rosetta Stone didn't take to my funny, froggy cold-voice, so I deserted that exercise. On the plus side, I've had a lot of time to read and have gotten lost in a book in a way I haven't in quite some time (The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova) and that is a pure joy. Also....
**We continue our honeymoon planning. Lo and behold, Kiefer has friends who live in Sussex, England. In a 600 year-old castle. And we're invited! So, the trip is shaping up to be a week in England and a week in Vienna. No complaints here!
** In the midst of all the didn't do's this week, there was one big DID. I submit my first article contribution to DivineCaroline! If you're interested, here's a direct link to the story....have a read.
I am feeling better today, but I think I'll head back to the couch for a bit. Just one more evening. I've got the movie Before Sunrise to watch. I'm hoping I can get over my cellular-level dislike of Ethan Hawke enough to enjoy the movie. It's set in Vienna and that's what I want to see!
**We continue our honeymoon planning. Lo and behold, Kiefer has friends who live in Sussex, England. In a 600 year-old castle. And we're invited! So, the trip is shaping up to be a week in England and a week in Vienna. No complaints here!
I am feeling better today, but I think I'll head back to the couch for a bit. Just one more evening. I've got the movie Before Sunrise to watch. I'm hoping I can get over my cellular-level dislike of Ethan Hawke enough to enjoy the movie. It's set in Vienna and that's what I want to see!
Honeymoon in Vienna
I've been home all day today, feeling sickly. It's been all around me - at work, at home - and I think I'm finally succumbing, although I am hoping that by laying very low today and most of tomorrow, I'll feel better. My brother will be in town from L.A. tomorrow night and I don't want to feel bad for the evening he's here!
I'm not so good with just lying around so while I did sleep a little, mostly I read and finished the book I've been working through and spent time searching online for flights to Vienna.
We're going to Vienna!! Not the move, but the pre-move visit to check it out. Our Honeymoon. In May. It's quite soon and we've got to move quickly with our planning, but tickets skyrocket in June, so we decided to go for it. I just got approval from work for a couple weeks off in early May and the planning has begun. We haven't purchased anything yet, but did some good research today so I'm feeling very excited, despite being tired and achey.
We're also thinking about hotels vs. vacation rentals vs. other lodging possibilities. Any recommendations? Has anyone heard of/used CouchSurfing?
I'm not so good with just lying around so while I did sleep a little, mostly I read and finished the book I've been working through and spent time searching online for flights to Vienna.
We're going to Vienna!! Not the move, but the pre-move visit to check it out. Our Honeymoon. In May. It's quite soon and we've got to move quickly with our planning, but tickets skyrocket in June, so we decided to go for it. I just got approval from work for a couple weeks off in early May and the planning has begun. We haven't purchased anything yet, but did some good research today so I'm feeling very excited, despite being tired and achey.
We're also thinking about hotels vs. vacation rentals vs. other lodging possibilities. Any recommendations? Has anyone heard of/used CouchSurfing?
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