Vienna, Austria: November 3-6
Vienna, the city of music. Actually, Vienna is considered to be the classical capitol of the world-- and for good reason. Musicians such as Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, and Schubert all called Vienna (or Austria) home at some point in time. While there, I continuously had the Sound of Music's "The Hills Are Alive" stuck in my head on loop. But all the same, the Austria is a beautiful and inspiring country.
During our first full day in Vienna, my mom and I started off by having breakfast at our pension. Afterwords we gathered information from Klaus, our helpful pension manager, about how to get around the city. We then headed off towards Stephensplatz-- the heart of Vienna's hustle and bustle. The square is a combination of historical buildings, such as St. Stephen's cathedral, and cosmopolitan shopping centers. They are all connected through the main walking street (of course compiled of cobblestones, which after a few days of traveling on can hurt the feet pretty badly). Along the street are tourist shops such as "Mostly Mozart." There must the equivalence of "Mostly Mozarts" in Vienna as there are Candy Kitchens in Ocean City.
Although St. Stephen's cathedral was partially covered in scaffolding (it was being cleaned) the gothic structure is still awesome in size and quite gorgeous with it's enormous towers and mosaic tiled roof. Inside my mom and I climbed the 343 spiral steps up the south tower. The steps were located in the small, cramp
ed, and narrow space of the south tower and was enough to make anyone dizzy and disoriented (and maybe a little claustrophobic). But the trek was worth it. Not only was a it a work out but the from the top of the tower, the streets of the capital of classical music could clearly be seen. Amazingly, the streets that I was peering down upon from hundreds of feet above are the same that Mozart and other great minds walked. It's baffling to think of all the creativity and artistic talent that roamed those same streets that I myself had wandered moments before (this revelation came when walking many of the streets of the cities I visited and became a common feeling while on my travel break).After climbing back down the 343 Stephensplatz, the two of us grabbed some hot dogs to nourish ourselves after that tiring hike. We then of course indulged and stopped at one of the popular bakeries, Aida, for a cup of tea and a too tempting dessert. We casually strolled down the cobblestone streets until we reached the famous opera house where Mozart performed his first piece for the royal family of Vienna. We would later return to the opera house during our trip so that we could take a guided tour of the inside, but for now, we merely circled the outside.
I followed my mom as she directed us to the outside of one of the lavish Habsburg palaces, the Hofburg palace. I can imagine that the outside of the palace is gorgeous in the summers as well as when it is dusted with winter but I don't think either can compare the golden colors of autumn. The leaves had just finished transitioning from green to a light golden and orange hue and had just begun to sprinkle the earth. We sat on the park benches and relaxed a bit. Although we didn't go inside the castle, I can only fathom the greatness of it. While closing my eyes for a bit on the park bench I pondered what it would be like to be a princess and open the lavish front doors to such a beautiful courtyard that looks into the city of Vienna.
After a little rest, we gathered ourselves and headed back to Stephansplatz where at one of the churches next to the cathedral was holding a free concert. We sat in the pews of the church for nearly a half an hour and listened as the organ rang through the giant pipes. Unfortunately neither my mom or I especially enjoy the organ, but it was free and Vienna is known for music. That night my mom and I dined at a chain restaurant called "Weinerwald." I don't know if we chose it based on the food or the entertaining name. But none the less, the food was actually very delicious.
The next morning we r
oamed inside the Schoenbrunn palace, another piece of realestate belonging to the Habsburg family. It seems that every corner you turn in Europe, there is a left over piece of a monarchy that once existed. While in the Schoenbrunn palace we toured nearly forty rooms and saw how the Austrians treated there once royal family. The rooms were lined with patterns of gold and silver as well as elaborate tapestries and paintings. I find the monarchy story to be confusing with all the brother, sisters, marriages and what now. But while touring the palace I was in awe of the unbelievably eccentric lifestyle this family had once lived. I had to struggle to keep my mouth from gaping open as I listened to the audioguide's information about the Habsburg family. I suppose the reason for my astonishment is because I have never lived in a country with a ruling monarchy. Inside the palace is the room that six year old Mozart first performed for the King and his daughter. As I walked throughout the rooms I could only picture Tom Hulce's hilarious rendition of Mozart in 1984's classic film "Amadeus." Finally "The Hills are Alive" was out of my head, but now streamed pieces of Mozart's symphonies, especially Papegeno-Papagena duet from the "Magic Flute."Then we continued walking our tired feet to the opera house for a guided tour. The opera house has held som
e of the grandest symphonies, ballets, and of course operas. We were led by a theatrical and quite snooty tour guide throughout the opera. With his nose held high and his lingering voice, he showed us the important box seats inside the opera house in which only important (or rich) guests sit during shows. That night we splurged and bought 4 Euro tickets for the standing room area to see the current ballet. The house has a few large areas where guests can stand for the entire show if they wish and can even reserve a spot with a scarf tied around a specific section. I'd never heard of an opera selling tickets for such a small amount or had I heard of individuals marking there territory with scarves. It all seemed strange to me, but when we arrived for our show, low ans behold, there was an abundant amount of scarves. Luckily we were able to situate ourselves in a spot to watch the ballet. I don't know what girl could possibly watch a such beautiful dancing and not wish to be a ballerina. While standing and observing the performance, I instinctively curled my toes while simultaneously bobbing my head to the music. Fortunately it was dark and no one could notice how involved I was in the ballet. I suppose my guilty pleasure is out in the open-- I absolutely love the ballet.The next morning after waking up literally before the crack of dawn, we stumbled out of bed to catch a plane to our next destination-- possibly one of the most historical cities of the world-- Rome.
