Sunday, November 11, 2007

Vienna and America

Well Marty had a fantastic time seeing everybody he could at home, and we send our best wishes to Brittany and Tom. I'm sorry I couldn't make it, but I dutifully grilled him on gossip from home and what it was like to set foot in the States for the first time since living abroad. Some things he noticed were that 1) it wasn't that weird to switch back to cars driving on the right side of the road 2) he had forgotten that waitresses can be nice 3) holiday decorations are nice. I was jealous he got to 1) see everybody, 2)watch TV on the television when it airs 3) eat American bacon and drink real coffee.
He said it was some parts were strange and some parts were nice and comfortable. I was really glad to hear that some people are still thinking of coming to visit us this year. It was another thing that made me feel more at peace and happy with our move over here. Marty said he was glad no one made a big deal that he was back. I guess that's nice and all, but guys, I want to have a party when I get back! :)

Anyway, I was in Vienna for the time Marty was gone. it was beautiful. It was for a business trip but I got to take a few days to wander around by myself. You know that famous scene where Hitler gave a speech to his people from the balcony? I totally saw that balcony and it was awesome. Also, I can cross "Visit homeland of the Californian Governor" off of my to do list.

These are the most interesting photos I took:

Pretty much every building had great bas reliefs. This is the Dept. of Agriculture building. All the windows had busts of a soldier with different expressions.







As I visit different European cities, I'm always struck by how many of them honor JFK.


Vienna is known for its sausages. The street vendors sell them in these crusty rolls that they stab on this big metal rod to create space for the sausage.




This was some graffiti on a public walkway.


While I was wandering I happened upon a theme park. Since it was raining and Sunday, the park was pretty much deserted. But all of the attendants were sitting, waiting for people to ride. Lights were flashing and the normal music was playing. It was creepy.



5 comments:

Hillary said...

I think people made a big deal. I drove down the night before and slept at my moms for the sole purpose of getting a chance to see him.

Anonymous said...

I know who JFK was, but who the heck is "O.K" and who took the rest of his statue?
Did "O.K" end up that way because he crossed over the graffiti line?

Megan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jay M. said...

No kidding. Creepy statue heads poking out of buildings, contemplative graffiti, and horror movie-style carnivals.

I think I might skip Vienna when I go to Europe.

Caleb said...

Did you get a chance to see the surrounding countryside at all?