One won't be left in want of beauty here

After having spent nearly four months in a Slavic speaking country one would think it would be a relief to enter back into a Germanic one, but instead I just became the most awkward American in Europe. When a Viennese server comes up to you speaking German, they respond poorly if you answer them in broken Czech, a language spoken by no more than 10 million people worldwide. Unfortunately the impulse to speak whatever foreign language I'm used to was just too great, and basically every transaction I made in Austria left me gritting my teeth with embarrassment.

Aside from that, however, I much enjoyed my few days down in the beautiful city of Vienna. Although it was quite cold, the architecture was astounding, the coffee sublime, and the people, well, they were a welcome break from the Czechs. As much as I like most of my students here in Prague, most Czechs can be very reserved and come off as unfriendly. And although some would say the same about the older Austrians, I didn't see much evidence of this during my trip. They actually make noise! Also despite my issues speaking German, it was interesting to see things in a different language. I am now able to make a few stupid, grammatically backwards pun like "the Wiener Bürgermeister works in the Rathaus." (The Viennese Mayor works in city hall.)

The city center is very interesting, there are many Gothic and Neoclassical buildings (among other styles) to be seen in quite a small area, and detailed sculpture (like the one shown above) could be found on every corner. In addition for the holiday season there were many street markets set-up selling roasted chestnuts, a highly alcholic juice available in many flavors, and lots and lots of kitsch. Although I wasn't keen to it, the sausages looked very tasty as well, ingeniously placed in a hollowed baguette that acts as a condiment catcher, making it the perfect street food for those inclined towards feasting upon the delicious flesh of animals. Sadly, I had enough willpower to resist, and maintain my vegeterianism.

On that note, I had an excellent meal at a small Greek tavern that was cheap, filling, and quite scrumpous. Plus, the man working there was trilingual, speaking English, Greek, and German. It was strange to think of someone in America speaking three languages and running a small eatery. He could be working for the state department. Lucky him.


Behold above, one of the main busy streets in city center. In writing this entry I had a lot of trouble picking merely two pictures to show, so I recommend you visit my photo album to get a larger glimpse at the beauty of the city. But no number of photos can truly capture the feel of Vienna. I hope to return in the warmer months, when I can be less of a sightseer and perhaps soak up the culture a bit more. If that's possible for a bloke like me. Check back again soon for more, one entry is not nearly enough for such a subject.