Wieners and singing children
July 17, 2008
So first off, the adolescent immature part of me spent a lot of time in Vienna giggling because of course, Vienna in German = Wien and Viennese = Wiener. It’s pronounced ‘Veen-a’, but still, seeing it written everywhere is pretty funny. Also, in learning this origin I figured out that a ‘Wiener Schnitzl’ has nothing to do with hot dogs, but is instead ‘Viennese breaded chicken’. Whoops.
On the lost things track, as far as I know they are gone forever. Not only my glasses and medicine, but my sandals, hiking boots, and bizarrely, my dirty clothes, deorderant, and toothbrush (all were stolen at the same time). The hostel couldn’t figure it out and neither could I. I feel strangely hurt, having so many things stolen with no clear motive. I can’t help feeling like whoever it was just wanted to mess with me, because otherwise why not just take the good stuff? I have no idea.
Still. I am not hurt or sick (unless feeling over-full from too much sachertorte counts), and my pack is a little lighter.
I even got some sun yesterday, cavorting around the Mirabell Gardens (where the Von Trapp family so memorably frolicked to ‘Do a Deer’) and climbing the Saltzburg fortress for a nice view, then tagging along with a bunch of musicians to their ‘free jazz’ jam session. (For reference ‘free Jazz’ = lots of weird noises and experiemental singing…can’t say I got as into it as these dudes did). Still, many of them were from Belgium or Switzerland, so I got to practice my French, and they were an absolute blast to hang with.
Today, it rains.
Tomorrow, I got to see another marionette show (I know, I know…), and I’m super excited. The one in Vienna (The Magic Flute) was phenomenal, so The Marriage of Figaro tomorrow should be great as well. Mozart is everywhere…his music, his statues, his homes…after this time in Austria and Amadeus combined, I should be an expert. ;) In two day I leave for Zurich, then explore some more of Switzerland. I’m starting to get tired, and having things stolen has made me wary, but every time I see a new place or discover something new about the town I’m in, all the energy comes rushing back and I’m ready to continue.
Still, I can’t wait to see Leslie in a week or so! Hope you’re doing well, Les. 
hi hon, great to talk to you this morning! sounds like you are determined to get the most out of your travels – who needs shoes, toothbrushes and dirty underwear anyways! love you and miss you, hugs from mom, dad and gabe- and assorted pets (gabe and i gave the dogs a bath yesterday and lance shrieked for the entire time – no pride whatsoever..!)
i can’t wait to see you too! I reserved my ticket for the earliest train to see you (the 505 Donatello from Firenze to la Spezia at 7:51am) and i should be there by 9:51am.
Think of the top things you want to see in Florence! I can make up a schedule when i know what you want to do. (it might be hard to get into the uffizi or to see David, but i can take you around to whatever you’d like to see… I am definitely taking you to Piazza di Republic at night to watch the Romm Draculas.)
I love you! I’m sorry to hear about your stuff.
Hi Linds!
I remember being in an airport once during a layover – Aaron had thrown up on his clothes and I bought him new clothes and put his throw-up ones in a bag and turned around for two seconds and someone stole the bag! We had lots of fun imagining the thief’s reaction to the loot!)
What a great adventure! So much fun to read about it all. (So sorry your stuff got taken
Hope the rest of your journey is great!
xo Cindy