Home in Vienna!

 Long flights are an excellent preparation for North Americans coming to Europe. We are used to so much space and room, more than is necessary, so being squeezed into a metal tin hurtling in the sky teaches you to appreciate being able to move around. Now that I am settled, it becomes apparent a larger area would be silly. More places to lose keys and glasses in! (Another pro-tip: 'sleep' your first night in a new place on hardwood floor. Your next rest on an actual bed will seem like heaven.)


Classes do not start until October! WU has an orientation program running in September, which fills up most afternoons and some evenings. However, we decided to get a head start on touring the city. My roommate Julia (from Sweden) and I decided to wander downtown to get a glimpse before the walk about with other students. However, I got us lost trying to find a new train station (we live in walking distance from 3 stations and 2 lines)! Apparently there is a nice church in our area (pictured), that no one thought was worth mentioning, because it is so small. This is important, as I would like to know if it is legal to marry their transit system.

The first district is quite incredible; it is hard not to be amazed at each turn. However, a dumbstruck Canadians can get in the way, so I will wait to tour properly with a larger group to keep me moving. (Yet today I was temporarily nominated tour guide for the group, bad call! Designate the tallest person; no one will get lost.)

Lucky for Julia, I had been given a brief tour of this area by Richard (a very thoughtful local who volunteered to help incoming internationals). If you ever need to register yourself with the city of Vienna, he is your man!



I am not as excited for shopping as many of the other students seem to be. Even if my urge to expand a certain leggings collection is low, I admit to being very entertained finding a swanky H&M. Who knew?




If you are bothering to read this, I am sure you are thinking, really Mary? More simple buildings? Where are the palaces? Shh. I am embarrassed to post photos of significant spots and not be able to explain their significance beyond 'Hapsburg?'.


This Albertan is very pleased by the artwork incorporated into the columns. There are many masterpieces here that blend into greater objects. In a way, combining the form and function is more impressive to me. In a continent where space efficiency counts, being able to exude a careless luxury without having small statues in the middle of the street breaking up traffic is smart.












I suspect this is the only public source of 'free' water. I forget how privileged we are in Canada to have an abundance of fresh and clean water!



 




Just your every day parking lot, no biggie. I am never driving in this city! The removal of the constant threat of being run over by a massive truck is a relief, to be sure... I am just aware that as a new driver, these roads would probably result in me hurting people or property. The main streets would be like a massive game of Frogger. (Reason to visit Germany: no speed limits.)

The above two buildings are identical, mirrors of each other. Joanne (whooo knowing another Canadian) and I were told that the only difference is the statues on the roofs, one set with clothing and the other without. Two museums are housed within now that no Emperors see fit to occupy their luxury. I think they will be visited during our Orientation tour, so it seemed silly to visit in advance and pay full admission. (We have yet to register properly as students.)