And away we go ... into the wild blue yonder

September 6, 2011

The day has finally arrived.

The suitcases were packed with vigour and some force but they did close and they both weighed under 16 kg. 

 

The flight over was uneventful but delicious. Our first taste of chocolate (profiteroles) was met with silence while we savoured the moment. We also tried a new Italian wine - Prosecco. Fizzy like Asti Spumante but sweeter and much nicer. Mom has a new favourite drink.

 

Vienna - The Musical Centre of Europe ... and Decadent Desserts

Mozart's Statue, Burgarten

Madonna and children ?

Sun was shining when we arrived -- one hour early, and not because Mom had gas and was helping push the plane around. We figured out our way to the hotel without too much damage to the Viennese population who had to share the subway with our suitcases. Rest assured that no old men suffered leg or foot amputations. Obviously, Austrian old men are wiser than Parisian seniors.

And the "apfel strudel". And the coffee. A moment of silence once again, to relive the delicate pastry melting in our mouths. This was the first of many along the Karntner Strasse. The major shopping centre of Vienna.

 

Now that's the way to promote your product

Walking around Vienna makes us feel so couth. Like we know all about culture such as opera, Mozart and classical shit, I mean stuff. So much so, that we decided to attend a concert celebrating Mozart's and Strauss's music, complete with or hedges, and opera singers and ballet dancers. now maybe it had a little to do with "that nice young man all dressed up. He was quite persuasive. 


After all, when in Vienna, you must attend at least one concert.

So off we went.



Contrary to our initial impressions, we really did enjoy our concert. It was a good variety of orchestra music, led by an older gentleman who obviously loved his work and an ensemble of young extremely talented musicians (the flautist was extraordinary); an opera diva with a set of pipes that could shatter the crystal on the real chandeliers above; a baritone (Mom said that was what he was called) who had a smile that could be seen from the back of the room, and two ballerinas that could dance on a postage stamp. The guy ballerina (o?) looked more like he belonged in the Austrian version of the Marines, but he sure was light on his feet. One could forgive the fitted pants. 

Concert at the Kursalon

The audience was quite eclectic -- mostly tourists -- French, Eastern European, Spanish, Italian, French and Japanese. Someone should tell the Japanese ladies that pearls are passé. But at least they dressed up. Others could have easily been contestants on "What not to Wear". Definitely time for a wardrobe change. But we had some laughs looking at and imagining conversations between the various attendees. All in all, a good time.