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London Dreaming

October 20, 2014 Leave a Comment

As a writer and a reader, I have always been intrigued by London. So many great authors come from there–classics, really! It would be a dream to study at Oxford, and I have friends who have. Yes, I’m jealous.

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Have you ever had the opportunity to ride a red double-decker bus? Funny enough, I spotted this type of bus chilling in a Mississippi parking lot about a month ago. Who would have thought!

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Did anyone else grow up reading and watching The Chronicles of Narnia? Oh, I loved Aslan. He was strong, loving, and not tame–the not tame part kind of scared me, but I loved how Aslan interacted with the little girl, Lucy. Naturally, the idea of Trafalgar Square is captivating.

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And I’ve barely even mentioned the history that England has. Sure, history tends to be messy, but it is oh-so-intriguing. I mean, Big Ben, Westminster, the Eye of London (okay, that’s new), museums, and so many other things. Of course, you could always ignore the usual sights and attractions to just enjoy a stroll through the park and the British accents.

I mean, why not?

What About You?

Have you been to London? What did you love? Would you go back?

Vienna’s Culture as Viewed by an American

October 16, 2014 Leave a Comment

One of the reasons that I love traveling is getting to experience other cultures. Seeing a new culture makes me view my own home culture in a new way. The American way isn’t always the best way. I didn’t expect to observe so many cultural differences while in Vienna, Austria, but I found quite a few and I want to share them with you, whether you’re headed to Austria or not!

Speaking with Utensils: In Europe, eating utensils speak a language all their own. If you still want to chase that Weiner schnitzel around your plate but need a drink of water, set your fork and knife perpendicular to each other. If you’re done eating and want the waiter to take your plate away, lay your utensils parallel to one another. This tip will save you embarrassment when you waiter swoops in to take your plate, and you’re nowhere near done.
Public Transportation Norm: Everyone uses the public transportation. Children and grandmothers. Your Aunt Audra. My great Uncle Peter. It’s easily accessible and a day pass is super awesome for use within Vienna city lines. Most people don’t own vehicles, especially singles, because the public transportation works so well. Growing up with multiple vehicles in my family, this world perspective is so different and I like it. I like not having to find parking for the car in the city.
Being American in another Country: Being a silly American, I thought everyone loved Americans because we’re told that in school by Americans. Sure, I know the terrorists don’t like us. I don’t like them either. But I was surprised when in Germany and in Austria, people tended to turn up their noses a bit when they found out that I was from America. All negative stereotypes of Americans slammed down on my shoulders. It surprised me, and I had to work really hard not to be offended by their simple assumptions of me because of my nationality.
Tuck in the Duvet: I come from the stock of people that likes to curl up in a bed with a tucked top sheet and a tucked blanket. I feel safe. Secure. In Austria, they use duvets, which is a comforter covered in sheet material. It acts as your top sheet and your blanket. It took me a very long time to adjust to using a duvet and many nights I woke cold because I had managed to wiggle my way out from underneath the free-flying duvet.
Everyone Recycles: Austrians are big on recycling. Households sort their colored glass, paper, plastics, besides already having pick up times for trash and compost. Even public areas offer at least four specific options for trash disposal. America should take note. There are still states in the USA that don’t even recycle!
Daily Tea Time (give me some of that!): I’ve never worked in an office that had a delineated tea time, but apparently this is a common feature in European offices. A mid-morning and mid-afternoon break of about fifteen minutes including a cup of tea or coffee and a cookie. This irked the American task master within me that didn’t want to take the break in the middle of my day, but the community that this time fostered within the office is irreplaceable.
Yellow Mail Boxes: Americans have their blue postal boxes. The British have their red royal mail boxes, and the Austrian have their bright yellow mail boxes. Has somebody thought to start a website devoted to all the mailboxes in the world? If they haven’t, you should!

What About You?

Have you ever visited Vienna and have been struck by a specific cultural difference?

Visiting Vienna on a Budget

October 13, 2014 Leave a Comment

Vienna, a Mecca of culture and history, provides a day traveler with many options of things to do. A city seemingly designed for small and large budgets, kids and adults, history nuts and spontaneous shoppers. Spending money is simple, but finding quality entertainment can prove more difficult on a low budget.

Upon arriving in Vienna, search out the nearest ubahn (the underground) station to purchase a 24-hour ticket. This ticket allows unlimited travel throughout Vienna on buses, ubahn, and trams. At this point, grab a map of the transportation routes.

For a history and arts experience, attend a ballet or opera at the Vienna State Opera House in Karlsplatz. Timing is key. If a standing ticket seems doable, arrive on location two hours before the show begins to join the queue. Bring four euros and a scarf. The euros will purchase your ticket, and the scarf knotted around the standing rail saves your space during refreshment breaks.

For a unique culinary experience, tempt your taste buds at Café Sperl in the Museumsquartier. This quaint cafe emanates the sophistication of times past. The waitresses speak fluent English and offer a menu with an abundance of Austrian cuisine. Tipping here means rounding the bill up a euro or two. When finished with a meal, lay cutlery parallel on the plate.

For a cultural and architectural experience, check out Hundertwasser Haus at Schwedenplatz and Schönbrunn Palace at Schönbrunn. Friedensreich Hundertwasser designed the Hundertwasser Haus, an in-use apartment building, based on the belief that nothing true to nature adheres to a straight line. This inhabited piece of art is reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons with its brilliant colors. Meanwhile, Schönbrunn Palace reigns as one of Vienna’s largest tourist attractions. Tours of the palace occur on the half hour for a price or stroll around the exquisite gardens of the palace for free.

Vienna extends a warm welcome to every type of traveler and budget. The Viennese walk proud in their history and willingly direct any lost traveler. Lovely Vienna persists as the perfect city to soak up culture and history on a low budget.