Thursday, November 19, 2009

Christmas in Vienna


You really begin to miss Thanksgiving in Vienna when the Christmas lights go up the first week of December! But how glorious they are! Vienna has such a reputation for its celebration of Chris Kringle, as they call it. There are Christmas markets everywhere and men set up stalls to roast chestnuts and kertoffelpuffer (potato pancakes).

But despite the growing revelry in the air, my mind is always on the turkey these days. And I'm not alone. The Marriott is not only hosting Thanksgiving dinner, but is also showing American football!!!! Be still my heart! A bier garten -- what we could commonly refer to as a microbrewery -- that we frequent, known as 1516, is also have turkey and football. While we plan a trip to the Marriott, I am foregoing their turkey for my own feast since it will be me and Nicholai's first Thanksgiving as a married couple! On our menu:

Apple Glazed Cornish Hens
w/Sausage Apple Stuffing
Honey Glazed Ham
Sauteed Cabbage (can't find collard greens, mustard greens or any of those kinds of greens)
Sweet Potato Casserole
Caramelized Onions
Cranberry Sauce with Cinnamon and Spice
Fresh Rolls

Apple Crumble Pie
Sweet Potato Pie

I can't wait!

Alison
10:02 a.m., 19 November 2009

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The R-U-D-E factor

I do like Vienna. I do. I mean it. Truly.

But ...

Well ... Let me tell you what I don't like. Actually, what I cannot stand. I CAN NOT STAND the rudeness of some of the Viennese. It is rare to hear an apology or an "Excuse me" -- in any language. And it's beginning to work my nerves. (The first German words I learned were "excuse me," "please" and "thank you.")

One day on the underground (the subway) this week, one guy intentionally bumped into me THREE times. I guess he didn't expect that I would say much, even though he mumbled something that caused the girl in front of me to turn around and, in sympathy, give me a look of apology. I mean, I am a woman. And I am a foreigner. BUT, poor dear, he underestimated his prey, because when I pushed him back after his third assault and said to him in English: "If you push me one more time, I will kick your ass," he backed off. No amount of language barrier could mistake what I was saying to him. You could tell it in his face. So, when in some parts of Europe, realize that some people have not been taught the art of politeness, which is odd in a country that stands high on titles: PhD, MS, BA, AA, Dr ... you name it. My British boss always teases me about how polite I am -- always saying "excuse me" and "sorry," he says, adding that Americans are the most polite people in the world, besides Australians (which could explain why my Australian friend is always complaining about the manners of the Viennese!)

So the lesson is that while in Vienna, one must be acknowledged by his/her title, but one must not necessarily be acknowledged when one's foot is stepped on or when one is pushed.

Alison
10:39 p.m., 3 November 2009

Monday, November 2, 2009

Life in Vienna

Life in Vienna. Whooaaaa. You should so come and visit!

I have so much to say and so little time. Tomorrow morning check back ...

Alison

10:22 p.m. Monday, 2 November
(and what's with this European way of telling time and date?! arghhh!!!!)