August 1
* With the first chapter in Vienna: The Past in the Present, I really got a clear sense of the beginnings of the early establishments of Vienna. It really goes to show how vast the Roman Empire was in building fortifications all across Europe. I also liked reading more about the history of Central and Eastern Europe because this area of concentration was practically skipped over in my high school courses. What I also enjoy about this book is that it relates the importance of these historical facts to present day, which is really what history is all about.* Culturally speaking, I’ve noticed that Europeans can almost immediately point out the Americans. In several encounters with locals I might say hello or ask a question in German and they respond in English. In this sort of situation I feel discouraged to continue in German because I already feel defeated. But alas, I must try again. Also, I’ve heard that people can spot out Americans purely by their shoes. This doesn’t surprise that much, seeing that many American tourists wear white sneakers and flip-flops as opposed to Birkenstocks and loafers, but it is still an interesting way to point out the non-locals.
* Checking into the dorms was an experience in itself, solely due to the surroundings. It is quite clear that the dorms are situated in the more promiscuous area of Vienna, which will be very different from anything I’m used to. Even though prostitution is legal here, I still get a vibe that matters are done pretty secretly in the sense that nothing is being thrown out there, it’s mostly luring people in via display windows. When I researched the area before I left and discovered that we were going to live in the Red Light District I had a very different image of the neighborhood in mind, thinking that it was going to be a wild and crazy place. Although the Prater is just across the street, the area is much more tame than I had preconceived and it actually has a lot of character to it, which will make for good stories (i.e. the Xena Bar).
posted by lauREN @ 9/11/2006
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