Feeling Rather Poor

Yesterday I spent ten hours being a true Wiener. I met a girl who is born and raised here and she showed me around and we just talked, explored, drank, ate, and talked some more. I LOVE this French cafe she introduced me to and all her friends were so charming. I wish I could go into more detail. . . but I don't have much time. Enjoy pictures!

Did I mention . . .

Did I mention that I fell on the escalator the other day? I've been so proud of myself for not being freaked out by the sea of escalators in public transportation stations. However, the other day my fears were re-awaken on my way to meet up with my team.

I was walking down the escalator, the only person doing down while three or four were going up because rush hour was over, when my it suddenly stopped! And, because was was already moving forward at a pretty high rate I jumped at step then tripped a couple more. This would have entertained the other riders enough, but I also squealed a bit making sure to draw attention to myself.

Why do Viennese run down escalators when things like this can happen???

Chaneling

No Cable (no TV either, but that's beside the point.)
No phone (Yes, I got Cake in my head, too.)
No internet (That one's the real bummer.)

Today a UPC installer came to house and politely ignored all my drying laundry as he tried to get me all connected with the world, but after working for almost on hour he concluded that something was not right and the company will call me and make another appointment.
ct that I can see the Technical University Library and street cars from my window.

My friends have been so incredibly helpful. I already feel like family. We had a meeting this morning that was more like a house ch gathering than what I usually think of meetings. The financial and business orientation meeting is on Friday so everybody please pray that I will suddenly grow the capacity to understand money matters! I'm sure Lance, my supervisor, will be give the remedial version so I will be sure to keep up. I mean, I got my first energy bill today and I can't read it at all! That and my other bills and contracts are going with my to get this all sorted out.

Speaking of my super. Carrie is recovering beautifully after her radiation and chemo therapy. Thank you all for pring. Her sugery is coming in five weeks so pray that she'll be able to exercise so she can keep her strength up after the surgery. She's taking really good care of herself and the doctors say that the tumor is not even visible anymore, so I am confident that Father is giving her a solid cure.

Expectations

Today is really almost over for me. I registered as a resident of Wien. Got a bank account, a washing machine, duvet, some other odds and ends, made an appointment to get wireless and land phone line connection, and as I hope you'll see, posted pictures.

There are few things I was not expecting:

1. People who are working are polite and some are quite gentle and helpful.
2. Vienna is quiet but not as oppressively as Moscow. People do laugh and talk in public. Just not as loudly as Americans. Although it was odd that you're not even allowed to hammer on Holidays.
3. Sadly, Crocs have infiltrated to Austrian homes, mostly as slippers to wear at home. And some adults wear them in public! This horror actually makes me feel more less like a country bumpkin. But, if I ever see them in my neighborhood (other than tourists) I'll be shocked.
4. Chuck Taylor's are the height of Holiday weekend fashion here. I can't afford them, but it's good to see them around.
5. My deodorant brand is sold in regular Walgreen-type stores.
6. Hungary is good, cheap, close shopping. I can't wait for the next shopping excursion with the ladies. They even get their hair cut there.

It All Depends on Who Asks

Such a wonderfully slow day after the craziness of yesterday. I'm still a little weirded out by the German style keyboard I'm typing on right now, so pardon any typos.

Yesterday's Ikea run was very profitable for me and my new place. Seriously, I was so grateful that I was able to go in there and find things that would work for the apartment and perfect for having friends from all over enjoy with me. I went for a more modern look. No surprise that in a lot of ways, my living room is starting to look a little like a cafe. I have many dreams in my head but we'll see what really works out. I'm still just amazed, because of how Ikea does things we were able to pack a couch, two chairs, a dinging room table, a day bed (the same style as mine in the States), and plenty of other odds and ends all in the back of a mini van with one of the back seats still instaled! Not that CE as very comfortable in it I'm sure but he was a total trooper about his squished seat and then unloading all that had been squishing him. We got a fabulous parking place thanks to the Holiday lack of people so unloading was a lot easier than expected - although I should mention that I did not carry the heavy things up all those stairs. And, I have learned to love my elevator.

Speaking of floors: one of the questions I had before coming here was, "What floor is my apartment?" It was hard to tell because the number was so odd. As it ends up, if an American were to ask me, I would say "the third." If an Austrian were to ask I would say, "the second." But I would also say, "but, according to the elevator: the first." And, to add to the complication, there's a letter on my apartment "number" because my apartment was once part of another apartment, which accounts for some architectural oddities. I'm also not all together sure which button at the front of the building will actually buzz my place. Probably there will be an experiment needed tomorrow.

I wish I could post pictures, but I haven't dug my adaptor out of my bags yet and I don't feel like messing with the B's computer to upload, edit, etc. Sorry. Really I am. I want to see the pictures and read your responces, but hopefully I can get that going by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Today, the whole gang (minus one of the boys how is not feeling well and his dad) went to one of the nearby parks in the hills close to town - can't remember the village name. We walked, sang, took pictures, sang. Of course there was an Easter egg hunt. The other people at the park were entertained by us. I learned a few German terms for foods and other related topics. The picnic was amazing with lots of sandwiches, hummus, and plenty of crackers and veggies.

Speaking of, I think I'll go have some more hummus for dinner!

I live where!?!?!?

I don't have much time because I haven't unpacked my power adapter and my wonderful hosts can't find any, but I just want to say that I can't believe I'm here! I'm in Vienna - that place on my mind for so long is all around me. And, my friends have been so warm and welcoming. This transition is already going easier than I thought. Now if I can only learn German . . .

I'm sitting in the B's living room with Em B and I can see amazingly cool neighboring apartment buildings (pictures to follow) and in the distance, the central district, Vienna University's Liberal Arts buildings, and beyond them the hills (that are alive with the sound of music). To their building's left is the hockey arena where the Vienna Capitals play. The parking lot under the building reminds why I don't have a car or plan to drive! It's takes skill to get to the parking level where their tiny parking place is.

Yesterday I got off the plane and was greeted by the whole gang! They loaded me into the cars and we headed to the B's where I had some time to relax and enjoy some pastries Em and Addi got from a local bakery. Then I set out with the ladies of the team to see my apartment. My U-bahn station is so much closer than I thought! And the Belvedere is practically at my doorstep! From the maps I was thinking off scale. The blocks are quite small so there is a lot within easy access. I never thought I would live near embassies, but here I am!

My building is gorgeous and pink! I just can't get over all the details in the entry. It's early Art Neveau looking. (At this point I'm even excited about our tiny dumpters and recycling recepticles int he courtyard). My mail box already had two wonderful cards from my mother and the mothers in the group took notes to remind them to do the same for their kids when they move from home. I must say, I'm a little intimidated by the cage lift in the stairwell. Good thing the stairs are an easy climb so I can avoid it. My flat is beautiful and still dusty from on-going construction so I'm very glad I get to stay elsewhere while we tie up loose ends. Looks like I can have window boxes for the many plants I keep eyeing at every shop.

As we left the building, someone was delivering a very impressive grand piano to one of my neighbors. All I saw were the legs, but by the gilding I'm guessing that not all the apartments will be as modest as mine! The few people who passed the building were mostly young and one of my friends says he saw a couple of girls my age who looked like they were moving into the building when he came by to check on my place last week. This gives me hope I may be able to make friends with my neighbors. There were no signs of life from my two closest doors, so I'm hoping I will be able to help my neighbors when they move in.

There are two little grocery shops to pick up milk and such within a few steps from my building, but the street market to too close not to go to regularly! There are fabulous cafe's and the restaurant we went to for lunch was perfect; complete with a vine covered courtyard seating and white cat. As one walks to the Belvedere the prices go up (but I can get more Klimt gift shop essentials than could ever want - including a silk scarf apparently Sharon Stone bought), but I'm hoping that if I walk the other way things will be a little more reasonable. :-)

It is spring in Vienna so flowers are EVERYWHERE. It's striking to me how similar the plants are to Tennessee - especially Knoxville. I feel very much at home here among the daffodils and those yellow blooming bushes I can't think of the name of. The air is crisp and there is not a cloud to be found. Of course there are quite a few new trees, but I'm eager to learn their names.

After our girls gathering we went to the Coop I's Birthday party. I was wiped out by then so I didn't participate in the egg dying as I was afraid it would not end well. So, instead I was given the impossible task of judging the eggs are the brilliant egg-artists. I was SO grateful when 19hr came so pizza was picked up and I knew that sleep was coming soon. I'm sure the pizza was amazing but I don't really remember other than that it was rectangular and HUGE. All I know is by 20.30 I was asleep on the most wonderful bunk-bed ever. I'm getting tired just thinking of how tired I was!

Today begins the adventure of finding the perfect furniture for my wonderful apartment - and to stay in budget while we're at it!

My last NHL Hockey Game or the Miracle of Creation

These days, my mind drifts to thoughts of Vienna, but I slip back to the more comforting thoughts of the day's duties and joys. The unknown is too much for me. Better to let it come slowly as the horizon spreads across the land and the ocean.

My dear, amazingly creative friend B Chu came for the weekend and we did girlie things like get hair cut at a fabulous salon, pedicures, and a little packing with lots of conversation and hugs. She's making ADORABLE Japanese stuffed animals (Amigurumi) as her craft-project-to-sell-for-spring-clothes and it was amazing to see skeins of yarn turn into sweet cuddly creatures.

This idea of creation - wonderful things coming from the basic blacks into something miraculous just - keeps coming up in my life. I'm really struck by my nephews newness and yet how complete he is in his infancy. I can see aspects of what he will become from his still forming body. Clearly God can use us to make things. He made us to be creators, inventors, and artists. This also gives me hope that God will do a new thing through me in Vienna. As incomplete as I am, God can draw together things that naturally fall apart.



Last night my dad asked me to join him for one last hockey game. Honestly, I was not that excited to go because sports can sometimes (please DON'T tell my family) bore me a little. Add to the fact this was my last Saturday night in Nashville. . . I was just tied up in knots wanting to do everything and nothing. So I went with my father to the game, in my mind, to spend quality time with him.

What I didn't realize is that the Predators really needed to win this game to have a chance at the playoffs and that this night, of all nights, was Scout night which means there were hundreds of kids in adorable uniforms so excited to be there. When my dad suggested I stand just inside so I could see all the pre-game stuff while he stood in line to get us pizza I was touched by the scene. As ticket holders came in, the usher recognized and greeted people by name. Folks were all smiles in anticipation. The players all came out and the crowd roared. It was going to be a wonderful night.

Then, these little miniature scouts came out the colors and the American flag was highlighted as we all sang the American National Anthem. Half way in the middle of the song it hit me. This was the last time. It would never be like this again. Something new and wonderful is around the bend for me, but there will never be another night like this. The usher shyly looked my way wondering why I had tears rolling down my cheeks. I smiled and explained this was my last game before moving to Europe. "Oh, baby, go on and tear!" Nashvillians are very pro-emotion.

After sitting up in our usual section for a while, a family asked if we would trade seats with a couple of friends of theirs so they could watch the game together - so we ended up watching the rest of the game on the first level of the stadium! For the first time I could really see, hear, and feel the energy of the game. And what a game! We finally won in the third round of shots in the shoot out. I almost lost my voice I yelled so much. High fives after each score is the best kind of quality time.

IT is good to end well so that I can begin well, too.