Parliament in ViennaFriday, September 7, 2007
Friday morning I awoke again with an optimistic attitude about the weather. Once again, I was let down. I am beginning to wonder how much longer I can be optimistic these next two weeks in regards to the weather (although, as I write we are headed via train to Budapest and pror to boarding the train was our first experience of sun in Vienna, such is life). While the rain was wearing on our spirits, we had big plans for Friday that were not going to be interrupted by some wet weather.
Prompted by some posters announcing the Pope’s arrival to Vienna and some internet research at the hostel, we thought we would give attending the ceremonies of the Pope’s first visit to Vienna in some eight years a shot. With mass to begin at 12:45, we arrived at the metro station near the Am Hof church at 12:30. Just as we approached the church square the Pope drove about fifteen feet from where we were standing in the ‘Pope mobile.” We made our way amongst thousands of Viennese people towards the center of the square to get a view of the screens and an obstructed view of the stage. I will let the video (hope I can get it attached) below explain the magnitude of what we were able to experience. With two inches of rain expected throughout the day, Matt and I estimate we received about an inch in the hour we stood in the square. Needless to say, we were drenched but the experience was every bit worth the endurance of the weather. (There is a better video with the Pope I will post in a few days)
Following the Pope’s mass we went to the United Nations in Vienna for a tour. Our tour led us through various conference rooms of the U.N. and spoke on the Viennese involvement in various world policies. The Vienna center is the main offices of various agencies of the U.N. including the drug and crime prevention task force and the agency that oversees the proper use of nuclear energy. Coincidentally, the tour guide informed us that all but one country were active participants of the U.N. – the one country not included was Vatican city at the request of the Pope (whom we had seen earlier) and the clergy.
We then walked from the United Nations to the Danube tower. The area surrounding the tower was a very large park. As it was raining quite hard, we only encountered one other person on our approx. 15 minute walk to the tower. At the top of the tower we were able to overlook the city of Vienna and the many convergent points of the Danube River. From all the rain it appeared the Danube was over the bank in various portions of the river. At the top of the tower we spent a few hours drying off in the revolving café while grabbing some lunch. From our perch above the city the rains appeared to have stopped and blue skies were present over the rolling hills.
Below is a photo of the Danube tower.
The evening included a stroll through the center of Vienna. Nowhere else I have been where you can literally window shop (with prices) for a Rolex Watch. The collection of designer’s stores and numerous repeating store fronts amaze me. We saw three H&M stores within a two block radius. Imagine seeing three American Eagle or Gap stores within the same stretch of the 16th street mall or local pedestrian mall, pretty impressive that they were all busy.
Below is a photo of the shopping area we visited.
The evening concluded with dinner near the cathedral in the city center and some time in the Bermuda Triangle at the recommendation of our waiter. While roaming the streets of the Bermuda Triangle we happened upon a few DU students, including someone I graduated high school with. I realized just how small a world it truly was.
Thanks to all of you who have continued to post comments and suggestions for places to visit. I hope to respond some within the comments of the respective post. Hope all is well wherever you all may be!
5 comments:
That is so random (and AH-MAZING) that you got to attend mass with the Pope . . . it's random because when I lived in Germany and traveled around Europe I attended mass with the Pope too!
It can't rain forever. At the very least, given your latitude, it will eventually have to turn to snow. :-)
Why do they call it the Bermuda Triangle?
And regarding -- and interpreting -- your observations on modern art in your previous post: I, too, prefer the accessible and cheery.
I can't help but mention what I saw at the Miami Art Museum this afternoon. Photography as art usually doesn't grab me that much, but the 'perspective' photos by the Dutch photographer Jan [pronounced Yahn] Dibbets were awesome. You can see an example at http://www.miamiartmuseum.org/exhibitions-current-dibbets.asp The square that looks like it was drawn onto the middle of the photograph is actually drawn on the wall; the photograph is totally unaltered! (Discussion topic: two-dimensional depiction of a three-, and in reality four-, dimensional world.)
I am still sitting here laughing about your experience with the "Pope Mobile." It reminds of my experience with the "Bush Mobil" outside the Washingthon Hotel in D.C.. Truly, what an experience to see the Pope in Venna! Always remember a little rain never hurts anyone and keep your spirits up; but keep warm and eat well so you do not become ill. I love your entries and staying informed on your whereabouts! XX00
It's beautiful! I'm so incredibly jealous you got to see the Pope. You can cross that off your goal list now ;)
It's funny that you keep wishing for sunshine and no more rain, and yet you choose London as a place to study. How perplexing...
How cool! Another Lundberg got to see the Pope! Did he bless all your friends, family, and articles? If so, we are all twice blessed which can only be a good thing.
Am glad that you are having such an amazing experience despite the weather. Just think - you'll be such a Rain Champion by the time you get to London! :-)
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