My Viennese Birthday

My Viennese Birthday          27/11/2011

I had begun my birthday at Downstairs munching on a schinken käse sandwich and a thoughtful phone call from Miriam at 1:00am (midnight Irish time).  We went on to have a wild night of karaoke before Alan, Sam and I made it back to Simmering.

Having managed snare a few hours of well deserved sleep we were to meet Kirsten in Café Prückel for brunch.   Having relished the medicinal properties of tea we set off in the direction of the café.

At the U3 stop we met Kirsten.  Typical of a Sunday morning the café was packed to capacity.  We lingered for a while waiting for an opening that we could perhaps wedge into.  We managed to capture a little round table.  I ordered a Wiener frühstuck.  We were, however, a little concerned.  We would have to find a means of expanding our space so that there would be sufficient room for other guests

We were in luck

A large table across the way was vacated and we quickly went about fortifying our position.  A short while later Jeanine floated across the floor chirpy and fully refreshed.  We responded with a tired ‘hello’.  The Kellner emerged a little confused and wandered around with our breakfast before we wagged him down directing him to our new location.

We chatted about events from the night before and then, Jeanine presented me with  marzipan kartoffeln.

There is nothing quite like it, the sweet, soft sustenance extracted from a marzipan kartoffel. 

We had our breakfast then huddled ourselves together and considered the various options open to us.  The lads were heading back to their respective abodes for a cat nap.  That left Kirsten, Jeanine and myself to wander the Viennese streets.

We said our goodbyes and leaving the lads at the U-bahn station we marched on around the Ring.  I think at this stage the time was 1300.

Either we had loitered a little too long or it was a poor reflection upon the breakfast we had eaten but we were already thinking of our next meal.  Jeanine had a craving for potatoes. 

We held on until we came across TGI Fridays.  Here, we decided we could go on no longer and entered the premises hoping to eat an adequate meal.

We did just that.

Afterwards we continued on our walk, chatting and pondering upon the mysteries of the universe. 

We decided to browse the Weihnachtsmarkt.

I bought some lebkuchen.

I kept an eye out for marzipan kartoffeln but it seems to me that the Viennese just aren’t that pushed on almond potatoes.  It is a shame really.

Jeanine was kind enough to buy me a candy cable.

I savoured the sweet sweet sugar.

The three of us walked around and pawed various items while we reminisced about our childhoods.

As the night crept upon us and the sunlight faded the temperature also dropped.  It was quite nippy out.  We found ourselves at another crossroad of possibility.  What do we do with ourselves now?

As it was my birthday I felt like a trip to the cinema.

Sadly, Kirsten felt she ought to prepare some school lesson plans.

Jeanine was torn.

On the one had she had plans to spend the evening at the gym, but on the other hand, I was sulking and moody, as I bopped on the footpath, asking someone to accompany me to the cinema.

In the end, Jeanine agreed to come along.

We walked Kirsten to the straßenbahn stop and we parted ways.

Then, there were two.

Jeanine and I walked to the Kino which was only a stone’s throw away from Museumsquartier.  We descended the steps and purchased our tickets.  The film we chose to see was ‘Anonymous’ because I was intrigued by its premise but also because Jeanine declined to watch ‘Tintin’ with me.

We were early so we sat on some seats and chatted for a while.

I found a gigantic box of used posters.

Being of a curious disposition I dipped into the two boxes.  We leafed through the various rolls searching for a decent poster or a decent film.  I was shocked to find that the cinema was giving away these posters free of charge!

After a brief perusal I soon understood why.

The posters were especially rubbish.

The best that I could find were a collection of ‘Puss in boots’ illustrations.

I determined the best of a bad lot rolled them up and took them with me but not before I tried to coax a few upon Jeanine.  She was not that way inclined.

We watched the movie, an interesting and clever little flick speculating on the true identity of William Shakespeare.

The film lasted about two hours so it was still reasonably early when we made our exit and braved the outside cold once more.  Finally, Jeanine had to accept her responsibilities and left for home to complete those dreaded lesson plans. 

I had Monday off.  I was feeling a little bit lonely and melancholic.  I felt it was a little too early to wander back to my flat alone and on my birthday.

Dietlinde had returned from her trip to Linz so I made my way to Schottentor for a final visit before I bid an end to this my 24^th birthday.

Dietlinde welcomed me with open arms.

We sat for a bit and chatted.

We drank tea.

We chatted some more.

I offered her some posters.

She declined (I myself thought the posters were amazing I have no idea how so many people could resist the charms of a furry hero clad in boots).

I checked my watch and resolved to call my mother.  I had not called home in over a week.  I understand that some people had not communicated with home in over a month but I was feeling a little sorry for myself.

I bid farewell to Dietlinde and we agreed that the gang ought to meet the day after.

I gathered up my rucksack and posters and walked to Herrengasse where I took the U3 back to Simmering.  I made another cup of tea (caffeine addiction?) and sat down to my laptop to call home.  It was after midnight but it was still November 27^th in Ireland.

My mother relayed to me birthday wishes from home and promised that birthday cards were on the way.

Thanksgiving and Birthday surprises

16 November - 27 November 2011

So, my birthday was coming up, and as I often do at this melancholic time of year, I complained about the bullish and determined march of time.
Another year had gone by and I pondered how far a soul may have stumbled.
My last birthday I had spent in Munich as my girlfriend had kindly booked us flights and accommodation to see (again) the beautiful Christmas markets.
It was amazing yet equally tearful because as wonderful as it was, and while we may have walked and dined in those familiar places plucked from our memories, it was still different.
Or rather I was different I was a few years older and I was keen to commemorate this by sulking and being generally grumpy.

This year in Vienna was no different!
Added to this annual trauma was the infamous American holiday of 'Thanksgiving' that was determined to steal my thunder complemented by the emergence of several silver hairs.

My girlfriend asked me what I was planning.
I did not know.
My friends asked what I was planning.
I did not know.
I was open to suggestions but at times I expressed feelings of general indifference to the approaching milestone.

Dietlinde had volunteered herself to host a Thanksgiving meal and safe in the knowledge that she never fails to produce a tasty and satisfying dish we jumped and down with glee, licked our lips, rubbed our bellies and gave her all manner of encouragement.
This was an opportunity not to be missed.
Dietlinde suggested Thanksgiving day itself for the meal which was Thursday 24 November.

Once at karaoke in Charlie P's I had asked a few friends for suggestions on what I could do to celebrate.
They listed off many bars and cafés.
I am not one for organising.
When I try to organise things fall apart quicker than a Vegas wedding.
After many years of trial and error and error I had resigned myself as a follower.
In the past I would sheeply suggest we, my friends and I, go out for drinks and if I was fortunate enough to have a birthday on a drinking day I found people to oblige.

I decided then, that I would organise a night out on Friday 25 November.
We agreed this to be a general social night for TAs and overall it seemed acceptable that something close to celebrations could be had.

However, just as things were looking up there was a postponement.  Dietlinde announced that she was moving Thanksgiving dinner to Friday.

I was none too pleased but being the gent I am (and modest too) I complied.
Thanksgiving was to be celebrated Friday night.

I moped about until Friday people asked what I had planned I simply murmured a response or typed a cryptic one.

On Friday afternoon I had a text conversation with Kirsten.
She too although belatedly had been invited to Thanksgiving dinner.
Dietlinde had suggested a time, I believe it was somewhere around 1830.
I think I left my flat at this time.
My bahn came late as I stood relegated to the sidelines once again I text an apology to Dietlinde-she didn't seem to mind.

When I finally reached Dietlinde's flat I rang the doorbell.  Erol, a fellow TA out in Wieselburg, was coming behind me.  He was chatting on his phone.
I waited for a response to the doorbell-there was none.
Erol had finished his conversation at this time an we exchanged greetings.
I rang the bell again.
This time Dietlinde answered and the lock was released, we breached the dark hallway and mounted the stairs.
The door to the flat was slightly ajar.

I walked in.
The corridor was empty.

Dietlinde and Jeanine leapt from hiding blowing party poppers and screaming,
'HAPPY BIRTHDAY!'

Slow to catch on I calmly replied,
'But it's not my birthday until Sunday.'

Slower still I received welcoming hugs from all guests already in attendance until it emerged, or rather until it was explained to me that Thanksgiving was a ruse.
This dinner was in fact my surprise birthday party.
Ain't that nice?
I never had one of those before and I found myself a little embarrassed.
I am indebted to my friends.

We dined high and after a delicious dinner and cake we moved on to Café Rosa. 

At the café we were greeted with chorus of cheers as a large congregation of TAs had assembled.  Vic kindly presented me with a 'desperados' t-shirt and a teabag. 

We chatted, had a few drinks and hugs before we decided to move on.  The café was closing at midnight.
We decided on Club Berlin.
And that is where our night ended in the small hours.

Saturday 26 November

Erol and I went for a walk around the Rathaus Weihnachtsmarkt, picking through items and dropping them back.  The sellers watch with eager anticipation keen to help to flog their produce.
We paused handling the items teasing the sellers before sighing and moving on.

Erol who had made plans for Krampus leaves me and we parted ways. 

I return to my flat a little tired. 
Dietlinde has gone to Linz but Jeanine agrees to meet up later.  Kirsten, who partied till the point of exhaustion, preferred a quiet day of rest.

Jeanine and I agreed to meet for lunch/dinner.  Schnitzel was on the cards and I do like Schnitzel.
With much ado I finally rendezvous with Jeanine and a friend.

Alan and a pal of his Sam meet us at the busy Schnitzelwirt.
We had already been told way our dish would be by the Kellner (i.e. Schnitzel und Kartoffelnsalat), not that I was complaining it was indeed a tasty dish.

Alan managed to resist the many advances and charms of the rugged rogue waiter despite his encouraging words and affirmative shoulder pats.

While we were told what our dinner would be the lads could not get the attention of the Kellner.  In the end they gave up cracking open cans of red bull knock-off.  No one battered an eyelid.

We hung out for the day.

We bought some krapfen.

Jeanine wanted to go to the pictures to see the newTwilight movie.  None of us gents felt we deserved to endure this gruelling punishment we backed off but agreed to meet later.
We did not.

I accompanied the lads to Wien Mitte and we wandered back to Simmering where they deposited their luggage.

We had tea as is the custom, browsed the net and shared jokes.  Alan introduced us to his cousin's blog and the many adventures they undertook all weird, whacky and wonderful.

We left to meet Jeanine.
On the bahn I received a text from Jeanine.  She was sorry to say that Twilight had drained her emotionally and physically and that she would be unable to commit to aforementioned and agreed plans.  We were all a little upset about this and we spammed her for a bit.  But only for a little while.

We were off in search of friends amd destination our numbers were thinning but we were determined.
We met with others at Downstairs cocktail bar.

After dishing out some minor insults we drank some, the birthday girl left at 0100 for the get together was hers, we stayed on.  Chatted some more and ate some more until Alan decided he had a craving for karaoke.

He whipped out his phone and after much searching amd backtracking we find the establishment Sing your song.  It was choco-block.  Also, alarmingly it looked as if a hen party had infiltrated the premises.

Alan and Sam sang several German and Austrian songs much to the pub's amusement.  Sadly the duet Alan and I performed of unbreak my heart received a damning boo hiss.

We left a second night of celebrations under the belt and slept soundly. 

Kirsten had arranged birthday/Sunday brunch at Café Prückel.

Leopoldfest and Klosterneuberg

Klosterneuberg 15 Nov. 2011

The famed festival of Leopold is celebrated in Vienna and some of the surrounding areas on November 15^th.  Who is Leopold you might ask?  Well, he is a man commemorated at a time of harvest, and grants the good people of Vienna a holiday but it seems he was not a clergyman but perhaps a reverent man nonetheless.

I had heard a little about this strange holiday.

There was an abundance of stories, tall tales and lies as to what was to take place.  Rumours floated around as to the local and traditional habits.

Some of my colleagues painted fantastical images of barrel rolling and similar shenanigans.  

We agreed to check out the scene and ascertain what exactly this festival involved, as we had a day off school anyway we might as well make use of our free time.

On Monday November 14th there was a small get together at Charlie P’s and some fantastic covers delivered by those hidden stars within our TA group (making use of our free time).

The morning after, I felt a little sluggish but after a bowl of porridge and a mug of tea I was feeling a little better and eager for our midday trip out to Klosterneuberg where we anticipated a day of madness and laughter.  In my mind,  although  I kept my private thoughts to myself, I imagined us stepping off the train and dodging gigantic wooden barrels that thundered down the hill and crashed into unsuspecting mopers disembarking the train.  It would be horrific.  I fretted tripping over the unconscious bodies of those who had arrived earlier equally oblivious to the assault that awaited them.

But at the risk of being ridiculed I said nothing and kept my worries to myself.

We made our way to Franz Josef Bahnhof and purchased our tickets.  While we waited for Jeanine, we bumped into fellow TA, Beau.  Beau had also heard rumours and sought confirmation and closure for his own records.

After a short trip through the countryside we arrived at our destination.  We had been reliably informed to simply ‘follow the crowds’.  There was a thick and obscure fog that morning.  I felt it added to the atmosphere.

We felt around for a bit.  There was quite the carnival ambience, with stalls of games as well as sweet foods and fast food and of course, punsch and gluehwein.  We circumnavigated the carnival, flicking through the stalls, pausing to sample some cheese and other items and checking items of clothing.  I bought some braces.

Beau tried his hand at the claw machine and won Jeanine a beautiful little teddy.  To be fair he should have won several more but he was robbed.  That man has some skills, if ever there was someone who had to have their finger on the button, Beau is your man.

I bought a marzipan spud.  It was a strange little cake that had chocolate, cream and marzipan.  Not what I had come to imagine these confectionary treats to be but it was nice, still tasted good.

Jeanine persuaded me to go on one of the rides and as it looked like we had almost our fill for the day I gave in.

I had not been to a carnival or amusement park in years not since Oktoberfest in 2008.

At Oktoberfest, I braved the Frisbee.  This was exciting for all of 20 seconds.  Then, I had my fill of park rides.

Until now, and they say chivalry is dead.

Jeanine and I ventured over to the ticket seller.  Dietlinde and Beau took a step back offering smiles of encouragement while they readied their cameras.

It cost €3 for a ticket.

We stepped up and boarded the ride. 

We sat down on the Big Wave ride.

There was no turning back.

I felt my pulse quicken.

I watched as other adrenaline junkies stepped up to the mark.

Most of them were kids, I felt my heart quiver in fear for them.

The bars came down and slowly the ride began to build momentum.

The first few circles were bearable but as the speed increased I felt my stomach tear from my abdomen.

My rear lifted from the seat and I was sure, in those milliseconds I was certain I would meet my end.

There were times, I heard Jeanine speak but it was a distant whisper compared to the clatter in my head.

It felt as though the ride last 10 minutes.  It felt more but I would have to make a conservative estimate of 10 minutes.

After 30 seconds I wanted off.

When it slowed to a halt I was relieved that neither I nor any of the other riders had died.  My heart skipped a beat.

I struggled to my feet and limped over to the gang a brave look upon my face.

The camera, I was sure, would have captured every second of my ordeal and there on digital file would be the many anguished faces I displayed.

As luck would have it they were all blurred.

After that the gang bought some wurst and we were on our way.

Well, after some quizzical wandering and a few inquiries we found the infamous barrel rolling.  However, after some queuing, nature calls and loitering we agreed (on principle) that none of us were to part with the cost to participate.

We waited for the train but agreed to meet later for dinner.

Our adventure had provided answers to questions previously posed but I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that my nightmarish idea of Leopoldfest was nothing of the sort.  Still, it was a fun day and I had my braces.

The next day it was business as usual.

A weekend outside Vienna

Vienna Weekend 11-13 November 2011

Friday and the start of another weekend   11/11/11

It was Friday we had discussed what we might do for the weekend but we were still uncertain.  One of the TAs was to celebrate her birthday.  She had sent out a Facebook invitation, setting a date, time and location for a little get together and meal at Deewan. 

Deewan is a sort of Indian buffet where you eat as much as you can and pay as much as you wish.  A glutton’s paradise.

It was fantastic.

As some of the Christmas markets had opened we moved on to Museumsquartier to sample some punsch.

An Irish bar in the third district, O’Connor’s Old Oak Pub was to have a sort of unofficial opening that very night.  A few Irish friends of mine had already announced their intentions to be there.  I suggested that I lead the troupe of partygoers to this low-key opening. 

Unsure of where exactly we were to go I led everyone the only way I knew-which in retrospect might be what some would politely call the ‘scenic route’ and others ‘lost’.

It was suggested to us that we take the U3 to Schlachtausgasse but I was unsure how to reach the pub from there.

I pass an Irish bar everyday to school.  As this bar is in Rennweg I hazarded a guess that they were one and the same.  However, my fellow countrymen confused me with misinformation.  Good intentions led us on a path to hell.  Well, not hell but a hellishly embarrassing ordeal. 

I led the mass of impatient celebrants.

Eventually, whilst chatting to members of the group and my lieutenant, Kirsten, I realised we could have gotten off at Zippererstraße.  We had gone too far.

On realising my error I led the exodus at Enkplatz (a mere stop from the end of the line at Simmering) but then again only a stop too far.

We, Kirsten and I led the pilgrimage to the straßenbahn stop.  It was cold.  I am pretty sure it was freezing and I tightened the scarf around my neck and adjusted my gloves but we soon learned that the next tram was not to come for another 20 minutes.

This was met with a unanimous disapproval and a chorus of groans from the congregation of TAs.  We retraced our steps and after a few phone calls we finally reached our destination. 

This was the pub I pass everyday on the 71 tram.

The interior of the pub was beautifully wooden.  On opening the door we were met with a warm blast of air from the magnificent open fire.

With fellow TAs and friends, Dietlinde and Jeanine (via phone), we discussed the prospect of a day trip to Bratislava.  In the end, we agreed on Krems. 

The next item on the agenda was how to make this trip.  We discussed various scenarios and means of acquiring the illusive vorteilskarte.  We agreed to meet at Franz Josef Bahnhof.

We all had a drink, at least one before the most of the TA party dispersed.

Some planned to reconvene at café G-punkt but I like the others slipped away and took the U3 home.  It was a relatively early night 00:30 but I was embarking on an adventure to Krems that very morning.

Krems              12/11/2011

I rolled out of bed and prepared a meagre breakfast.

At the station chaos ensued.  There was a rush as we dashed to the photo booth.  There was a minute window of opportunity, where we could if we hurried, wrestle with the bureaucratic bump that was the vorteilskarte (I have yet to receive mine).

After much panic the ticket seller urged us to run on for the train (I was too slow for him, I don’t rush well.  I pulled the cash out of my wallet in a haphazard manner, panicked as I misread the application form, stumbled, stuttered, coughed and carried out every other stalling bodily compulsion and paroxysm you can imagine before the exasperated ticket man dismissed me with a half-hearted wave.  We were free.  Two vorteilskarte, those now in possession of Dietlinde and Jeanine were sufficient for our group ticket.

We boarded the train and soon we were off towards our destination. 

Dietlinde had kindly made me a peanut butter and banana sandwich.  I munched on this as we discussed my failed venture to acquire the coveted vorteilskarte.

In Krems we met Dietnlinde’s friend, Christa, who was studying at the Uni there (Krems is a university town much like Maynooth).  We dropped our luggage at Christa’s apartment and we met two of her friends just surfacing (they had shared Christa’s room the night before), Lukas and Frances.  We shook hands then ventured off in search of brunch or any kind of sustenance.

We found it in a shopping centre café (after Jeanine and I bought some Dickmann’s that I awkwardly lugged throughout the town that day).

We had brunch and then embarked on a wonderful tour of Krems as Christa divulged the hidden histories of the town.

On th is tour we visited several campus and sampled some local glühwein by a beautiful wooden fire.

Then, we moved on to the town and stopped by a few stalls.  We chatted along the way learning a great deal about each other.

All this walking was tough work and steadily we built up a ravenous appetite.

We went to a heurigen-a new experience for me.  A heurigen is a wonderful little establishment that sources its own food and drink.

We discussed some life issues here and exchanged many pearls (or perils) of wisdom some or all of which were promptly forgotten but all were agreed the food, drink and chatter were amazing.

Afterwards, we walked back to Christa’s flat.  We took the pretty scenic route (but did not get lost!).  We reminisced, telling tales of our youth before we reached the flat.  It was only 9 o’clock but it felt considerably later.  That walking tour was perhaps a little taxing…

We sampled a variety of tea, chai tea among others, dipping into the assortment of boxes upon the table.  We chat a while and got to work on the remaining dichmann’s (those delicious little marshmallow filled choco wonders).

One by one we all drifted off to our improvised sleeping quarters.

13/11/11

The next morning we went for brunch.

I had an omelette.

We walked idly through the streets once more.

Finally, we collected our bits and pieces and made our way to the bahnhof.

We said our goodbyes.

Our train came first.

Jeanine, Dietlinde and I reflected upon the events of the weekend.

I got a text from Jon who suggested we meet for lunch or dinner.

We went to Flanagans (more food) and I ordered a cottage pie.

The girls joined us for a time before leaving for home and lesson plans.

I lounge with Jon while we kill time before heading towards the Christmas market, Altes AKH.

I linger for a while before giving up and going home, carrying on my back my gigantic red camping bag.

It had been quite the weekend and for once we had only spent on night in an Irish bar.