A classical Viennese concert in Schloss Schonbrunne (Schonbrunne Palace) is fit for the Empress. In this room, the Palace Ensemble performs, consisting of 5 musicians ((piano, violins and flute), 2 opera singers and 2 ballet dancers. 
Mozart and Strauss’s pieces were played, including their symphonies and operas. I have to agree that Italian is the most beautiful opera language because those sung in German were just, how should I say it…. a little less than perfect. No wonder Mozart insisted on producing his operas in Italian (though himself German speaking), as he thought they were superior.
While Mozart’s compositions are majestic and grand, Strauss’s waltzes, I thought, are absolutely romantic.
“If music be the food of love, play on.”
When Shakespeare wrote this opening line for “Twelfth Night”, I wonder if he had heard Johann Strauss (of course you know this is impossible, Shakespeare lived in the 16th century, long before Strauss). As the ensemble played, it felt like being in love, like little flowers blossom in spring and birds chirping in the morning sunlight…. Life is beautiful, when you waltz.
I am no big fan of classical music but it was a great evening. Sitting inside a palace built in the 17th century, listening to music from great composers from almost 200 years ago, it has all the right elements for an evening worth remembering.
Vienna is all about palaces and music, exactly the way I have seen from TV.
Next pit-stop, Danube lake!
Friday, 7 March 2008
Vienna Day 4: Classical Concert in Palace
Thursday, 6 March 2008
Vienna Day 3 : Nothing but work
I like to show you my hotel rooms, so that you know if I have been treated like a queen or is putting up at some shabby quarters. These days, hotels have many creative themes, just like the one I am staying in Vienna… Roomz Hotel.
The rooms have different colour scheme; brown, pink, blue and of course green (colour of summer, just right for me).
Everything is green… door, curtains, bed headboard, toilet shelves.
See, my personalised TV screen!
This is supposed to be a budget hotel. No mini-bar, no kettle or cup. And no door to the bathroom! It is so cold to take a shower at night; ok I am exaggerating, but I’d rather they kept the door.
Tomorrow is the last day of my training. I am the youngest participant in this meeting and the least attentive one. Haha, my mind has been roaming the streets of Stephanplatz). Anyway, I will be going to Danau River on Friday and maybe a Mozart & Strauss concert in the evening. Yippee!
The rooms have different colour scheme; brown, pink, blue and of course green (colour of summer, just right for me).
Everything is green… door, curtains, bed headboard, toilet shelves.
See, my personalised TV screen!
This is supposed to be a budget hotel. No mini-bar, no kettle or cup. And no door to the bathroom! It is so cold to take a shower at night; ok I am exaggerating, but I’d rather they kept the door.
Tomorrow is the last day of my training. I am the youngest participant in this meeting and the least attentive one. Haha, my mind has been roaming the streets of Stephanplatz). Anyway, I will be going to Danau River on Friday and maybe a Mozart & Strauss concert in the evening. Yippee!
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Vienna Day 1-2: I'm not kidding, Vienna is pretty
I’ve decided not to blog diligently on daily basis because the comments are so few despite I've travelled so far. You are not easily impressed is it? Should I wake Mozart up from his grave?
Just kidding, the internet charge in my hotel is too expensive (Euros 3 per hour, that's crazy!) so I have to scrimp and save a bit.
Today is a total transformation for me, from a holiday maker to a business traveler. My tired legs can finally get some rest. Honestly, making my “8 hours shift” in Salzburg was so much tougher than a day in office here in Vienna.
Giving up the walking shoes for heels. I shall be a lady for 3 days.
I said a few days ago that I thought I was going to like Vienna because of its similarity with home. However, I have to say it differently now as it is not the “modern metropolitan” atmosphere that appeals to me; it is the churches and palaces that won me over. Although I have spent only 1 afternoon sightseeing so far, those amazing historical buildings I saw are enough to convince me how beautiful the city is. When I was at St Stephan, I lost all ability to reason… how can I explain to you this magnificent sight? The church which stood there since the 12th century, where Mozart’s wedding and funeral were held, which also survived the Nazis during WWII.
And finally, some decent weather... look at the beautiful blue skies; I have missed them for days.
I wish I was not traveling with a “photographer” of unknown statues and old buildings that afternoon… if you know what I mean. 走马看花 is not my style. What happened to history?
Anyway, I am thinking of creating a pseudo identity for myself, to patronise those strangers I met when I travel. "Where are you from?", Africa. "What do you do for a living?", Painter. "How are you today?", Sorry I don't speak English... haha I'm losing my mind. What am I saying here?
I will discontinue with recounting my daily mishaps because I realized they are nothing compared to what my other 2 colleagues have suffered over the last 2 days. Both lost their luggages on the way (they came separately) because their connecting flights to Vienna were delayed. One was stuck in Paris for a night and as a result was late for the meeting this morning. The airline managed to retrieve and delivered the luggage to one of them, but for the other, his bag is still stranded in Paris as of now. No change of clothes, no toothbrush, no nothing…. sad, sad, sad.
Moral of the story, never take for granted our national airline which is mostly (if not always) on time and reliable. Star alliance rules!
In place of the daily mishaps, may I introduce....
勇闯天涯笑哈哈...
Joke #1: I received a phone call from Paris yesterday night: “… can you tell me how much I need to tip the waiter?”
Just kidding, the internet charge in my hotel is too expensive (Euros 3 per hour, that's crazy!) so I have to scrimp and save a bit.
Today is a total transformation for me, from a holiday maker to a business traveler. My tired legs can finally get some rest. Honestly, making my “8 hours shift” in Salzburg was so much tougher than a day in office here in Vienna.
Giving up the walking shoes for heels. I shall be a lady for 3 days.
I said a few days ago that I thought I was going to like Vienna because of its similarity with home. However, I have to say it differently now as it is not the “modern metropolitan” atmosphere that appeals to me; it is the churches and palaces that won me over. Although I have spent only 1 afternoon sightseeing so far, those amazing historical buildings I saw are enough to convince me how beautiful the city is. When I was at St Stephan, I lost all ability to reason… how can I explain to you this magnificent sight? The church which stood there since the 12th century, where Mozart’s wedding and funeral were held, which also survived the Nazis during WWII.
And finally, some decent weather... look at the beautiful blue skies; I have missed them for days.
I wish I was not traveling with a “photographer” of unknown statues and old buildings that afternoon… if you know what I mean. 走马看花 is not my style. What happened to history?
Anyway, I am thinking of creating a pseudo identity for myself, to patronise those strangers I met when I travel. "Where are you from?", Africa. "What do you do for a living?", Painter. "How are you today?", Sorry I don't speak English... haha I'm losing my mind. What am I saying here?
I will discontinue with recounting my daily mishaps because I realized they are nothing compared to what my other 2 colleagues have suffered over the last 2 days. Both lost their luggages on the way (they came separately) because their connecting flights to Vienna were delayed. One was stuck in Paris for a night and as a result was late for the meeting this morning. The airline managed to retrieve and delivered the luggage to one of them, but for the other, his bag is still stranded in Paris as of now. No change of clothes, no toothbrush, no nothing…. sad, sad, sad.
Moral of the story, never take for granted our national airline which is mostly (if not always) on time and reliable. Star alliance rules!
In place of the daily mishaps, may I introduce....
勇闯天涯笑哈哈...
Joke #1: I received a phone call from Paris yesterday night: “… can you tell me how much I need to tip the waiter?”
Monday, 3 March 2008
Day 4 Salzburg ---> Vienna
I am leaving for Vienna in 2 hours, returning to a "real" world... where there are friends, colleagues and a job to do. Not that I don't like the company of people or to be gainfully employed, but the lonely footsteps and the silent breath have their unique charms; quite addictive at times. Spending a weekend alone in Salzburg and indulge in solitude, that was a great thing to do.
I haven't shown you where I put up for the last 3 days. Hotel Weisse Taube (Hotel White Dove) located in the old town. This was a resident house in the 14th century and restored into a hotel. The location is great, it is near everywhere... museum, cathedral, churches, shopping street and of course the Fortress which is so near but far.
My dove nest. Small but cosy and with a private bathroom.
Daily breakfast included in the price of room. I stuffed myself nuts with breakfast so that I can skip lunch. Save time and money.
I struggled with my luggage today. Although I was very lean on shopping, I probably have still bought one thing too many to fit into my suitcase (which was already stuffed full when I came). But the Mozart Kugel, (I hate them because of the Marzipan inside), the authentic version from the original confectionery, how can I not bring them home for you?
I haven't shown you where I put up for the last 3 days. Hotel Weisse Taube (Hotel White Dove) located in the old town. This was a resident house in the 14th century and restored into a hotel. The location is great, it is near everywhere... museum, cathedral, churches, shopping street and of course the Fortress which is so near but far.
My dove nest. Small but cosy and with a private bathroom.
Daily breakfast included in the price of room. I stuffed myself nuts with breakfast so that I can skip lunch. Save time and money.
I struggled with my luggage today. Although I was very lean on shopping, I probably have still bought one thing too many to fit into my suitcase (which was already stuffed full when I came). But the Mozart Kugel, (I hate them because of the Marzipan inside), the authentic version from the original confectionery, how can I not bring them home for you?
Sunday, 2 March 2008
Salzburg Day 3 - The weather forbids
I’ve learnt that the bad weather I experienced in Salzburg these couple of days is also affecting the other European city, particularly Germany (in Munich and Frankfurt). And I was told that a tour bus carrying Japanese tourists over turned on its way to the airport in Munich.
I was full of anticipation this morning as I thought I was finally going up Fortress Hohensalzburg. This was where I wanted to go before I even arrived in Salzburg. But as I reached the funicular station (for a ride up to the Fortress), I saw a notice saying that the funicular service was suspended due to the weather conditions. Even the footpath to walk up to the fortress was blocked.
This is really one of those things that can dampen my spirits in a trip. Over dressed and under fed, I was walking silly around Residenz Platz, wondering how I should kill my time for the rest of the day.
But museum hopping can be fun too. Salzburg Museum, Modern Art Museum, Wax Museum and the Festival Hall were some of those places I went today.
(1) Salzburg Museum
Has a collection of paintings of Salzburg city and important people in history. Good stuff, really fascinating. It has also a section with old photographs of Salzburg, which has inspired me on the theme of my next photo album.
Nice painting
(2) Festspielhaus (Festival Hall Complex)
The Festpielhaus will come alive during the Salzburg festival in summer (July). It has 3 theatres, with the oldest one dated back to the 17th century.
.JPG)
The newest addition, the House for Mozart, opened only in 2006, in conjunction with the 250 years anniversary of Mr Mozart. The acoustic in there is great. The walls are made of special plaster-marble mix that will not allow a decibel of sound to escape. So are the wood used for the benches. Specially built for best enjoyment of Mozart’s operas.
The Great Festival Hall opens in 1960. Look how it was built, leaning against the mountain rock (the "wall" right at the end is actually on the rock of Monchsberg mountain).
The Felsenreitschule is an open air theatre (with a retractable roof) built in the 17th century. It is completely deserted now and the stage is covered with white plastic to protect it from the rain (tour guide says it rains more than London here in Salzburg)
For this year’s opening of the Salzburg Festival, Romeo and Julia will be playing in this theatre. Wow!
(3) Café Tomaselli
When the Turks invaded Austria in the 18th century, they introduced coffee beans to this country. It was the best thing that came out of the invasion, as I was told.
Café Tomaselli opens in 1705 and is run by the Tomaselli family ever since. As I was enjoying my coffee and cake, an elderly man with German accent asked if he could share the table with me. Of course, I said, though I was wondering when the table sharing culture in hawker centre has been introduced to Europe.
It was awkward in the beginning as my eyes met the stranger’s uncomfortably. I started out clumsily with a casual conversation, asking if this is a popular café in Salzburg (of course it is, I read it from the guidebook haha!) Indeed, operating for over 300 years, the Tomaselli family must have been doing something very right.
It turned out that this old gentleman from Germany was a wonderful company for the afternoon. Strangely, we have a few things in common. He works in a Swiss bank doing finance (so am I though not in a bank), love travelling on trains (needless to say, trains are my favourites… Trans Siberia, Lhasa Express are some of my track records) and been to Singapore once but just at the airport (I have been to Germany once, but just at Frankfurt airport). Is this coincidence or fate?
We hit it off really well and I got carried away talking about my Trans Siberia trip. The old gentleman mentioned that this was “in his radar”. I certainly hope he can fulfill his wish soon…. how about this summer?
He ended up buying me the coffee. Oh how can I refuse? And thanks to him, I was introduced to Mrs Tomaselli and shake hands with her!
Mélange (coffee with whipped cream) and Mozart Torte (this is Salzburg as I was told by the waitress).
(4) Mozart Platz
It was 6pm again. I sat on a bench in Mozart Platz, over looking the statue of the great composer and listening to the symphony of church bells.
Today is my final day in Salzburg. Although it has only been a short 3 day stay, I felt like I have travelled in a time machine and was taken to 300 years ago and then back. Salzburg city is full of old town charm. It is so easy to spot something that is more than a century old. Just look up at any building, it can easily be one built in, say 1553. Not surprising since the old town existed since A.D.700 and the “new town” since A.D.1200.
Mozart left a legacy to the world, probably far greater than he could ever imagined. What would he have done differently if he knew he was composing for eternity?
Tomorrow, I will move on to another city, just like the journey of my life will continue as I search for its true meaning.
Next stop, Vienna!
* * Mishap #4 – Fortress Hohensalzburg closed
Can it be worse? So near yet so far.
Maybe this is a way to give myself an excuse to come back here some day. Attending an opera during the Salzburg Festival is a dream of mine for the longest time but, I have not been able to do it this time. Yet I am mindful about making promises to return because it usually does not happen. And when all these are over, the wonderful Salzburg experiences will become pages of memories, be read and re-read then tucked away into a corner of a bookshelf. So what is there left to regret?
.JPG)
I was full of anticipation this morning as I thought I was finally going up Fortress Hohensalzburg. This was where I wanted to go before I even arrived in Salzburg. But as I reached the funicular station (for a ride up to the Fortress), I saw a notice saying that the funicular service was suspended due to the weather conditions. Even the footpath to walk up to the fortress was blocked.
This is really one of those things that can dampen my spirits in a trip. Over dressed and under fed, I was walking silly around Residenz Platz, wondering how I should kill my time for the rest of the day.
But museum hopping can be fun too. Salzburg Museum, Modern Art Museum, Wax Museum and the Festival Hall were some of those places I went today.
(1) Salzburg Museum
Has a collection of paintings of Salzburg city and important people in history. Good stuff, really fascinating. It has also a section with old photographs of Salzburg, which has inspired me on the theme of my next photo album.
Nice painting
(2) Festspielhaus (Festival Hall Complex)
The Festpielhaus will come alive during the Salzburg festival in summer (July). It has 3 theatres, with the oldest one dated back to the 17th century.
.JPG)
The newest addition, the House for Mozart, opened only in 2006, in conjunction with the 250 years anniversary of Mr Mozart. The acoustic in there is great. The walls are made of special plaster-marble mix that will not allow a decibel of sound to escape. So are the wood used for the benches. Specially built for best enjoyment of Mozart’s operas.
The Great Festival Hall opens in 1960. Look how it was built, leaning against the mountain rock (the "wall" right at the end is actually on the rock of Monchsberg mountain).
The Felsenreitschule is an open air theatre (with a retractable roof) built in the 17th century. It is completely deserted now and the stage is covered with white plastic to protect it from the rain (tour guide says it rains more than London here in Salzburg)
For this year’s opening of the Salzburg Festival, Romeo and Julia will be playing in this theatre. Wow!
(3) Café Tomaselli
When the Turks invaded Austria in the 18th century, they introduced coffee beans to this country. It was the best thing that came out of the invasion, as I was told.
Café Tomaselli opens in 1705 and is run by the Tomaselli family ever since. As I was enjoying my coffee and cake, an elderly man with German accent asked if he could share the table with me. Of course, I said, though I was wondering when the table sharing culture in hawker centre has been introduced to Europe.
It was awkward in the beginning as my eyes met the stranger’s uncomfortably. I started out clumsily with a casual conversation, asking if this is a popular café in Salzburg (of course it is, I read it from the guidebook haha!) Indeed, operating for over 300 years, the Tomaselli family must have been doing something very right.
It turned out that this old gentleman from Germany was a wonderful company for the afternoon. Strangely, we have a few things in common. He works in a Swiss bank doing finance (so am I though not in a bank), love travelling on trains (needless to say, trains are my favourites… Trans Siberia, Lhasa Express are some of my track records) and been to Singapore once but just at the airport (I have been to Germany once, but just at Frankfurt airport). Is this coincidence or fate?
We hit it off really well and I got carried away talking about my Trans Siberia trip. The old gentleman mentioned that this was “in his radar”. I certainly hope he can fulfill his wish soon…. how about this summer?
He ended up buying me the coffee. Oh how can I refuse? And thanks to him, I was introduced to Mrs Tomaselli and shake hands with her!
Mélange (coffee with whipped cream) and Mozart Torte (this is Salzburg as I was told by the waitress).
(4) Mozart Platz
It was 6pm again. I sat on a bench in Mozart Platz, over looking the statue of the great composer and listening to the symphony of church bells.
Today is my final day in Salzburg. Although it has only been a short 3 day stay, I felt like I have travelled in a time machine and was taken to 300 years ago and then back. Salzburg city is full of old town charm. It is so easy to spot something that is more than a century old. Just look up at any building, it can easily be one built in, say 1553. Not surprising since the old town existed since A.D.700 and the “new town” since A.D.1200.
Mozart left a legacy to the world, probably far greater than he could ever imagined. What would he have done differently if he knew he was composing for eternity?
Tomorrow, I will move on to another city, just like the journey of my life will continue as I search for its true meaning.
Next stop, Vienna!
* * Mishap #4 – Fortress Hohensalzburg closed
Can it be worse? So near yet so far.
Maybe this is a way to give myself an excuse to come back here some day. Attending an opera during the Salzburg Festival is a dream of mine for the longest time but, I have not been able to do it this time. Yet I am mindful about making promises to return because it usually does not happen. And when all these are over, the wonderful Salzburg experiences will become pages of memories, be read and re-read then tucked away into a corner of a bookshelf. So what is there left to regret?
.JPG)
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