Just after eleven I thought to myself "Du lieber Himmel! Wenn ich nicht bekommen, da draußen und etwas tun, muss ich nichts zu schreiben!" (Bonus points to the translators, but I'm not doing it!) So I looked at a map and decided to stroll the Graben and perhaps make my way over to Karlsplatz to look at Karlskirche. I'm glad I did. By the time I got to the Graben . . . . Have I explained what the Graben is? I don't remember! Well, Graben literally means trench and it refers to where and ancient Roman canal used to be. Now the Graben is one of the busiest and most touristy places in the old city. It also intersects with Stephansdom which is where St. Stephen's cathedral is. I strolled there for a while looking at all the "reel 'em in and rip 'em off" shops, watched a few street entertainers and around noon I decided it was time for lunch.
I know several of you have been more interested in my dining habits than anything else, and do I have a treat for you today! I went to a place that is internationally known for it's cuisine. I was surprised that it was only moderately priced. I actually discussed eating at this particular restaurant with a few of the students prior to going, but I just wasn't sure I could afford it. Feeling a little homesick may have prompted me since this place is well known for its American and French cooking.
Scroll down for the surprise!
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ /
\/
The names were different, but the product was the same!
Following lunch I hopped on the subway for the short trip to Karlsplatz. In Karlsplatz stands Karlskirche. You can find out all about Karlskirche and take a virtual tour of your own here. A few years ago during a restoration scaffolding was installed for the workers to have access to the ceiling. They began selling admission to the scaffolding! The most interesting and scariest part was climbing the scaffolding up into the dome and getting a close up look at the frescos. They are beautiful at a distance but when you are right up on top of them they take on an entirely different feeling. You get a new respect for the artist, not to mention how scary it would have been to climb on less secure scaffolding day after day and paint the original. This was definitively a once in a lifetime experience because I'm not going back up there again! The scaffolding wiggled with every step anyone took.
The funny part was this sign that translates to "Running and Jumping can cost you your life! Screaming is uncool!" It is posted on the base platform 2/3's of the way up the dome. If you look at the picture above, you can see the arched windows in the cupola. That's where the scaffolding stops. You might also want to take a closer look at the people next to the church so you can get an idea of how high up that really is!
Next door to the church is Karlskirche Polytechnical Institute where Johann and his brother Josef Strauss both attended. I spent quite a bit of time wandering through the church and as usual you can find the photo album here.
It seemed like it was time to head back to the hotel because I have some homework due for class tomorrow. So that's what I did, and as soon as I finish this blog I'm going to write my essay. I can't believe after all these years I have to write an essay. If it turns out well, I'll post it. The prompt is "Consider the libretto versus the score for The Abduction from the Seraglio and argue which character is the most important based on only one of those sources." If any of you feel like taking a stab at it, feel free! If it's a good effort I'll turn it into the institute director!
No comments:
Post a Comment