Austrian Adventures: Sights of Vienna

Vienna is such a beautiful city, and I am so fortunate to be living in the middle of such a culturally enriched city. Every day I see people of different shapes and sizes clothes from rags to shoes studded with diamonds. Coming from such a small town with so little diversity, simple people watching in Vienna has been a total experience for me. My ears take in so many different languages and my eyes interpret all the culture around me. My mind fills with thoughts and new inspirations for dance, music, art and writing. I know this city is going to rub off on me, and I am so excited about it!

I still am amazed every time I leave the house, and look up. Literally every building (and there’s a lot of them!) tells a story. It is weird to lean against a wall, and suddenly realize it is older than your country. I often wonder how many people have leaned on that exact same wall. Were they simply tourists? Or a homeless man struggling to survive the winter night? Or perhaps one of history’s greatest thinkers leaned against this very same wall to do some philosophical thinking. Almost every building gets tens times cooler when you look up. The roofs are usually decorated with statues, or designs that are incredibly detailed and intricate. It literally makes my head hurt thinking about how much work must have been put into just one building. And every single building has something special about it! This city is literally overflowing with art.

I have a soft spot for the street musicians in Vienna. Most likely just because I am a musician myself. But I find it incredibly brave to stand in such a crowded street and fill the air with music. Typically though, these people don’t have any other choice. Most play in hopes of receiving loose change from passersby. My host mom told me I shouldn’t stare at them too long or give any money, because they could be used as a distraction while someone else tries to pick pocket me. But I just can’t help it. I usually dish out 20 cents to every street musician I see. And I stop to listen. I clutch my bag tight, and I let my ears soak up all the notes. I think as a musician, it is important to listen and learn from others. Even if that means learning from the mistakes of this man on the street who can barely carry a tune. And I think it shows a sign of respect, and grace. I like to let the musician know there is at least one person out there on the chaotic streets who cares.

Anyway, I thought I would share a few sights of Vienna and its outstanding architecture! For my one month mark in Austria, my host family took me out to a restaurant on a rooftop and some of these shots are from the breathtaking birds eye view! I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful family who cares for me like I’m their own daughter. I truly feel blessed!