Saturday, January 12, 2008

Kultur und Kaffee

One of the girls in our German course is in Vienna to receive training as an opera singer. An opera singer! Isn't that crazy impressive? She invited the class to a concert organized by her singing instructor. It was amazing. I've heard a lot of singing in my life. Just yesterday morning on our walk to the u-bahn I heard Brian's rendition of an R Kelly song. But I've never heard anything like this.

Several other classmates were also at the concert. Afterwards, Brian and I joined two of the other students for coffee -- at Starbucks. Here we are in a city known for their cafes and we end up at Starbucks. But that was okay with me. Starbucks is the probably the only place where you can get your coffee without second-hand smoke. Probably the most impressive part of the whole thing is that we spoke German most of the night. The girl we were with speaks English and prefers English over German. But the guy either doesn't speak English or prefers German -- I'm not sure which one. But either way, it was nice to speak to someone whose first language is neither English nor German. You both get to struggle a little. Although, there was definitely more struggling on our side of the table.

Music and coffee -- that's what this city is all about.

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In other news, if you haven't checked out Sharkdog's blog in a while, I recommend moseying on over there and taking a look at the first installment of Sharkdog Adventures. (Click on the photos to view a larger image.) And don't be afraid to leave a comment. Sharkdog thrives on positive affirmation.

4 comments:

suzspeaks said...

Sounds like a wonderful outing!!!

Unknown said...

I would tease you about going to Starbucks in Vienna, but then I'd have to admit to all the times I went to McDonalds (which I don't even like) while I was there. I don't need to get into that kind of pot-kettle situation.

thegermanygirl said...

Opera training is why my dad spent most of 1979 in Gratz with the American Institute of Music. I don't even know if that still exists. But it's neat to know that people are still going to Austria for musial training! :o)

Alisha said...

Suzanne - That's probably the most we've been out since we've arrived!

Gina - For your information, it was the Turkish fellow who suggested Starbucks. However, I was the one who was able to identify the closest location. :) On the McDonalds issue -- usually when we grab a bite to eat, it's at McDonalds, Burger King (it's much better here) or KFC. I know, it's sad.

Court - I'm not sure where this girl is training, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised that there are such talented people studying in Vienna.