Today, we went to the Volks Oper and saw Die Fledermaus. The operetta was written by Johann Strauss and premired in Vienna! It was super exciting, but I wish that I understood German. The superscript was helpful of course, but it only told the basic story line. Everyone was laughing uproariously throughout the show. Then there was me, sitting dumb founded. I wanted to join in on the fun so, I laughed along anyway. If you don't know the story of "The Bat," you should consider looking it up. It's highly entertaining. By far my favorite part of the entire show was the Polka. It was definitely a wild sight. I'm looking forward to something like this at my wedding. I've caught the vision. I'm hoping you will all participate. Would it be too much to ask the brothers/in laws to do the little man dance at the beginning? That would really be a treat.
Anyway, after being in Vienna for a week, I've realized there are a few things the Viennese LOVE.
1. Art, Theater, Museums- the whole shabang
2. Dogs. Everyone and their dog has one
3. Noodles. Happy and Crazy ones
4. Hot Dogs. In every variety
5. Sisi. Enough said
6. Living with no AC
7. BMWs
8. Ice Cream. Zanoni Zanoni
9. Kebabs and Shnitzel
**no those are not my hairy hands. Just some twit on google Bilder (photos).
Ps- if you are wondering how church went, here's the short version. It was at the LDS institute this past week only. After about 2 minutes I decided from then on to attend the international ward. I thought I was a decent singer but in German, it'd be better if I made no sound at all. It came out more like a croak, screech, la de da da. I then proceeded to fall asleep. I attribute this to my broken translator headset. It's truly impossible to stay awake if you have no idea what is going on. When it started working, I'm not sure it was for the best. I laughed out loud at all the jokes, only to remember my translated version came a few seconds after the fact. I felt a little like the blonde in all the jokes- laughing when it finally clicks after everyone else has long moved on. I met a playa pimp at the institute. German boys, oh how they tug at my heart strings. When I see a dream boat on the Strassenbahn (street car/Viennese trolley), it takes all I can do not to break into song like Judy Garland.
Clang, clang, clang went the trolley! I would love to hear you sing that song. It is one of my favorites. Anyway, Ron, we LOVE your blog. You are so funny. Who would have known? I am going to get the brothers-in-law to start practicing now. I think it might take quite a bit of time to master the dancing. It did look like a fun party. I didn't know that song was from that operetta. I loved the youtube video. Yes, it will be a must at your wedding. Are you really singing in German? That's amazing. I love that you are laughing at the jokes a little late. Perhaps I should call you Sheldon instead of Ron. Good luck with the lack of AC. We are really spoiled here in the US of A. Just think, you are having a truly European experience. I thought we would melt in Rome and Florence. Do keep up the blog. It could be a great new career for you!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you really do need Brenda to bring you that fan. It reminds me of when we came to pick you up in England and slept with towels (or hand towels) for blankets in Bath because the comforters were too hot! Yes, I totally think that the gentleman's dance is a must at your wedding. I will get Ethan to start practicing. You may want to start talking to the German boys at the Institute (or on the trolley). It could be a really good way to practice your language skills!
ReplyDeleteI love Fred and George. Your experience in Vienna makes me think of the times I spent in this sweltering little bedroom in... Murray UT. Why is that room so hot?! (I won't even touch the strange issue in the other available bedroom) Thankfully, it has been much cooler this year, pleasant enough for me to consider staying well, forever!
ReplyDeleteBeing in SV, I heard polka and started singing the kiss polka. Is the girl in Sun Valley Serenade Austrian? Well, Owen will do the little man dance if I get him a little (non)man shrug, like the ones the Ballet West guys wore in Carmina Burana (however that is spelled).
If only I liked Sisi, I think I could be Austrian.
Don't feel bad about falling asleep in German church, Dad was asleep last week in the English version. I actually can imagine you laughing like a tiny hyena in the back of church, and then I'm sure noticed how delayed your responses were and laughed all the harder until you became hysterical, it is a predictable pattern :)
I cannot believe that there are pimps over there, I think it is illegal so if he gets fresh with you, take it up with a constable.
When Erika says talk to German boys, I don't think she is really thinking you will spend much time talking, you know how she is....
Whatever you do, don't sing the trolley song on the public transportation.
If you do resort to sleeping with just a towel, use a full size one, I can still remember Dad when he said, hey, where did you get those huge ones, and we looked over to see him with a hand towel draped across his knees.
Do beware of those German boys Lauren.
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