Virtual Gypsyz

October 17, 1994
I am in Vienna, Austria right now at Rothsten…Hostel (something or other). It has been a beautiful day. The sky was clear, the sun was shining, the air was frigid. I am with Jon and Leigh and it’s been fun traveling with them so far. Yesterday was spent on buses, trains, a boat and cars, so it was great to finally reach our destination today. I realized, however, that I’ve forgotten my youth hostel membership card which would have saved me 40 shillings, and my “Let’s Go Europe” book - my bible! AAA! The most money I spent in preparation for this blooming trip, and I forget them! Oh well.

When we arrived in Paris to change trains I was so excited because I was actually being forced to use the four years of French I learned in high school. It felt good to lead Jon and Leigh around for a change (since Jon seems so intent on being the boss all the time…). Jon thought the people were rude, but I would be rude too if some tourist came to MY shop expecting me to speak THEIR language - yeah right. I worked in Thomas Sweet in Church Street Station in Orlando long enough.

While we were getting settled into our six-person couchette on the train, and Jon had left to use the bathroom, I spotted a light flash out the window. It looked like someone lighting a cigarette, but I thought it was too low. I pointed out to Leigh and at that same moment we both realized that someone was peeing! AAA! He had his penis out all naked and in the raw - but then we realized that he wasn’t peeing at all, but wacking off!!! AAA! He fondled and played and showed it off for hours it seemed. I assumed he was putting on a show for us, but Leigh thought that maybe he thought he was all alone in the train beside us; like in his own privacy. But if he thought that, I argued, why the lighter? It was obviously to get our attention. It was so gross. Why are people so vulgar?

Anyway, the trip to Vienna was pleasant. We slept most of the way and hailed a taxi when we got here. He brought us to some apartment complex that was really nice and we thought was a hostel. The lady thought we were crazy and sent us off across the street where there indeed was a hostel, but not the one where we had reservations, so I was sort of pissed by this time, but I tried not to complain, especially when we started walking aimlessly forever. We simply hailed another taxi, we finally made it after 190 shillings on cab fare and exhaustion beginning to take over. Then the receptionist drops another bomb, saying that we must be members of the youth hostelling to stay here - we had to buy cards for 40 shillings, which really isn’t much, but when you already have one that you paid $25 for, it’s a big deal. I was pissed yet again, but hey, I wasn’t going to let that spoil my day.

The room is nice for 189 shillings per person. We have a three-bedroom room. Then we went exploring. We bought underground passes for 50 shillings (24 hours) which are also good for trollys and buses. We went to Maria Theresa’s old palace and surrounding museums which were breathtaking. The landscape and architecture were gorgeous! Inside one of the museums, for 15 shillings we saw dated instruments and Austrian armory whil elistening to various selections of classical music, changing with each room (headphones).

The celings were so pretty and the entire place was practically carved out of marble. Speaking of carving, there was also a Greek exhibit where many friezes from the Parthenon were displayed. These never cease to amaze me, not only because of their perfected beauty, but its almost infinite historical value. Wow. They’re just so old!!!

Then we went on to other various Austrian baroque seemingly important buildings, but I didn’t know their names because it’s difficult to remember names when you can’t even pronounce them. German is so difficult. There are no cognates so we’re really relying on Jon to communicate for us. We went to a cafe by our hostel for lunch and they had the best hot chocolate for 17 shillings. I also had a ham and cheese sandwich, on toast and pastry. The people were really nice. And very patient.

We went to the Stefans…Cathedral. The center of Vienna and the epitome of any Gothic architecture I’ve ever seen with my own eyes in real life. It was beautiful just like everything else in Vienna. I’m hoping tomorrow we can take an excursion out to the countryside. I also want to see Belvedere Palace and an opera, but I don’t think Jon or Leigh are going to let me do the latter. Money, money, money. When’s the next time I’m going to be in Vienna?

Tonight we ate dinner at the most superb Chinese restaurant on Kaiser Street. It was yummy. It was almost or maybe even at least 10 courses including dessert which was bananas with fried bread and honey. Oh my. It was scrumptious.

I wonder how much money I have left? I need to see my balance!!—————>>>>