Real Men on White Horses!

My Day with the Lipizzaner Stallions in Vienna:

On Friday November 21st 2008, I took the opportunity to spend the day in Vienna and see a performance by the world famous Spanish Lipizzaner Stallions in the Hofreitschule. I initially arrived in Vienna at about 10 am, so I had the day to explore the other city sights since the horse show wasn’t until 7p.m. My first stop was the Belvedere Schloss, with its beautiful grounds and all within the city of Vienna. It was raining pretty heavily, but I was sure to take my new, trusty Landjugend Umbrella, so that wasn’t a problem. I wanted to be sure to pick up my ticket for the Lipizzaner Show early, so stopped by the store before I walked over to the Rathaus for my first ‘Christkindlemarkt’ experience. Luckily, the heavy rain took a breather when I arrived at the market. It was a wonderland of little huts selling anything from chocolate and sweet breads back to ornaments and jewelry. I enjoyed it so much and what made it even better was walking around with a nice hot mug of Glühwein while par oozing through the endless rows of huts. I noticed, before I bought the beverage that a majority of the shoppers were holding a blue mug and I am here to experience as much as I can, so…as they say, ‘When in Rome…’ therefore, I mingled with the locals holding my own blue mug of deliciousness! ;) Fear not, those that visit the market with their car, they sell alcohol free punch, which is also quite good. I was at the advent market for a few hours and then it started to rain again, so I took refuge in a local church, it was nice to rest my feet as well as to get out of the wind and rain. Then I, once again, braved the weather to revisit Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral), which is the city landmark basically and quite lovely with its tiled roof and gothic style architecture. I shopped a bit along the Kärntner Straße (one of the main shopping streets) until I decided to make my way back to the Hofburg for the venue. It was about an hour before the performance, so I stopped at a little stand by the ‘Lions Club,’ which is similar to a ruritan club; so I decided to support them a bit by having a cuppa Glühwein. A very nice couple was running the stand and the husband spoke English well, so we had a great chat until I had to leave for my performance. Then, when I was shown to my seat (which was right in front=perfect) the couple next to me were Americans currently living in London and the wife was an MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician-Associates Degree Level) which was extraordinarily coincidental; needless to say she and I were excited to speak about our work…etc. The time flew by and the music began to play signaling the start of the show. The Master of Ceremonies was a bit long-winded, but other than that the performance was amazing. The Lipizzaner Stallions are bred in Piber (where I went with my 3rd host mother) and then trained and brought up to Vienna for the shows. The Hofreitschule is the ONLY location in the world that still practices the original forms of dressage (the art or method of training a horse in obedience and in precision of movement). The Lipizzaner Studs are born black an then, as they age, turn to pure white…very cool! Throughout the performance there were different levels of dressage, a few horses did jump-kicks and one could stay in the ‘rearing position’ for a good length of time. With Mozart playing in the background and several horses moving in unison, it was just a great atmosphere. The lofty ceilings and the white columns combined with the instrumental music reverberating in the gallery added so much to the mood of the show. One of my favorite parts of the performance was seeing the different personalities of the horses, even though they are in complete unanimity, there are still subtle hints as to each individual horse’s disposition. The best horse in the show would hold each pose longer and stronger than the others and, in doing so, adding his own little twist, would blow air out of his nose loudly on each step; I liked that horse best of all, it had the most outward and forceful personality (perhaps there is a correlation there, maybe we are kindred spirits). Who knows…but the show was an absolute treat and, even though it was rather expensive, I would recommend it to future travelers visiting Vienna. Two thumbs WAY, WAY UP!

When the show ended at 8:20 p.m, I rushed on the metro back to the Südbahnhof (train station) where I had previously checked that 3 trains were running back to Münchendorf that night; However, I was very unenthusiastically told by the information desk, “There are NO more trains to Münchendorf today.” I was a little upset, but instead of wallowing in self-pity, I thought quickly and jumped on the next train to Mödling; which is only about 10 minutes drive from my host family. Luckily, my host mother had suggested I borrow Irina’s (9 yr. old host sister) Handy (cellphone) for the day in Vienna, so I was able to call them to pick me up. Even with that little mishap at the end of the day and my umbrella breaking from the extreme wind at lunchtime, I was still on ‘Cloud 9,’ smiling from ear-to-ear on the train home. It was a magical day with the Christmas market and my lovely ‘Men on White Horses!’

(Note to the ladies: MOST of the trainers/riders were ‘cute-as-a-button,’ or rather a more appropriate phrase, ‘STUD MUFFINS!’ ;) It was a super night and quite visually stimulating!)

How to make an IFYE Happy = Chocolate!

My new host family, lives in Münchendorf, a small village on the outskirts of Vienna. I was delighted, that upon my exit from the train I was greeted with a BIG smile from my new host parents. I am always a bit nervous whether or not they will recognize me, since in the picture I sent I am rather 'made-up' and usually during my train trips between families I have just been many hours on the train, so am not looking the greatest. But, I guess it is always a pretty large hint, when I am the only one with lots of luggage, so I really have no need to worry. We packed the car and my host parents took me on a little tour of Möding. I was able to eat Castanian Nuts again and had my first experience with Glühwein, which is a hot mixture of wine, rum, cinnamon and other delicious ingredients put to a boil and the creation is utterly delightful; especially since it is much colder than where I was in Styria. My new host father calls most things medicine, so our Glühwein was not only medicinal it was also very satisfying on a cold winter night. I am looking forward to many more meetings with my new-found, Austrian Traditional Christmas Beverage. ;) However, as my new host father Peter so wisely puts it, it is good medicine with a little bit and too much has the reverse effect. We had a nice family meal and at the end I was surprised with a lovely Sachertorte cake (Austrian Cake sent all over the world) to welcome me into their household (pictured above). So, that is a great start to my family and final days in Austria!

We then drove about 15 minutes to Münchendorf, my new home for 2.5 weeks. I was introduced to the rest of the family; being Michael (11 yrs), Irina (9 yrs.) and the grandparents. They have an energetic dog Riki, which is a girl by the way and the typical lazy cat that coincidentally is named Garfield! I am staying on the 2nd floor with Oma and Opa and my room is entirely decorated in shining, frilly, lime green material. I am not, the girliest of girls, otherwise I would be in heaven...but I can't help but laugh everytime I enter my room. The bed is quite large, which is fabulous and I have plenty of space, but even so I do have to chuckle a bit. The house itself is U-shaped with a large courtyard in the middle which, for some reason, reminds me of Tuscany (even if I haven't been there yet, it is on the list though). My host family have many hectors of Sugar Beets, Wheat, Barley, Sunflowers and own a large compost business. On Tuesday, I helped with a few bookkeeping things and used a calculator, which had been many months since I had had one in my hand, quite a strange sensation. So, I do do a little work now and then with the families that host me; on Monday I cooked lunch for the workers on the farm and it turned out quite well. I am looking forward to sharing some of my new recipes when I arrive home for Christmas. As far as future plans, I am excited for Friday because I have bought a ticket to see the famous Lipizzaner Horse Show in Vienna. They are Spanish Horses that perform the best dressage in the world and it is the only school left in the world. For those of you who aren't familiar, dressage is the art or method of training a horse in obedience and in precision of movement. My mother told me that I couldn't leave Austria without seeing them, so I am scheduled to this Friday at 7 p.m. I am extremely excited and hope to have a video clip and lots of pictures to share. Then, on Saturday my first host family is picking me up to go to a 'Devil Fest,' I know...I was a little dubious in the beginning as well; but, in Ausria Kampus (The devil) is part of the Christmas Tradition, on the 5th of December St. Nikolo comes to bring every good child a gift and then, on the 6th Krampus visits the not-so-good children. I know that I am not explaining it as well as I will be able to at the end of the festival on Satuday, so more will come when I am fully educated! I am enjoying myself, but must confess that I am counting down the days until I am home with family and friends for the holidays and, as of today, I have 19 days! So a, not so subtle hint, everyone mark their calendars for my return on the 9th of December so you can start planning the 'Welcome Home' parties!!! ;)

Holidays-a-Comin'!

Now a little information about Austrian Fall Traditions starting in November:

* All Saints' Day (also called All Hallows or Hallowmas), often shortened to All Saints, is a feast celebrated on November 1 in Western Christianity, and on the first Sunday after Pentecost in Eastern Christianity in honour of all the saints, known and unknown. In terms of Western Christian theology, the feast commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in heaven. Specifically, in the Roman Catholic Church, the next day, All Souls' Day, commemorates the departed faithful who have not yet been purified and reached heaven. In Austria on Nov. 1st, the custom is for people to light candles and bring flowers to the graves (Friedhof-Graveyard) of dead relatives. The priest says a few words and then proceeds to walk throughout the graveyard dispersing holy water, during which all others present (except me because it was in German) pray together. It is quite a sight to see and very educational.

*Starting at the end of November lasting till Christmas Day you can find "Christkindlmärkte" on nearly every corner of most Austrian cities. Small huts provide you with potentiall christmas presents, food and most important hot punch and "Glühwein", sweet and heated mulled wine.

Christmas in Austria revolves around a number of traditions, the first is on December 6th when Saint Nicholas comes to bring the good children gifts.

On December 24th when the city is frantic with last minute shoppers, the countryside is a refuge for quiet traditions. Farmers chalk the initials of the Three Wise Men on the archway of the stable door to protect the herd from sickness in the coming year and Christmas trees are lit.

In the snow-covered Alps, families descend from their mountain homes to the valley below, illuminating the night with torches held high to light their way in the darkness. Carolers gather in church towers and village squares to guide the people to Christmas services with their melodies. All shops, theatres and concert halls close their doors for this is an evening spent with only with family.

Following church services, families return home for their more intimate celebrating. First Christmas Eve dinner is served, often with ‘Gebackener Karpfen’ (fried carp) as the main course. Dessert may be chocolate and apricot cake called ‘Sachertorte’ and Austrian Christmas cookies called ‘Weihnachtsbaeckerei’.

Afterwards presents are given, but in Austria, there is no Santa Claus. Children are taught that their presents have been brought by the ‘Kristkindl’, a golden-haired baby with wings, who symbolizes the new born Christ.

This is also where the ‘Christkindlmarkt’, or Christmas market gets it’s name. Early in December these Christmas markets open in towns and cities all over Austria, with rows of booths and stalls selling colourful ornaments and decorations, gingerbread, Advent wreaths, candles, small gifts, and even Christmas trees.

Silent Night was first sung in 1818, in the village church of Oberndorf. There is a story told of how Christmas was almost spoiled for the villagers that year.

On Christmas Eve, the priest went into the church and found that the organ was not working. The leather bellows that are used to pump the air through the pipes were full of holes. Christmas without music would not do so the priest showed the organist Franz Bauer a new Christmas hymn he had written. Franz quickly composed a tune for it that could be played on a guitar. So Oberndorf had music after all.

Well, that is definitely something I will miss during my exchange...all the Christmas bustle. Although, I will be able to participate in the Christmas Markets over the last weekend in November when they begin. I am extremely eager for that, I just love Christmas! So, those are a few of the traditions and history in Austria.

Family Music!

Hello All,

I have been having quite a wonderful beginning of November here in Styria. My host family has been fabulous and I just feel at home here. Well, now let's get into some things I have learned here in Austria!

1-When living in an area that are BIG wine makers, when pouring wine into a glass, make for darn sure that it is the right wine glass. Before I came I just figured that it would be alright to get 'any ole glass,' BIG MISTAKE. So, as to warn you...think carefully before volunteering to be the distributor.

2-The word 'hiking' has a different definition to every person. If you like hiking be sure to say that you do, but make well and clear what your version of hiking is. Because, in Austria, anything under a 45 degree incline is only A WALK!

3-Biking is mostly NOT a leisurely sport, when you say you bike as a hobbie and wouldn't mind going sometime...get ready, get set and you are off. The helmet is on, check, water bottle secure, check...and prepare yourself on your bike, arms tight, head down and you are off. High speeds, focus and determination in your heart...that is what biking is in Austria; a passion, taken seriously and don't even think about going on a flat road, it is either up a mountain and down the other side or nothing! I, myself, prefer to sit upright peddling slowly as to enjoy the views and 'smell the flowers.' NO way, gonna have to wait to do that until I get home to West Virginia. Bikers are unswervingly committed in Austria!

Ok, so now you know a few tips that I had to figure out the hard way. So, heed my warning. Now, on with the next. I have been trying to upload a video that I made on Sunday Nov. 9th when my host family gave me a private concert. They call it, Familia Musik and they are all talented. The picture above is Franz, Charlotte and I before the show, I was on tenterhooks waiting. I wanted to share with you my experience, but sadly I just don't think blogspot could upload it, too large a file I expect. However, I am sure that you have enjoyed the other videos that I have added and will hopefully continue, but making sure not to make them so long in future.

Austrian Familia Hirt (Oct . 26th-Nov.16th, 2008)!

Traditional Austrian Music...of all sorts!

Austrian Familia Steiner (Oct. 12th-Oct. 26th)!

Austrian Familia Hauser (Sept 19th-Oct. 12th, 2008)!

A Little Late, But Better Late Than Never - My Vacation in England, Sept. 2008!!

Johanna Saudhof's Einschulung 08/23/2008!

I can't believe I just rubbed Horse Muscle Cream on my thighs...

Hawediere from the Steiermark!(Hello from the Styria):

I have arrived at my 3rd Austrian Host Family (Familia Hirt) and am delighted by what I have seen so far. The family lives in St. Oswald, which is about 45 minutes from my last family in Knittelfeld. It is a small village on the hilltop, there are mountains surrounding us, but we are basically on a hill. My host family has a 15 yr. old daughter, Charlotte, who is a bit shy at the moment but I am sure she will open up with some time. After all, I am the alien American sleeping in her room. Then, they have a 17 yr. old son, Philip, who seems to be nice, but keeps busy with his friends and motorcycle. My host mother Edeltraud has 2 horses, so I have been riding with her once already and am delighted with her quiet, kind nature. Franz, my host father, is an amazing musician and plays every instrument under the sun, and even if he only speaks a little English and I only a little Deutsch, we seem to communicate and understand each other perfectly. On the evening of my arrival here, after meeting the family and unpacking, we roasted chestnuts outside on an ‘open fire!’ So, that was good fun. On Monday, my Edeltraud and I went to see a church designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, it was covered in mosaic tile and bright colors. The church was great and as of now, this has been the 2nd Hundertwasser I have seen, the other was in Magdeburg, Germany. Then, we drove to Piber to tour the Lipizzaner Horse Stud Farm...sadly, it was closed, but my host mother and I walked to the pasture, so that we could get a bit of a look at the famous Lipizzan Horses. They were gorgeous...I thought of you mom, every second I was there (My mother Bev loves horses and has always wanted to see The Lipizzaner Show in Vienna, which I might add...I might try to get tickets for since my last host family is near Vienna).

On Oct. 28th, Edeltraud and I went to the Freilichtmuseum (pictured 2 above), an open-air museum that recreates 19th-century Austrian farm life in a quiet wooded valley. The museum consists of 90 farmhouses, barns, mills, and storehouses from all over Austria, transported plank by plank and lovingly restored in small villages by their region of origin. It was a delightful way of learning and the walk was long, but worth every step. On Wednesday morning, I made Spagatkrapfen (Traditional Austrian Christmas Cookies, picture 1 above) with my host mother and have been out several times feeding and putting the horses out to pasture. I also rode one of their horses on Tuesday night, so that was a good time since it has probably been 6 years since the last time I have been on a horse.

Thursday my host mother took me to Thal, where we toured a modern church; it was neat and stone mosaic on the inside and out, even the seats for the service were stone. We also went to the Thalsee (large pond) where I understand Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up, which was pretty cool...the town had many plaques and signs about that Kindergarten Cop! Edeltraud and I then toured an agricultural boarding school, which was very interesting and the kids were friendly. Friday morning my host mother and I took a ski lift to the top of the highest mountain in the area, where we admired the view a little, then took a little individual 'rollercoaster' ride, of which you can control your speed (I like that fact very much), down to where there was the beginning of our 'hiking trail.' The ride was awesome, being on the mountain, the cold air on my face caused me to cry, but it was a good cry! Anyway, we then began our descent to the car. It was about 4 km, which doesn't seem like much, but the way was very steep and even though we had walking sticks, it was extremely hard on the knees and thighs. I still think back in amazement at how quickly my host mother walked; however, I have the stamina...so, it was I who was the first to the car! But, it was a good hike and I enjoyed it, even if I am hurting from it a few days later. Today, (Sat. Nov. 1st) I attended a church ceremony at the Friedhof (graveyard). It was a pretty amazing sight, everyone (and I mean everyone) goes to the graveyard to take time to 'remember the departed' and at 2:00p.m. the priest began reading, praying and there was even a small brass band. The most interesting part was when the priest began at the top of the graveyard and proceeded to go in between all of the graves and people (being trailed by three young children...one swaying the smoke 'thingy,' one with the holy water...and I am not sure what the other was doing) flicking Holy Water over the stones. I was very interested and attentive at the beginning, but it was a BIG graveyard, so I got tired since I was standing the whole time and my thighs were killing me! Now, I am back at the house...in my temporary bedroom writing to you with bright green gel on my legs that my host mother gave me to reduce the pain. She didn't happen to mention at the beginning that it was for horses, but it is making me feel a little better...so, I care not what animal it was 'meant for!' I will enjoy it...and thought that that would be a funny title for this blog, so now you know the story behind it. I hope it lived up to your expectations. As you can see, my situation right now in Austria is perfect. I am enjoying my time and look forward to sharing the pictures with you, when I can figure out how to rotate them (I don't know why, but my host sister's computer automatically rotates them when I click on the editing button...so, it won't let me rotate them since, in the editing window they are already. I am trying to figure that out and when I do, I will add another slideshow) Also, as far as captions to some of my recent ones, I haven't gotten to all of them yet. But I will, fear not! Well, I am off for now and if anyone has any questions or ideas for my blog please share them with me either by e-mail, emiewv@hotmail.com or via a comment. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!