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Published: February 4th 2013
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Yesterday was such a leisurely morning, I really loved it and it was much needed. The main goal of the day was to go to Falco's gravesite, and I wasn't too concerned about anything else for the day.
I figured out how I was to travel there - I had to take the tram, which would be a first for me in this country. Peter told me I would have to transfer trams, but as it turned out, I hit upon the 71 tram which would take me directly to the Zentralfriedhof.
About 15 minutes into the trip, I realized I drank way too much coffee that morning. I knew it would be a bit of a long day in the cemetery, so I figured I should take care of things before arriving. I got off at a stop that looked commercial enough that I could find a bathroom easily. I spotted a Burger King and went for it.
As I was about to leave, I took a glance at the menu and saw "Veggie King" on the combo menu. I was already somewhat hungry, and damn if it didn't smell kind of good in there. I suddenly
recalled how tasty the veggie burgers (GemüseMac). at McDonald's in Germany were (GemüseMac). And let's just say - I was not dissapointed. Yes, I ate at Burger King whilst in a foreign land - however, you cannot get these burgers in the US! It was almost like a deep-fried veggie burger, and you could see actual pieces of vegetable inside the burger! Topped with cheese and all the fixins, I savored every bite. The fries were good too - although I forgot this little European idiosyncracy. Ketchup is not free, bitches! .30 euro per packet!
As I arrived at the Zentralfriedhof, I was filling with a bit of anticipation. I had always wanted to meet Falco, and even though that dream would never come true, I would be standing by his side in a matter of moments. I purchased a rose from outside the cemetery. It took a great while to actually find the gravesite, although along the way I found graves of some very famous Viennese composers.
Finally, I arrived. The site is quite beautiful, with the glass art of Falco shining in the sunlight. On one side, you see him in full form, looking upward. On
the opposite side, he almost looks like a ghost with his handwritten signature at the bottom. It is designed quite beautifully. Behind it stands a tall dome (not quite sure what you would call it) with the signature FALCO font written upon it. Beside the more glamorous structures lies a simple stone with "Hans Holzel" (his original name.)
At the time, I was alone, and it was just me and Falco. I spend time looking at all aspects of the site, expressed some words to Falco (in German, mind you) and played "Out of the Dark" on my iPhone as I stood by the grave. It was a really interesting experience. There was a bench nearby, and I decided to have a seat and just spend some time there. I had been planning this moment for a long time, and I wanted to savor it. As I sat, lots of people came by the grave; some got quite emotional. It brought me a lot of joy to know that some 15 years after his death, people still care and he still has an impact. One woman came to the site alone, and stayed for a really long time. She
was in tears, eventually stepping back from the grave and lighting a cigarette (which I wasn't too pleased about, but Vienna has a completely different mindset when it comes to smoking.)
After a while, I spoke to her. It turns out she is a massive Falco-fan, probably on my level. We chatted for a while about Falco's unlikely life, how great his music is, and what a shame it is that he left so early. She told me she had met his mother a few times, including at this site. This was what I wanted - someone to share my passion and feeling about this with. If not in Vienna, where? She even informed me of a restaurant nearby that has a little Falco museum.
I parted with her and Falco. I felt very complete - I was glad I spent the time at the site. I got some quality Falco-time, and shared it with someone. I went to the Gaesthaus Brigitte and sure enough - a whole section of the restaurant is devoted to Falco. Posters, photos, and most interestingly - letter after letter from heart-broken fans to Mama Hoelzel. She donated some early childhood pictures of
little Falco. It was great!!
I finished off the day with a stroll through the MuseumQuartier - this is an amazing spot with 7 or 8 museums all in one place! Everything from theatre to modern art to architecture - so cool! A friend of Kei's is really into the architecture here, so I decided to check out the Architecture Museum. Some parts were interesting, but as a museum it was a bit dry. Hunderwasser seems completely awesome though, and I plan to check out some of his totally bizarro architecture today.
Dinner was at a very atmospheric Italian restaurant near the hotel. Not the greatest in terms of Italian food, but the experience was quite pleasant, and it was a nice way to finish off the day.
I encourage you to check out Falco's music. Here is one of his last single, released shortly after his death: [youtube=
]
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Mel
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Greetings - Jamey's Pilgrimage
Hi Jamey, Thanks so much for the lovely details of your travels. Your trip to see Falco at his grave site and landmarks is touching and extraordinary. Really, a Pilgrimage of sorts. I'm glad you had that intimate moment with another fan of his. by the grave site. Great story, great pictures. Enjoy the rest of your trip. You are an intrepid traveler ! Love, Dad