Apologies for falling off the face of the earth

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So I want to apologize for not writing for so long...
I can give you a slew of excuses about how eastern europe makes it a bit harder to get to internet or how the damn german and austrian keyboards have missplaced letters which make it really frustrating to type... but those aren't really legit excuses.

I am currently in Salzburg, I havent seen anything yet but I'm here for a day and then heading to my last stop in Munich. So far since I've written I've hit Berlin, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna all of which I met amazing people in and had a blast visiting. So far my list of potential places to move to consists of Edinburgh, Berlin, and Vienna.

I don't really know where to start in terms of describing all of done and seen. Maybe the photos would do a better job so I'll upload those when I'm back in Italy in a few days. I have to admit, I'm completely burnt out from traveling. I'm completely churched, castled, and museumed-out! I'm sick of carrying stuff, and I need some stability. But on the other hand I've enjoyed every minute of the conversations I've had and the places I've seen. In fact yesterday was an amazing day. I meet many interesting people but not all of them do I think I will maintain contact with when I return to NYC.

Yesterday I went to see the Museum of Modern Art in Vienna but first I wanted to grab something to eat. So I waited at this cafe for a seat and when two people got up, their friend motioned for me to come sit at his table. I assumed he'd be getting up in a minute too but instead we ended up eating lunch together and having an amazing conversation. It turns out he is an art historian who gives tours in the Leopold Museum, the museum I had visited the day before with the Schiele and Klimt exhibit (Schiele is one of my favorite artists by the way). He then invited me for a coffee so we walked to this great outdoor market and sat amongst the odors of fresh strawberries and nectarines. Then he told me he'd join me at the Schiele exhibit in the Belvedere (which is in this beautiful building that mostly survived WWII and has these incredible gardens surrounding it). We walked toward the Belvedere and then stopped at his place for him to drop off his bike where he introduced me to his boyfriend and his lovely male not-yet-neutered cat who after living with two gay men wouldn't stop kissing my face (I think he was excited to have a female in the room).

Before leaving the apartment Markus gave me a book about Jews living in Vienna that he wrote me a personal note in. It was very sweet. He has some Jewish background and we had discussed the Jewish situation in Vienna many times earlier that day so it was very thoughtful of him to give me this book. Then Markus and I headed to the Belvedere where I received my own private Schiele tour. Because of working in the Leopold, the museum with the largest Schiele collection, Markus was able to give me a detailed explanation and history of all the important Schiele and Klimt paintings as well as the histories, relationships (and love affairs) between the artists. I had an amazing time.

I could really see myself living in Vienna. There is quite a large Jewish community and great artist community and its just an amazingly beautiful and lively city.

Anyway, I'm off to see Salzburg for the day, hopefully for all of you, and myself, I can catch up on this blog and fill in the missing entries while back in Italy. So keep checking the blog and within the next week I will have photos posted as well.

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Comments

[Steven]

Amazing
Mel, You seem to be having an unbelievably amazing time abroad. Effortlessly, you encounter great people--just the people you need at the moment, like Marcus. You have great luck. I have to imagine that your return visit to view the Schiele's paintings gave you greater insight. As you point out, there is nothing like having someone who knows these paintings and artists intimately, to explain them to you! Keep writing.

[Mommy]

wonderful
It is such a wonderful break from work to read your blog and imagine the fabulous time you are having. I will look up Schiele online to see his art. I remember loving Vienna also--the city, not to mention the pastries! Have you had any good ones? I do know what you mean about being travelled out. I guess you are really ready to settle down--I know you will enjoy being back in Italy. I expect you will feel like its time to come home for awhile by August. I'm sure you will take many trips in the future, and it would not surprise me at all if you end up living somewhere abroad, at least for awhile in the future. Meanwhile, enjoy your last travel days. Much love.

[Danielle]

Not surprised
Hey M! Glad you're still enjoying yourself and I am definitely not surprised that you're exhausted and 'traveled out'. Rest up kid b/c you have about 70% more of the world to see :) . I'm certain that you will find yourself residing in a foreign country when the time comes and wish you a safe return to Italy. Take care peanut.