Last Days in Vienna
Der Nusscracker- Ballet at the State Opera (12/30)
The second ballet performance after The New Ballet in the OK program. I went with Magda, Gizem and Yanwen. Fumi was also there with her friends and we met some other exchange students as well. This ballet was so lovely. Not that I know much about ballet, but little boys and girls were very adorable!!! The choice of the color of ballerina clothes were just exquisite. Vienna State Opera offers standing tickets for 3-4 euros – especially suitable for poor souls of exchange students/tourists short of budget. It requires quite a strength, so you better be in good condition to watch the performance through two hours with 15 min intermission between. Luckily, I was feeling great this day :)
Fireworks at the City Hall(Rathaus) (12/31)
New Year’s Eve in front of the city hall was fantastic with friends from Haus Erasmus and Panorama. The fireworks, frankly speaking, was not big but with all the people who had thd same face of hope and happiness, I was very pleased to be in Vienna. The cheap Champagne we had tasted surprisingly amazing. Before our adventure to the city center, we had a party on 6th floor kitchen and it was the first moment when I had… Viennetta icecream! Hmmm, even though I do not like chocolate that much, this was quite good..
Revisited Belevedere
I wanted to take pictures of the Belvedere Palace when it was sunny. Originally we planned to go to Schonbrunn too, but we were just too cold and hungry to do it :P
MAK (1/2)
Asian potteries including Korea’s Bunchung and Baekja, Turkish tapestry carpets called Kilim
Me and Gizem explained what we know well to each other! These were the special exhibition held downstairs of MAK(Austrian Museum of Applied Arts and Contemporary Art). What I liked the most here was the Book Art Collection for children and the poster collection for cultural activities/events.
Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze at Secession
I think this is a MUST if you like Klimt’s painting. Most people are satisfied with his famous painting the Kiss, but among all paintings of his I saw, this is the one I actually purchased the poster (for 10 euros!). Gustav Klimt was inspired by Beethoven’s IX Symphony and created this monumental 34 meter fresco. The frieze was originally designed as a decoration for the duration of the exhibition that was to be removed afterwards. However, a private collector bought this and later arranged them to be cut into 7 sections. It is now permanently displayed to the public at Secession after the Austrian government bought it in 1973. This is where I learned about Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) movement in Vienna.
Revisited MUMOK & Leopold… followed by Vapino(?)
MUMOK (Modern art museum at Museums Quartier) gives free entry to students under 27 from 2010. Clap, clap! Though, I was quite disappointed with the current exhibition “Gender Check.” I guess the theme of self-injury and unesthetic nudity makes me uncomfortable. In contrast, Edvard Munch’s exhibition – the famous painting “scream” – was beyond my expectation. In addition, I am now madly in love with Egon Schiele’s self-portraits focused on his facial expression. Three best friends (after 12/23) – me, Magda and Gizem – had a very fulfiling meal at Vapino or Vapiano? on Mariahilfer street. Carbononara and Fungi was DELICIOUS :D
No Heating at Haus Erasmus
For past few days since Christmas, there is no heating in Haus Erasmus. Now that most people left, is the house manager seriously trying to make us freeze or what? I used to wear a short sleeve but now I’m all covered up with thick sweaters and warming up myself with hot tea. About an hour ago, there was a fire alarm downstairs – for the first time in this semester, did I hear the alarm – because somebody at the party room was smoking near the alarm. Ok, so either shiever in cold and die or get burned and die. This is a dilemma…lol
