Vienna in My Dreams

In what seems like a not quite parallel universe, in seventh grade my favorite subject was social studies. It was a little bit of elementary school and almost high school history. There was some history, some geography, and "current events." We weren't typing essays yet and I got to indulge one of my favorite parts of school, making a scrapbook of pictures. I had no idea that fifty years later we would do this with a computer and call it "blogging."

My big social studies project in 1962 was a study of Austria, with a focus on Vienna. My memory of these projects is somewhat hazy, but I was a great collector of travel brochures and I'm sure there were several visits to one of the big travel agencies in downtown Hartford for brochures. A flurry of construction paper and glue must have followed, as well as sitting at the kitchen table for hours composing the text that would go with the pictures. The project has long vanished and I don't remember the grade I received, but the memory of Vienna has stayed with me.

Vienna of my Dreams, (c) WienTourismus, Christian Stemper

When I looked at this beautiful picture I realized why the memory of Vienna and the desire to visit has stayed with me over fifty years. I haven't made the trip YET, but it's definitely on my "to-see" list. Though it won't take the place of actually seeing and being in Vienna I am delighted to join the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Ringstrasse taking place at Grand Central Station today and tomorrow. The Ringstrasse is the boulevard winding through Vienna lined with palaces, parks, stately buildings and gardens. I'm looking forward to more great photographs, a webcam with the fabulous Cafe Central in Vienna, some Viennese treats and the chance to win a trip to Vienna. I will be back with more pictures to share from my Grand Central Station fun. 

I'm also delighted to let Ida, at Wishes, Dreams and Other Things, know that she is the winner of "Lucky Harbor." Ida, I'll be in touch to get your address and send your book to you. 

I'm off in a little while for my Grand Central Station Vienna adventure and tonight there's a new member dinner at our synagogue. I may try and make it to the gym, too, but that may have to wait until tomorrow. I've got a list of errands before I leave for Providence on Friday morning and a few of them are calling. 

As always, thanks for visiting and enjoy this sweet autumn weather.