I hope that as you're reading this, you're enjoying a much-needed and well-deserved Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. It's certainly strange being so far away from home today, especially since this is just another Thursday in November for Austria. I'm very excited, however, to share our traditions with the Herkners this evening. I ordered a turkey last week from a specialty Poultry shop in town, and picked it up yesterday. Apparently I'm not the only one celebrating Thanksgiving -- the shop owner brought out two boxes of fresh turkeys from the back yesterday when I went to pick ours up! It's 6,8 kilo, so about 15 lbs. This will be my first time ever preparing a turkey on my own, so CROSS YOUR FINGERS!
Yesterday, I searched high and low for all of my Thanksgiving ingredients. I found marshmallows and fresh sweet potatoes at the specialty food shop, Meinl. Then, I walked across the city to search for an English/American grocery store I had heard about. I finally stumbled upon this hole-in-the-wall shop, tucked away in a side street in the heart of the city. It's called Bobby's food store, and they had absolutely everything that I needed! Even Stove Top! :) I've already made the cranberry relish (my mom sent me her recipes), so today it's the turkey, stuffing, yams, and salad. My friend, Patrick, an American Fullbright Scholar who is studying voice at the university here, will also be joining us.
Now, I wasn't sure how I should format this post, as it's been almost a whole month since I wrote last, but I think I'll just start from most recent events and work my way backwards.
Budapest
I spent this past weekend in Budapest, Hungary visiting my friend Kornel. I had a fantastic time, and absolutely love the city! I was there a few years ago for the Robert Page Festival Singers tour, but of course you gain a whole new perspective when discovering a city with a native Hungarian friend as your tour guide.
I think what I love most about the city is that it's built around the Danube - Buda on one side, and Pest on the other. Also, the people: they talk loudly, they laugh loudly, and they SMILE at you when you make eye contact! There are still lots of reminders of the Communist Period in Budapest, as it lasted until 1989. Overall, Budapest is a much rougher city than Vienna. The subway trains are rusted and covered in graffiti, many of the old buildings are falling apart and have yet to be renovated, and parts of the city are quite dirty. In a way, though, this appeals to me, because it really makes you appreciate the unique beauty of the city.
Look! It looks just like Pittsburgh!
A funny little tour water-bus.
The beautiful 4 Seasons Hotel!
Look familiar? It's the Budapest Opera House. Looks pretty similar to the Vienna State Opera if you ask me!
A Hike in the Wiener Wald
A friend of mine, Maria, a fellow American mezzo, and I went for a hike a few weekends ago through the famous Wiener Wald, or Vienna Forest. It was quite a long, muddy hike, and we had a beautiful sunset at the end. I'm so thankful for Maria's friendship. This is her second year coming to Vienna to pursue auditions, so she's really been able to give me some great advice, and her positive energy inspires me on the those difficult, gray days. It hasn't been easy building a life here, but finding great friends has helped me so much. I have lots to be thankful for today. :)
This spot overlooks the entire city.
4PM Sunset
Another Herkner Hike
I'm becoming closer and closer with the Herkners, and really enjoy spending time with the family. We went on a Fall hike several weekends ago. Again, breathtaking views everywhere I looked!
My Third Austrian Family: The Mayerhofers!
I've started visiting another family about once a week, teaching the children English. They are Emilia's neighbors, so I usually spend one hour with the Mayerhofers, and then walk over to Emilia's for a few hours. The children are so sweet, and love to learn. We do a lot of singing and dancing (their personal favorite is the Hokey Pokey), and play games like "Simon says" to help them learn English.
Sara (9), Fabio (1), Laura (7), and Flora (4).
I've been multi-tasking writing this blog, preparing for my meal. I Youtubed "How to prepare a turkey", made the stuffing (Stove Top + some homemade stuffing), and Patrick just video chatted me to ask me how to use an Austrian can opener! It should be an interesting day, full of lots of entertaining memories.
I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, and I'm sending you all my love. I'm so thankful to have each and every one of you in my life. Have a great day!
Love,
Amanda
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