This is quite a city. I really enjoyed it. The last day I had a couple of presentations that I think went well. We ran over to St. Stephens to see if we could tour the catacombs, but we missed the last tour by 15 minutes. That night about ten of us went out to dinner for Wiener Schnitzel. It was really good (and no it isn't a hot dog or sausage). The morning we flew out we got up a bit earlier and went to get some local pastries (sooooo good). I also walked in Standt Park. It is a very pretty park. I saw a homeless man and felt so bad for him. I watched him for awile. Then I saw him take bread out of his bag and feed the birds. My guess is that he does this everyday. Even with the little he has, it must be one of the things that brings him joy. To be honest, I was a bit scared of him and struggled to figure out how to give him some money (he wasn't asking anyone for any). I walked behind him and he turned around and I figured this was my chance. He saw the money in my hand and quickly came toward me and held out his hand. I gave it to him and went on my way. He didn't say anything, but as I glanced back a few times from a distance, I saw that he just kept looking into his hand at the money. This went on for quite awhile, then he went on his way. I was glad I got up the courage to give it to him.
The flight back was fine. No delays, but 15 hours in the air (not much sleep this time) wasn't too enjoyable. I was really glad to be home. As fun as these places are, I'd much rather be home with my family.
Oh yeah, for those of you who took the survey....Italy also borders Austria.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Day Two: Vienna
After just three hours of sleep (the same thing in happening tonight as it is not 3:45 am and I haven't been able to sleep) I got up and had a morning meeting with the EMEA marketing staff. All was good and the conference seems ready to go. Then at about 10 a.m. I went to do some sightseeing. I met up with six other i3 people in the lobby, so that made it a lot more fun. We saw St. Stephens cathedral (huge gothic catherderal) and climbed the 343 steps up to the tower (spiral staircase that would have Mom dizzy). They we saw St. Peters (very ornate with beautiful murals). We took a tour of the famous Vienna opera house. There was one part where we sat down for the tour and I feel asleep:-)
The camera battery died (Steph warned me), but I still got some good shots before that happened.
We all ate at an outdoor cafe that was nice. Did some shopping and walked a ton. This is a beautiful city. I like it a lot.
I came back, had a couple of meetings then we had our welcome reception (which I hate, but endured). I got back to my room about 9:45 p.m. and would guess that if I went down to the lobby, some people would just now be getting in.
Tomorrow is a busy day. I love you all.
The camera battery died (Steph warned me), but I still got some good shots before that happened.
We all ate at an outdoor cafe that was nice. Did some shopping and walked a ton. This is a beautiful city. I like it a lot.
I came back, had a couple of meetings then we had our welcome reception (which I hate, but endured). I got back to my room about 9:45 p.m. and would guess that if I went down to the lobby, some people would just now be getting in.
Tomorrow is a busy day. I love you all.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Trip to Vienna
Vienna - Day 1: Ah, my good intentions. I borrowed Steph and Jeremy's camera, took some good pics then realized that my computer reads SD cards and their camera uses XD cards. I'll have to post the pics when I get home.
The flight...SLC to Atlanta -- row 42 - last row of the plane. At least is wasn't a middle seat. The plane left about 40 minutes late and I had a tight connection in Atlanta. It took forever to deplane. I ran for my next gate....AND.....they hadn't started boarding for Vienna yet. Phew! Right when I get there I see someone that I work with. He said, "they just called your name at the desk." I think "Ah, my lucky day. Come to Poppa, you business class upgrade!" I tell the agent, "you called my name." "Oh yes, we just needed to be sure you were here." I respond with, "this is just a cruel airline trick to make me 'think' I'm getting an upgrade." He just smiled and went on with his work.
There ended up being four of us from i3 on the flight. Time to board...row 42, last row on the plane again. Did they flag my record because of the letters I wrote about last year's NYC trip? Is this their way of getting even? I am on the aisle on the two seat side of the plane. The door closes and there is an empty two seat row just ahead. I make my move. Nobody beside me. Nice. Plane is off for Vienna. I eat dinner then think I'll get some sleep. Earplugs in, three pillows, two blankets, propped up against the window, stretch across the other seat with my legs.... With one slight exception, the next thing I hear is the announcement that we've started our decent into Vienna. I slept almost 6 hours of the 9 hour flight! I will say I think that is the best sleep I've ever gotten on one of my long haul flights. EVER!
Got to the hotel Sunday morning. My room was ready. Took a shower and changed clothes. I headed to the church which is only about 2 miles away. I thought the cab driver was going to kill me. I think he had been waiting for quite a long time and I had a short trip. He was not happy and he let me know it. No tip for him!
I get to church a little after 12 and find out that there is an English speaking ward at 1 pm. I call one of the other co-workers, who is LDS, and he meets me there. Great meeting. Lots of diversity -- Austrians, Scotts, Phillipenos, and U.S (embassy people). We stayed for all three meetings (see Staples offspring -- that is allowed, they don't kick you out after Sacrament meeting:-). We then take the subway back and I walk from the stop to the hotel. And here I am.
Vienna is beautiful. The architecture is wonderful. Sorry I can't post the pics. Tomorrow I have a morning and afternoon meeting. So in the middle of the day, I should get to see some of the city.
I love you all and hope you have a wonderful Sabbath!
The flight...SLC to Atlanta -- row 42 - last row of the plane. At least is wasn't a middle seat. The plane left about 40 minutes late and I had a tight connection in Atlanta. It took forever to deplane. I ran for my next gate....AND.....they hadn't started boarding for Vienna yet. Phew! Right when I get there I see someone that I work with. He said, "they just called your name at the desk." I think "Ah, my lucky day. Come to Poppa, you business class upgrade!" I tell the agent, "you called my name." "Oh yes, we just needed to be sure you were here." I respond with, "this is just a cruel airline trick to make me 'think' I'm getting an upgrade." He just smiled and went on with his work.
There ended up being four of us from i3 on the flight. Time to board...row 42, last row on the plane again. Did they flag my record because of the letters I wrote about last year's NYC trip? Is this their way of getting even? I am on the aisle on the two seat side of the plane. The door closes and there is an empty two seat row just ahead. I make my move. Nobody beside me. Nice. Plane is off for Vienna. I eat dinner then think I'll get some sleep. Earplugs in, three pillows, two blankets, propped up against the window, stretch across the other seat with my legs.... With one slight exception, the next thing I hear is the announcement that we've started our decent into Vienna. I slept almost 6 hours of the 9 hour flight! I will say I think that is the best sleep I've ever gotten on one of my long haul flights. EVER!
Got to the hotel Sunday morning. My room was ready. Took a shower and changed clothes. I headed to the church which is only about 2 miles away. I thought the cab driver was going to kill me. I think he had been waiting for quite a long time and I had a short trip. He was not happy and he let me know it. No tip for him!
I get to church a little after 12 and find out that there is an English speaking ward at 1 pm. I call one of the other co-workers, who is LDS, and he meets me there. Great meeting. Lots of diversity -- Austrians, Scotts, Phillipenos, and U.S (embassy people). We stayed for all three meetings (see Staples offspring -- that is allowed, they don't kick you out after Sacrament meeting:-). We then take the subway back and I walk from the stop to the hotel. And here I am.
Vienna is beautiful. The architecture is wonderful. Sorry I can't post the pics. Tomorrow I have a morning and afternoon meeting. So in the middle of the day, I should get to see some of the city.
I love you all and hope you have a wonderful Sabbath!
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