Vienna Photography- Das Fotos #2

Vienna Photography- Das Fotos

Day 28.

Ladies and Gentleman-

It's official. I have made it 4 weeks in Vienna!

Time is seriously flying by so fast. Today Kayla and I went to the Hapsburg Treasury and looked at some fancy imperial jewels. Diamond encrusted swords anyone? We didn't know about the free audio tour until after so we will definitely be making a trip back there. After our museum excursion we made our way over to Tunnel, a cool little cafe in the 8th district. They play live music every night. Awesome. We planned on doing homework but somehow got sidetracked talking. Shocker huh? Kayla is a pretty fantastic girl and I think I got pretty lucky to have her as a roommate. We ordered some hot chocolate and pizza to tide us over until dinner and that it did. It may be our new hangout. After we went to hang out with our 'Austrian' friends and made our way home. I have tons of stories, but for now they are going to have to wait because I have an INSANELY huge German test tomorrow along with a paper due. I have some pictures to post and some adventures to share. I'm having too much fun for my own good. :] Can't complain about that.
Here are some photos that we took today in class. We were just working on getting in people's faces so our pictures would turn out better. It was fun. I especially like the one of Jessica. 

Day 25, 26, and 27.

Hello again!

I am back from a successful weekend in Graz. Disclaimer: Let me just start off by prefacing this post by telling you that I was completely irrational and unpredictable this weekend and can therefore take no responsibility for pictures or videos posted by other travelers. Now back to business.

We started this adventure Friday afternoon at the Vienna train station Praterstern. We bought two group tickets for 56 euro. That is pretty great for getting 10 people to Graz. The train ride there was so beautiful. We spent 5 hours talking, staring out the window, maybe screaming a little, and driving the rest of the train nuts.



Upon arriving in Graz we toured the city with Lloyd our tour guide. We spent the whole weekend meeting new people, playing sports, eating good food, and exploring. You can't really ask for a better weekend. I met people from Germany and Italy. I was so glad that they spoke such excellent English. Poor Oliver and Lloyd tried to help us with our German all weekend. I think I am getting better.

Here are some pictures from the Epic weekend.


[Dinner at David's]

[Austrians that were kind enough to let me take a picture]

[The view from the top of the hill]

[Waiting at the train station]

[A cafe in the water]

[The cutest little boy on the planet- besides my brothers]

[Another view from the top of the hill]

Two words: Peter Pan.
Don't worry about it. Sometimes we slide down slide in the rain and rocket off the end. Do what you gotta do.

Day 24.

I have been making German note cards for the last hour and now my eyes hurt.

Today was very relaxing. I had what I like to call "be alone with my thoughts day." It was much needed. You know what I decided? I love being on my own in a big city with nothing holding me back. I feel empowered. Listening to your favorite music while riding the subway to go meet up with people is an excellent pastime activity. The music acts as the soundtrack to your life and you automatically feel ten times better about everything.

You know what else I love? I love when someone gives me an address and all I have is a map. There is just something about finding my way around that makes me feel accomplished. I feel like God gave me a very good sense of direction. For that I am grateful.

I am off to Graz tomorrow. I will be spending time with some very cool characters getting to know other parts of the country. Unfortunately this means that I will have extremely limited/no internet access while I am there.

No daily posts. Sad.

BUT...

On Sunday night I'll be back with tons of stories for you I'm sure.
Go on an adventure today.
love, Krystle.

Day 23.

After a long day I grabbed some Gelato and ventured off to the museum of Natural History and spent hours looking at everything they had to offer. This museum is HUGE. I was there for two hours and still was not able to see everything that I wanted. The highlight of my trip was seeing "The Venus." I had seen it in text books previously and it is known around the world to be the oldest sign of fertility. I was expecting some large sculpture but in real life it was only about two inches tall. I loved being there. It was nice to be alone. Just wandering around looking at rocks, bugs, dinosaurs, anything I wanted. I have to go back so I can finish all the exhibits. Going to places like this makes me really want to learn German. I am feeling much more motivated. Bring on those conjugations.

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I need to focus on and how fast things can change. I have to try everyday to accomplish everything I want because who knows what is going to happen tomorrow?

Did you guys see the article/video about Vienna being one of the best places in the world to live? The link is here. You should check it out because I think is %100 accurate.
http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/10-best-cities-for-the-next-decade

AND

Just to rep a little home state pride I stumbled on to this article that gives recommendations about what U.S. cities you should live in during the next decade. Seattle is number 2. :] Click here to read the article. Salt Lake City comes in a surprising Fifth.

have a great day. huzzah.

Day 22.

The three week mark has passed. I am officially in my fourth week of my Vienna Study Abroad with BYU. It is going by so fast. There is always something to do. Whether it is homework, hanging out with friends, or touring the city there is never a dull moment. Unless I choose to have one :]

I spent this evening conversing with friends over slices of pizza the size of my face. We laughed so hard I felt like crying. Single awareness group, Bambi, skank eyes, and sister missionaries are moments that I will honestly remember for a very long time. That is what this is about for me, people. At the end of this it won't be about how many countries I have traipsed through, but the people that I get to do it with.

Here is to friends and making memories. And that bus driver who stopped the bus on the way home to fix that annoying noise that was coming from the window. Thank you.

[Most of us in Prague. It was an Epic weekend and I don't use that word lightly :]

Undercover Mormon

[Mom if you could give me some help it would be much appreciated. :]

“Playing Catholic.” That is what my writing teacher, Louise Plummer, called it. I called it objectifying religion. The assignment: pray in a Catholic Cathedral and get down on your knees. Here’s the catch, I’m Mormon. Being a BYU student studying in a foreign country lends itself to all types of experiences, but this was not one that I was expecting.

Praying is not a foreign concept in my religion. We are told to pray morning and night, before meals, and occasionally we offer a solemn group prayer before meetings, but never are we asked to pray in a public place while others are watching.

On Sunday, after finishing my own Mormon Church service, I figured it was time to do the deed. Infiltrate a Catholic Cathedral. I picked my target. Jesuitenkirche Cathedral located in the first district of Vienna. I had been there once before as a tourist, but now I was going as a Catholic. I was a woman on a mission. I felt like I was undercover for the Mormon church going to spy on the Catholics. I know it was my imagination, but it made my subway ride to the cathedral more exciting.

Upon arriving one thing was immediately evident. More tourists visited cathedrals on the Sabbath than any other day of the week. I found this discovery somewhat ironic. I entered in under the golden arches. Look normal, don’t be intimidated I think to myself. A cathedral has a way of doing that, reminding you that you are insignificant.

I sat down on a bench in my stereotypical Mormon Sunday dress, skirt, blouse, and leggings.  I could feel the eyes staring me down. Not people, but the statues. No matter where I was in the church they penetrated my soul. They knew I wasn’t catholic. They had to.  I sat thinking. Mostly about the church service I had just had compared to the church service I could envision in this magnificent cathedral. My church service was held in something that looked comparable to an office building. This is definitely not an office building. The tourists aren’t leaving. I start to sweat. It’s now or never. Kneeling down I recognized that this is not something I ever do. I feel like an imposter. I don't cross myself but clasp my hands in front. I opt for the hand clasp instead of the traditional Mormon arm fold. I begin to offer up my simple prayer to the lord. My mind wanders. I am conscious of the tourists coming in and don’t feel like I can focus. Someone takes a picture and I feel the flash go off to my right. Did they just take that picture of me? Have I taken pictures of people in cathedrals praying before? Yes. Crap. I bet that picture is of me. The Catholics probably hate us. Tourists coming in, even on their day of worship.  The prayer turns into more of a plea to God, asking for clarity of mind. Then it comes.

Praying here is no different than praying next to my bed at night. It is just me and God. God and me. Who cares if the tourists walk past, because that isn’t what this prayer is about. Nobody except God knew that I wasn’t Catholic and he doesn’t care. He is just happy I am striking up a conversation. People are the same no matter what religion they are. They are all just searching for something. Who cares where they find it? My church may look like an office building, but it gives me the same sense of unity and peace that the Catholics seem to receive from their cathedrals. They would feel just as foreign in my place of worship as I do in theirs.

My prayer ends. It wasn't really a prayer. It was more a strand of disjointed thoughts that I hope God accepts. I’m done playing catholic and ready to return to my rightful place in the Mormon religion.

A boy in a purple hoodie walks in the door and takes his place in the pew next to me. He is my age. He crosses himself and bows his head. He will never know that I wasn't catholic, but to him it doesn't matter. This is his place of worship.

Vienna- Roomie/Statues/Rathaus

She is the best and I am glad to be stuck with her for the next 2 1/2 months. :] This is us waiting at the subway station. Always the best photo op. 

This is one of the statues from the park near our school. Maria-Theresien Platz

This couple danced the night away. He kept giving me death glares when I would take pictures. 

I really wanted to go on this ride. It was 5 Euros so roughly 7 dollars. Needless to say I did not get my ride. 

The Rathaus lit up at night. Love. Even if everyone around me was plastered.

 A tourist. Sometimes I stalk people.

Have a wonderful day :]

Undercover.

“Playing Catholic.” That is what my writing teacher, Louise Plummer, called it. I called it objectifying religion. The assignment: pray in a Catholic Cathedral and get down on your knees. Here’s the catch, I’m Mormon. Being a BYU student studying in a foreign country lends itself to all types of experiences, but this was not one that I was expecting.

Praying is not a foreign concept in my religion. We are told to pray morning and night, before meals, and occasionally we offer a solemn group prayer before meetings, but never are we asked to pray in a public place while others are watching.

On Sunday, after finishing my own Mormon Church service, I figured it was time to do the dead. Infiltrate a Catholic Cathedral. I picked my target. Jesuitenkirche Cathedral located in the first district of Vienna. I had been there once before as a tourist, but now I was going as a Catholic. I was a woman on a mission. I felt like I was undercover for the Mormon church going to spy on the Catholics. I know it was my imagination, but it made my subway ride to the cathedral more exciting.

Upon arriving one thing was immediately evident. More tourists visited cathedrals on the Sabbath than any other day of the week. I found this discovery somewhat ironic. I enter in under the golden arches. Look normal, don’t be intimidated I think to myself. A cathedral has a way of doing that, reminding you that you are insignificant.

I sat down on a bench in my stereotypical Mormon Sunday dress, skirt, blouse, and leggings.  I could feel the eyes staring me down. Not people, but the statues. No matter where I was in the church they penetrated my soul. They knew I wasn’t catholic. They had to.  I sat thinking. Mostly about the church service I had just had compared to the church service I could envision in this magnificent cathedral. My church service was held in something that looked comparable to an office building. This is definitely not an office building. The tourists aren’t leaving. I start to sweat. It’s now or never. Kneeling down I recognized that this is not something I ever do. I feel like an imposter. I don't cross myself but clasp my hands in front. I opt for the hand clasp instead of the traditional Mormon arm fold. I begin to offer up my simple prayer to the lord. My mind wanders. I am conscious of the tourists coming in and don’t feel like I can focus. Someone takes a picture and I feel the flash go off to my right. Did they just take that picture of me? Have I taken pictures of people in cathedrals praying before? Yes. Crap. I bet that picture is of me. The Catholics probably hate us. Tourists coming in, even on their day of worship.  The prayer turns into more of a plea to God, asking for clarity of mind. Then it comes.

Praying here is no different than praying next to my bed at night. It is just me and God. God and me. Who cares if the tourists walk past, because that isn’t what this prayer is about. Nobody except God knew that I wasn’t Catholic and he doesn’t care. He is just happy I am striking up a conversation. People are the same no matter what religion they are. They are all just searching for something. Who cares where they find it? My church may look like an office building, but it gives me the same sense of unity and peace that the Catholics seem to receive from their cathedrals. They would feel just as foreign in my place of worship as I do in theirs.

My prayer ends. It wasn't really a prayer. It was more of a disjointed strand of thoughts that I hope God accepts. I’m done playing catholic and ready to return to my rightful place in the Mormon religion.

A boy in a purple hoodie walks in the door and takes his place in the pew next to me. He is my age. He crosses himself and bows his head. He will never know that I wasn't catholic, but to him it doesn't matter. This is his place of worship.

Day 21.

THE SUN WAS OUT ALL DAY TODAY. huzzah.

There is nothing like a beautiful day to make you really appreciate your life. I slept through my alarm this morning, but not long enough to make me late! First magical moment of the day. I got ready fast and ran out to catch the bus... unfortunately today was a holiday and the bus was only running every half hour. It wasn't too bad. I spent some lovely time with my roommate Kayla singing songs from the Sound of Music. My Favorite Things anyone? We made it to the opera house just in time to catch a sightseeing tour around beautiful Vienna. Even though we have already been here for three weeks we thought that it would be necessary to play tourist for a day this way we wouldn't miss anything important. We saw the Danube in the sun and might I say it looked glorious. I can't wait to return there for a swim. THEN we went and found lunch. Turkish Kebaps are my new favorite food hands down. My father would love them. Next was homework time.  I had venture inside for two hours to complete a writing assignment for class. There is just something about being outside that makes me not want to focus.

Picture this:
A Mormon praying in a Catholic church. If it turns out good I may post it here. You will have to wait and see.

After hiding indoors for two hours I was back out in the sunshine and ready to go. On our way to the Music Festival at the Rathaus we stopped and found what you may ask? A GLELATO SHOP! Of course. Straciatella. If you are ever in Europe look it up. The best I tell you. The best. Kayla, William, and I continued on our way and got sidetracked. We spent too long trying to imitate statues in a nearby park. Those pictures will never be posted so don't even ask. We finally made it to Rathaus and I bought the biggest scone I have ever seen. Festivals are fun.

Now here is a sad story... I was at the festival listening to some Austrian Jazz music when a particle of who knows what blew into my eye. I could not get it out. I had plans this evening to attend My Fair Lady, but with my eye hurting extremely bad I was unable to attend. Maybe next time.

I went to FHE instead where I proceeded to place my entire head under the faucet in the bathroom. "Flush your eye with water!" my fellow Americans said. So I did what I was told. It didn't work so I just sat with what felt like a rock in my eye until it was just gone. GONE. I guess it was fate and I was not supposed to go to that musical tonight. Hmmmm.. I'll never know. FHE was fun. I met some cool people, except someone poured water on me. Revenge will be mine Perry. And now I am home getting ready to finish up my homework so I can get to bed at a reasonable hour.

Going on that tour today made me realize something... there is still so many things that I haven't done in Vienna. I am so excited for tomorrow. It's going to be great.

Here are some shots that I took at the festival today. I was trying a new technique of photography that I have been reading about. It’s called Panning. Hopefully I can get much much better, but for now these will suffice.

I love you guys! Thanks for reading.

This is Oliver. He was an accomplice to the water pouring and likes getting his picture taken.

Day 20.

Good things that happened today: 
 
1. My skylight was shut when it started raining
2. Someone asked me if I spoke English and then proceeded to ask me a question
3. I spoke with my Mother. It's her birthday
4. I sat in a Cathedral and was not a tourist
5. The sun was shining for about 4 hours. It was glorious
6. I had Chex Mix for dinner
7. I said excuse me in German and the woman in the Subway understood me
8. I thought I missed the bus, but it was just late
9. I did some reading and I am feeling inspired

Some bad things happened too... but who cares about those :] 

"The more we know of particular things, the more we know of God."

-Spinoza 

Mom.

43 Reasons why I love my Mom more than basically anyone else on the planet

1. She makes the best chicken enchiladas.
2. When I was in High School and stressed she would clean my room for me at random intervals and it would always make everything better.
3. She gets more excited about my life than I do.
4. She is a fighter.
5. She does whatever she needs to do to make sure that her kids are happy.
6. She only buys a purse if the lining on the inside is cute.
7. She sacrifices her own wants for those of others.
8. She has the best laugh.
9. People say that we look like sisters.
10. She copies the way that I dress.
11. Sometimes when I say things she gets embarrassed and it’s hilarious.
12. She tells me that she loves me.
13. She is the Queen of Birthdays and makes you feel important and special.
14. She is a great pole dancer :]
15. She listens when I have something to say.
16. When we fight she always wants to fix the problem right away so we can go back to just being happy.
17. She is always proud of me.
18. She lets me be irresponsible sometimes.
19. She trusts me.
20. She can shop longer than anyone I know. All she needs is a parmesan pretzel with marinara sauce.
21. She loves babies.
22. She is going to be the best grandma in the whole wide world. My future kids won’t know how good they have it.
23. She is my best friend.
24. There is no one in the whole entire world that I would rather talk on the phone with.
25. Singing on Broadway is her dream. We both want to go to New York more than anywhere else. We are both musical geeks and I love it.
26. She makes things happen. If you want something done you go to her.
27. She would always walk around with me forever while I tried to find a pair of jeans that would actually fit.
28. She is motivated to make the changes she knows the world needs.
29. She loves sending cards in the mail.
30. She isn’t afraid to talk to anyone.
31. Not only is she my best friend, but she treats all of her relationships with care and respect.
32. When I was in High School she would take me to a late movie and then let me sleep in. She also let me skip school whenever I wanted, but only if I kept up straight A’s.
33. She never said no without a reason.
34. She wants me to live by her when I am older that way she can be there for me like she always has been.
35. My brother Cameron could not have had a better mom. No one fights more for the Deaf community more than see does.
36. She loves to take naps.
37. She is passionate.
38. She makes us clean the house before people come over just so we give the impression that we are clean all the time. I am going to do the exact same thing.
39. She sends the best packages in the mail. There is always a note.
40. She has always treated me like an adult.
41. She scratches my back even though she doesn’t want to.
42. Ben and Jerry’s nights.
43. She is the best mom and I think I got pretty lucky.
Happy Birthday Mom! I love you and wish that I was there celebrating with you like I have always been. I miss you and can’t wait to see you in August.

Vienna- William

This is William at a Music festival in Vienna. 

I know that these all look super similar, but I couldn't decide which lighting style I liked the best. Let me know what you think!