Tag Archives: Austria

The Biblio-Commuter

Posted on April 17, 2013 by

The man’s briefcase lies across his legs like a desk and he rests his elbows on it. The U-Bahn stops, but he does not. He inhales, sits up straight, leans in to read the final page of a massive book. … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Europe, Happiness, Inspiration, Literature, Travel, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

I’ve Been Everywhere, Man

Posted on March 20, 2013 by

Two boys in shoes unsuited for the crisp day stand seemingly unaccompanied in the Vienna U-Bahn. There are several potential mother-types seated nearby, perhaps taking a break from supervision while the train was in motion. The boys stand and swing … Continue reading →

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Fishing With the Straßenbahn-Netz

Posted on March 4, 2013 by

A man sweeps the sidewalk in front of the hotel, casting gravel into a diminishing snowbank just past the curb. He wears a purple sweater over a white shirt, navy slacks, and blindingly shiny black shoes. He works quickly with … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Europe, Happiness, Observed, Travel, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Agency

Posted on February 4, 2013 by

I dare to unearth the Turkey travel guide in their presence. Yes, it is in English and the four old Turkish men are all trying to communicate with me in German, but they can sort out the recommendations from the … Continue reading →

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My Carrot-Towel Confusion

Posted on January 30, 2013 by

He’s among a dozen men with stands to sell fruits and vegetables on the Naschmarkt. We’ve became pals because one day I tried to ask for carrots in Turkish and he laughingly handed me a towel: “Havlu?” I blinked at … Continue reading →

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Acquiesce (and Check, please)

Posted on January 14, 2013 by

The young couple sits together on the same side of the booth. The boy tries to teach his completely beautiful girlfriend how to play chess–or not how to play, precisely, but he tries to explain the idea of it, the … Continue reading →

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Good, But No Samaritan

Posted on December 28, 2012 by

On the 92A bus, a gruff Austrian soldier keeps his pack on as he watches intently for his stop. Two elementary-aged boys on board spot an opportunity and sneak up next to the soldier. They connect a loop on his … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Europe, Happiness, Mischief, Travel, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Do-Re-Mi S.O.S.

Posted on December 24, 2012 by

Reblogged from The Nice Thing About Strangers: As bus merged onto the highway, leaving no chance for unhappy passengers to disembark, a group of Slovakian college students old enough to know better broke into song. The driver remained completely unmoved, … Continue reading →

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To Slow Down, Change Locations

Posted on October 24, 2012 by

He wanted to slow life up and he quite rightly felt that by traveling he would make time move with less rapidity. You have this noticed yourself, I expect, on a holiday. If you stay in one place, the holiday … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Europe, Happiness, Literature, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Postcard for Addy #2: Budapest and Vienna

Posted on September 21, 2012 by

Dear Addy, Greetings, dear niece of mine.  I’ll see you soon (just in time for your 6th birthday!), but I wanted to share a few more pictures from my trip. I know we’ll go to all of these places someday–or … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Happiness, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments