Tag Archives: Vienna

Citation

Posted on April 26, 2013 by

She was widely read enough to appreciate my literary wit but not so widely read that she knew my sources. I like that in a woman. I could say things to her like, ‘The most singular difference between happiness and … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Europe, Literature, Travel, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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

Men

Posted on April 3, 2013 by

It is a Turkish barber shop in Vienna. A lean, dark-eyed man smokes a cigarette, even as the barber lathers his face for a shave. The barber works around the ash. A young man in a white jacket and dress … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Happiness, Mischief, Observed, Travel, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

But You Can Drive Something Foreign…

Posted on April 1, 2013 by

For the very notion of homeland, with all its emotional power, is bound up with the relative brevity of our life, which allows us too little time to become attached to some other country, to other countries, to other languages. … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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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Mess Things Up.

Posted on November 26, 2012 by

After all, there is nothing but failure. If at least we have the will to fail we make progress. If we give up each time before we have started we eventually find ourselves in desperation, and finally and ultimately we … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Europe, Happiness, Literature, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments