Autumn Approaches

I know, I know, it’s been way too long since I’ve blogged about anything. Let’s see, what’s happened since I got back from Salzburg? I’ve been going to a lot of performances at various venues for my music class. One night last week I went to see The Marriage of Figaro at the Staatsoper. It was really neat to be able to see it at the same time that we were studying it in class. However, we had only studied the first act, so I was a bit unprepared for the rest of it. It’s a very long opera. I did meet some fun people, though, in the box that I sat in – one couple was from Russia but had been practicing psychiatry in Maryland and the other couple was celebrating their 40^th anniversary and had come from London. Two nights after Figaro I went to see The Nutcracker. That was also a fun time. I went by myself, but that was okay. I was completely immersed in the ballet. I had forgotten how much I love The Nutcracker. All I could think about afterwards was how much I wanted it to be Christmas time. And the night after The Nutcracker I saw the famous Nikolaus Harnoncourt conduct a few of Joseph Haydn’s symphonies at the Musik Verein. The Haydn concert was really interesting. One of Haydn’s symphonies is called “The Surprise.” The last movement begins very softly and then there is traditionally a loud drum stroke to “surprise” everyone. Well, I suppose Harnoncourt was trying to be funny, because at this moment he pulled the trigger to a huge confetti canon that spewed thousands of colorful paper circles onto the stage. Of course everyone jumped but laughed so hard afterwards. I had never seen such a performance. It was a ton of fun!

Elizabeth and I reenacting the confetti canon

            Molly’s parents have been here in Vienna since last week. It’s been nice to have them here. It was a little rough seeing my family leave me, so in a way it’s comforting to have Molly’s parents here. They invited me out to lunch last week and we all had a great time. Molly, of course, has been happy too (not that she isn’t always happy!).

            I have to mention that yesterday was the halfway point for this semester abroad. I used to say that time was going by fast here, but I can’t believe how long it took to get to this moment. It’s been getting cold here and the leaves are starting to change colors. I’m always so in love with the red leaves of autumn. Pretty soon I’m sure we will get some snow too! Midterms are already next week. Actually, they start this Saturday with my German exam. And then guess what! I’m going to London next weekend! Naturally, I’m extremely excited to be visiting the homeland of Harry Potter. It will be quite an adventure, I’m sure.

The red leaves of our apartment building

Cheerio!

P.S. Be expecting the epitome of excitement in the next blog. ;)