Sundays in the Park...

... but not with George. Georg, maybe, but no George.

So, I basically live at the Stadtpark now. Just like I did during springs in Bloomington, I find it hard to go inside right now in Vienna. Various trees and bulb flowers (tulips!) are in bloom here and the weather is that perfect cool-but-not-cold that works just right if you want to sit outside in the sun. So I do. In fact, a cherry petal just fell off the tree above me onto the keyboard.

The last time I visited Vienna, the only element missing was the one I’m currently enjoying… a coffee to go. Sure, you could always get McDonald’s or Starbucks, but Kaffee zu mitnehemen was just antithetical to Viennese (and most European) custom. Sure, you can bolt an espresso standing up in Italy, but you don’t take it anywhere. And in Vienna? Forget it… coffee is for sitting down and enjoying, slowly, complete with the much coveted free glass of water. And all served up on a silver tray. And then there was Espresso Mobil… a little three wheeled espresso (and tea, if you wish) truck that usually hangs out in the Stadtpark. Props to Sushi and Strudel for the recommendation. I feel complelled to add my one thought for today to her excellent review… this really isn’t against the Viennese coffee culture. In fact, it’s more like an extension of what they already prize in the ubiquitous sidewalk or courtyard seating, those coveted tables that have just recently opened up for the season. I’m enjoying this espresso macchiato in a leisurely fashion and I’m doing so in the fresh air… I’m just sitting on the ground, in grass strewn with fallen cherry petals, instead of a cheap metal chair. Nicht so schlecht.

So here's a visual record of the past few days...

In other news, I’m in the midst of a music binge. The Maghrebi/Viennese jazz band last night at Porgy and Bess was incredible. I can’t believe I had not already been to this venue, considering it lies directly between the Ubahn stop and the conservatory where I work. More jazz will have to wait, however, since I have three opera tickets for this week, two dinner invites, a lunch, and grading to do. Speaking of that… 

Another five proposals graded and I’ll treat myself to some frozen yogurt: “plain” flavor that’s anything but, real caramel sauce, and hazelnuts. Like a McDonald’s caramel sunday, only so, so much better...