Vienna is a beautiful city. It has magnificent architecture, a wonderful history and an incredible cultural heritage. It is a pristine and efficient city and easy to meander peacefully about. However there was something that left me feeling somewhat unattached from the place. I found it hard to define until the end of our tour when we rejoined the bus and our happy group of travelers. It was then I realised what I was missing – the spontaneity, the fun and above all the laughter. I feel very uneasy commenting on the culture of the city when my own lack of 'things cultural' is so evident. I guess I am more ‘Waltzing Matilda’ than "Viennese Waltz’. But I guess my feelings were best summed up by something we observed in the canal near our bus. Stationed there was a large barge containing an outdoor swimming pool. The deck was covered in sand and deck chairs were dotted about. A mere handful of people were enjoying the entertainment. It was the Viennese ‘beach’. Yet it was merely a mirage, a sad façade of a simple ‘day off at the beach'.

Ah Vienna, I wished to embrace you, I heard your music, but could not hum the tune.

John B

June 2010