An Amazing View and a Close Brush With Communism

Earlier this week, I rode the U6 to the Langefeldgasse station where I changed to the U4 and rode to the end of the line at Heiligernstadt. I then located the 38A bus and rode through winding streets on a gently rising incline that would culminate at a couple of attractions called Kahlenberg and Leopoldau.

The day was brilliantly sunny and the temperature was just on the cool and breezy side. A long sleeved pullover was welcome on this day. I have learned to pack at least one outer garment with me when I venture out. It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. The quaint outlying houses gave way to tree covered hillsides. The city bus continued to wind its way up what most Oklahomans would call a mountain. Not unlike foothills of the Rockies, the "mountains" around Vienna are much lower than the neighboring Alps. But the 500 foot elevation was noticeable going up and the on the descent.

Upon arriving at Kahlenberg, I encountered a cathedral built in 1683. From this point, King Sobiesky marched his army in 1683 to liberate Vienna from the Turks. But just steps beyond the impressive structure was something amazing. A view of the city of Vienna that cannot be described. The land, the Danube River (and canal), the city, all these sights combining into one tremendous panorama. Pictures do not do this view the justice it deserves but I am attaching them anyway.

On the other side of the lowest foothill of the Alps (as described in Fodor's Travel Guide) stands the fort built in the 12th century by King Leopold of Poland. The fort has decayed over the years but the walls remain. The view from this sight is equally amazing. I encountered some locals and as I passed I realized that they had said "Guten Tag" (good day) I had walked a few steps before it sank in on me that they were addressing me. I tossed a return "Guten Morgen" to them apologetically over my shoulder. I then heard some one say "Auslander" which means loosely, "not from around here". I gave them an enthusiastic "Ja"! and continued on as they chuckled. Later, they would take my picture with the backdrop of the grand view.

The Church at Kahlenburg; built in 1683

Spectacular view of the Danube, the Danube Canal, and the city North of them. Most of Vienna is out of the picture to the right.

The walls of the fort at Leopoldau. Built in the 12th century. The top of a building in the fort is in the background.

Upon return from the mountain I tried Turkish Kebap from a small street vendor. The cost was 2.50 Euros and I would describe it as Chicken Fried Rice (ish) They put a yogurt-like sauce on it and I also had some spices added. I sat in front of the U Bahn station and ate it while guarding it from an aggressive pigeon that was obviously not afraid of any human. I looked up at the wording on the building and realized it was named after the "Father of Communism" Karl Marx. Oh, no! Will being so close to such a thing creep into my psyche and contaminate my brain? Will I be tempted to address others as "Comrade"? Will I be allowed back into Oklahoma after surviving such a brush with "Socialism Gone Wild" I think that a few episodes of Fox and Friends should be sufficient to reprogram me back to see the true light if I have in fact, been brainwashed by my close proximity to such vulgarity.

Warning: Living here could lead to creeping Communism!

As I approached the U4 station to return, I saw a girl with a radio microphone for the station 88.6. She beckoned me and asked me for an interview. I replied that I would be happy to oblige. She then frowned and said that it had to be in German. I nodded in agreement and shrugged. The I added that I DID know their slogan "Ve spielen vat ve wollen" (we play what we want) She lit up and exclaimed, "Ok. Say that! Introduce yourself and say the slogan". I complied with my best radio voice, "This is Lyn Hepner from Altus, Oklahoma USA. Ve speilen vat ve wollen, Ja". I later had a picture taken of us both but the microphone with the radio logo didn't make it into the pic. I continued on, concealing my new found celebrity till now. Listen for me on 88.6 soon.

The day was a successful sight seeing experience but I am going to return to take Susan. I held some information about the trip back so as to be even better when she arrives. I am posting some pics of the experience. Sorry to block some of the scenery with my big self.

Guten Tag, auslanders"