Working Girl

Going to and from 'the office'

There is no question that when I had my own business and worked from the house, I had the best commute possible. A single flight of stairs separated my personal life from my office in the basement. This had its drawbacks, of course, as I could never really be completely in one place without feeling the very nearby pull of the other. But it was a small price, well worth paying, to not have to deal with NYC subways!

Here in Vienna, however, where I have to travel to each class I teach, often several times a day, commuting is a downright pleasure. First, as I’ve written earlier, with my annual pass I can make as many trips as I want without paying a fare each time. This in itself is a bonus. 

Second, since Vienna is not all that huge, getting anywhere within the city usually takes no more than half an hour. And the going is easy, comfortable, quick, and reliable.

Before working here, creature of habit that I am, I would have thought that I’d prefer the predictability of commuting to the same office every day, not having to think about which connections to make (i.e. getting lost!), or calculating different travel times. But I’ve found that one of the advantages of the language schools sending me out to different company offices for each class is that it’s been the best way to get to know the city. I’ve gone to districts and areas and business environments I would have never otherwise seen. And sometimes the getting there is also just as interesting.

So here are a few snapshots of my various commutes so far.

One group I teach is at a company in the Millenium Tower in the 20th district. It is the tallest office building in the city, and offers this spectacular view, looking south, from the conference room where I teach. The Danube is off to the left.

I get to ride this classy-looking elevator every time I teach at the office of one of the language schools, which is located in the very heart of the first district, just off the Graben and steps away from Stephansdom.

And here is what Stephansdom looked like at sunset the other evening as I left the office - a balmy evening, and the cafes and the pedestrian plaza were full. Perfect time to reward myself with a gelato combo - hazelnut and chocolate!

I've been teaching several classes at the Austrian motor club (their AAA), which is about 15 minutes north of the city limits in a town called Klosterneuberg, famous for its ancient monastery. Even before spring, the scenery was picturesque, so I enjoy going there even though it's a 45-minute commute each way and a 10-minute hike from the bus stop, up a fairly steep road.

I've just started some new classes at one of the country's major banks in the third district, and I pass the Wiener Konzert Haus every time I go there. The concert season is really kicking into high gear now, so I hope to treat myself soon, because, after all, they get the top orchestras and soloists. But I think I need to save a few more Euros before I do!

Have I mentioned lately how much the Viennese like to eat? This modest array is one of several in a series of shops in the shopping mall/lobby of one company where I teach. It greets (and tempts) me every time, even early in the morning.

This is a (surreptitiously taken) photo of the reception desk/counter at a huge client company, located in a corporate park in the 12th district. Employees scoop up the free fruit by the handful on their way to work. Smart company!

I wonder where my next assignment will take me ... 

Best Birthday Ever

Who knew my kids could lie so well?

With the stealth-of-mission worthy of a Mossad sting operation, it turns out that my children – long before I even left for Vienna – had been plotting, scheming, and exercising the most extreme secrecy in order to stage a birthday surprise that would top all birthday surprises. And if there is such a thing as happy PTSD, then I have it, because I am still reliving that moment of surprise over and over in my mind. And it sends my heart racing every time.

The last time I had seen Ben was at the end of September 2010, when he left for London to study at the Royal College of Art. I’d said my tearful goodbyes to Michelle after Thanksgiving, and then again on New Year’s Eve, when I’d had to return briefly to NJ.

Since then, thanks to e-mail, Facebook and, above all, Skype, I’ve been able to stay in touch, but of course it’s not the same as being together. A few weeks ago, Ben suggested that he might like to come for a visit around the time of my birthday. Of course I was ecstatic, and immediately began thinking of all the places we could go and things we could do for the week (Monday to Friday) that he said he’d be here.

So after teaching my morning class on Monday, the 2^nd, I hopped on the CAT train to the airport, and with great joy and jubilation, hugged my beamish boy on his arrival. We stopped for a jause (afternoon snack) in the outdoor garden of my neighborhood café before going to my apartment, and Ben’s reunion with Scout. Let me tell you - that was one happy dog! (Ben was pretty happy too.)

On Tuesday, my birthday, we walked and walked all around my district, stopping for lunch at one of the university campus bistros. A quick return to the apartment to feed and walk Scout, then out again to stroll and shop through the streets of the 7^th and 6^th districts. When the shops started closing and my feet started giving out, we headed back to my place.

As we walked down the street towards my apartment, Ben asked me what I wanted for Mother’s Day. I was clueless, and even surprised by the question. I think I said something like, “Nothing special.” Ben just grinned and said, “I think we can do better than that.” I shrugged and said, “OK, whatever you’d like to do is fine with me.” I looked up, and there in front of me stood Michelle and Arnon. I was speechless, flabbergasted, and overjoyed.

Oh, so happy me, out for my birthday dinner with my kids at Selbstverständlich (Obviously), my favorite local restaurant.

Ben made an omelet breakfast for us all
before our day's excursion.

It was the last thing in the world I was expecting, but the best thing in the world I could have ever dreamed of. Mish had told me that they were leaving on Thursday for Israel to see family. But, papushdeenisneakies that they are, they left on Monday instead and had arranged their itinerary to include a stop in Vienna. The down side was that, in reality, Ben could not take the time to stay the whole week. Of course, he’d known that all along, but told me he was going to stay through Friday just to ensure that I didn’t make any other plans. They had to be sure I’d be here – and not busy – for Michelle’s visit. Their master plan unfolded brilliantly.

A Ferris Bueller moment in front of
a Schiele landscape

Soooooooo, the next day, Ben, Michelle, Arnon and I went together to the Leopold Museum (great exhibit of Jugendstil/Art Nouveau jewelry and some amazing Schiele), and had fantastic Austrian cuisine for lunch. 

Aw ...

And aw ...

On the train to the plane

Coffee and strudel at the classic
Grienstedl Cafe  

Ben gets his Wienerschnitzel

Then we accompanied Ben to the CAT for his return flight to London. Michelle, Arnon and I ambled in and around the 1^st district. Of course this included a  stop for coffee and apfelstrudel, then it was back to my place for a rest and a home-cooked meal. 

A quick stop to see one of the offices where I teach.

Thursday was Arnon’s turn to leave, as he was eager to see his family and home, where he hadn’t been in a year and a half. Mish and I had a glorious day together, strolling and eating at the Naschmarkt, window-shopping on Mariahilferstrasse (and, yes, a coffee at the old coffee house there). Dinner was a quiet meal of Austrian fare at the café around the corner. 

Yes, it's edible wurst, but it's marzipan!

Our parting the next morning was, of course, quite sad, but the utter joy and love I felt over the previous few days was enough to get me through the moment of separation. And I will be living off that for a lifetime.  Thank you, my dearest, most wonderful children, from the very bottom of my heart. You are the best, and you made this absolutely the best birthday ever.