All Saints Day

Liebe Familie, Samstag November 1st 2008
Mommy and I went to the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) early in the morning, which I had never done before, so it was an adventure getting there. We took Strassen-bahns, U-Bahns, buses winding through the curved streets up a mountain, and it was very fun. We wandered around the forest for a while, had a picnic, and then climbed a tower. The tower, “Stephaniewarte” was closed yesterday, but the woman in charge of it had just come to pick up a few things, and let a few of us in during that time. The tower will not be open again until next May, so it was very lucky we were able to do that.

We then went directly to the Zentralfriedhof, or Central Cemetery, as it was All Saints' Day. We got to see all of the Austrians going to their family's graves and decorating them with wreaths and floral arrangements. There were masses in the Friedhof Cathedral every hour, and it was really cool.

Afterwards we headed home, showered, and then went to the Volksoper where we saw “Die Zauberflöte.” I was very impressed with the performance, although the Queen of the Night was definitely lacking. The costuming, sets, and other performers were actually quite good. Even though it was a modern interpretation, I did not mind it at all.

Mommy and I came home and then stayed up late trying to plan our week of traveling.
Good Night!
Anna