Bis Später Vienna

I am writing my final blog post with deep sadness. As many of you know, President Trump passed a travel ban on non-American travel to the United States, due to the Spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. This encouraged most people, American citizens included, to return to the states as soon as possible. A single travel ban, would not have changed my decision, it was the decision for classes to be online.

Under Austrian University precautions, I would not be allowed to take Horn lessons face-to-face, nor would I be able to work with my accompanist weekly. All concerts and museums are closed in Vienna until Easter. At this point, I felt like my best option was to return home. With nothing to do in Vienna except walk around (maybe) and watch Netflix at home, I began to grow more homesick.

It has been my goal to study in Vienna since I decided to be a Music Major in High School. I wanted to come here, practice my German, learn from a member of the world’s greatest orchestra and study music in the City of Music. I am heartbroken that I cannot finish my lessons, but I have noticed that my skills and musicianship have drastically improved with the 5 lessons that I have had. This will greatly help upon my return to the States as I prepare for my Senior recital.

As I say “Auf Wiedersehen” to the city, I remember the wonderful parts of my short trip: the peaceful walks through city park, the super sweaty standing-room tickets, the delicious coffee and pastries from Aida and the many good lessons I had with my Horn teacher. I remember his quirky jokes and friendliness. He would always say things such as "du musst lauter sein, du musst wie eine Hornspielerin spielen" (you must be louder and play like a Horn player) and "Perfekt" when I played something well. 

I remember traveling outside of Vienna: climbing to the top of the Salzburg fortress when I was sick, listening to street music in Paris, eating Czech food with my friend in Prague and eating cannolis in Venice before it closed. I remember drinking hot chocolate with my host mom and that she likes to put cinnamon in hers. I remember the many good runs, in which I somehow always found something interesting. I remember having a few good lessons at my internship and playing a spontaneous duet of the Avengers with my mentor teacher, me on horn and him on trumpet, for the class. I remember the goodbye party that was hosted by many of my music friends to send off those of us that are leaving. Lastly, I remember the last two days before my flight. Two friends and I decided to make pancakes for breakfast and walk around Belvedere Palace, famous for being the residence of the Hapsburg family during their rule in the 18^th and 19^th Century. We also decided to get ice cream, now that ice cream stores were open, eat cheese samples from a cheese store in the first district and watch the sunset from the top of the Albertina Museum, which was closed for the Corona Epidemic.

Although I am sad to leave, I know I will be back, to either travel or to study upon my graduation from my university in the states. Instead of “Auf Wiedersehen”, I want to say “Bis Später”. See you later Vienna. I’ll be back.

Bridget