Life in the 1700s Mini-Saga

Civilization in Europe is much older than that in the US. Many of you have commented that when experiencing a tour through a castle or other building where people lived many years ago, you try to imagine what their lives were really like as you walk on the same surfaces they walked. What tour specifically gave you that imaginative moment and what were you thinking about? If you could, would you want to go back in time and, for example, hear Mozart (or one of our other “Great” composers) perform, or see Maria Theresia, or study with Leonardo da Vinci, or attend a concert of the VonTrapp Family Singers, etc.? What would that life be like for you, do you think?

    While traveling through Europe and visiting many different castles I wondered what life would be like if I lived in the 1700s. Would I be valued as a woman or would I be forced into submission by societal pressure? I would like to think that I would be resilient enough to reject the norms that most females adhered to; however, would I wear down enough to eventually comply with societal norms? While touring Fortress Hohensalzburg in Salzburg, Austria, and walking from room to room I realized that if I had the chance I would definitely travel back in time to the 1700s. Although I would be trepidatious concerning my role and rank in society, I would definitely be intrigued by what life was like especially for women. Would I be ranked highly in society and therefore be more constrained by societal pressures? Or would I have a lower rank and thereby have somewhat more freedom to do whatever I please? No matter what rank in society I would have, I personally believe that I would want to be independent of what others tell me to do. While exploring Castello Sforzesco in Milan, Italy, I additionally asked myself the question of what life would be like for a woman in court. While touring the castle I came across an old mirror which made me think that I would not fit in very well at court. I am a very assertive woman when it comes to my independence. Therefore, I believe that if I were to travel back in time to the 1700s I would likely be ousted from court due to my beliefs about women's roles in society. I would fight for the right of women to have jobs and be free from men regarding marriage. However, this would be seen as radical and therefore I would not be embraced at any court back in the 1700s. Additionally, if I were to travel back in time I would most definitely want to meet Maria Theresia and ask her how it feels to be a female leader of the Austrian empire. Specifically, I would ask her about the concerns she has for women during that time and also how she is treated by the rest of the court. I would also ask her about her thoughts on the Enlightenment. Would she support the Enlightenment as being a female ruler is a progressive shift in societal norms? I have always been intrigued by history and growing up I have always wished that time travel was a real thing, not so I can just explore what life was like back then, but also to hopefully gain a greater sense of how slow progression actually takes in society. 

This photo was taken while touring Fortress Hohensalzburg in Salzburg, Austria. As I was walking from room to room I wondered what my rank in society would be back then if I had the chance to time travel. The gold markings seen in the background of the photo specifically made me question what my rank in society would be. Would I be highly ranked in society and able to live in a place such as Fortress Hohensalzburg surrounded by gold materials? Or would I be at the bottom of the hill below the Fortress looking up at the looming edifice wishing to be in a higher rank?

This photo was taken while touring Castello Sforzesco in Milan, Italy. While looking in the centuries-old mirror I thought about all of the people who have looked into this mirror in the past and what life was like for them. Did women look at themselves back then and wish to be someone else or wish to be free from societal norms and pressures? Or were highly ranked women perfectly fine with being placed into submissive roles and wedded against their choice? Looking into this mirror also made me realize that I would not fit in very well with the high ranks of society back in the 1700s. Personally, I believe that my thoughts about female independence would not be taken well and therefore I would most definitely be ousted from society. 

Bewilderment and Familiarity: The Barber of Seville

Today, Rossini’s Barber of Seville remains one of the most performed operas in the world.  What was your reaction to our second act performance in the Vienna Staatsoper?  How do you think the opera remains so popular?

Bewilderment and familiarity of the Barber of Seville.

Why do I feel like I've heard this story many times before?

Another damsel in distress waiting to be saved by a man.

Treated as a commodity rather than a human being.

Such stereotypes have never ceased,

They have only been modernized.

This photo was taken at the very end of the Barber of Seville while people were exiting the Vienna Staatsoper. Unfortunately, I was unable to take photos of the performance as they are not allowed and disrupt the performance. However, this depiction of a woman on the curtains made me realize that the Barber of Seville is very similar to Disney fairytales I watched while growing up. In the second act of the opera, I noticed that Rosina was portrayed as a damsel in distress waiting for a man to come and free her from another who has kept her captive. This is very similar to the story of Rapunzel in which a young woman is held captive and longs for the day that a man comes along to free her. The similarity between the Barber of Seville and Rapunzel made me realize that female stereotypes have never ceased, they have only modernized. This rings true, especially in the Vienna Staatsoper's performance of the Barber of Seville. Even though the Vienna opera house modernized the opera by adding comedic modern outfits, sets, and dialogue, it still conveys a story in which a damsel in distress is waiting to be saved by a man. Personally, I believe that the opera remains so popular despite its inherent stereotypes of women because it has been modernized just enough to the point that the prejudice against women is hidden beneath a layer of jokes and colorful set designs. I believe that the opera will remain popular in the future as the damsel in distress storyline has always been popular even in modern Disney movies. 

This photo was taken from Google and the proper citation is below. Unfortunately, I was unable to take a photo of this scene depicting Rosina and Dr. Bartolo during the opera of the Barber of Seville as photos were not allowed. This photo depicts Rosina, a young woman who is being held captive by her mentor, and Dr. Bartolo, who plans on marrying Rosina to obtain her dowry. The fact that Rosina is being held captive by her mentor in order for him to marry her and obtain her handsome dowry represents the stereotype of women being regarded as commodities rather than human beings. I was bewildered noticing this during the second act of the opera at the Vienna Staatsoper and by the fact that it is still performed in such a manner in today's world.

Citation: "Maurizio Muraro as Dr. Bartolo and Isabel Leonard as his ward, Rosina, in Bartlett Sher's Metropolitan Opera production of II Barbiere di Siviglia" by Beth Bergman, https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2012/12/Departments/Metropolitan_Opera_Broadcast__The_Barber_of_Seville.html.

Serenity of Mass in the Duomo Mini-Saga

In Milan, we attended a mass in the Duomo.  React freely to this experience—how did the liturgy, music, and/or space in the cathedral affect you?

The serenity of mass.

Why does mass quell my anxious thoughts?

Is it the soothing hymns of the choir that I once sang?

Hearing in Italian pronunciation "may peace be with you and with your spirit"?

Or the 600 years of effort it took to make such a serene locus?

This photo was taken while touring the Duomo during an independent research day in Milan, Italy. Unfortunately, I was unable to take photos of the choir during mass at the Duomo as photos are not allowed while mass is being held. However, one is able to see the risers that the choir stands on during mass in the photo as they are just behind the tv on the left side of the photo. During mass, I felt very serene and at peace in my mind. I couldn't tell whether it was the soothing hymns of the choir, the liturgy performed, or the fact that I was sitting in a centuries-old church that took hundreds of years to make. Personally, I believe that the soothing voices of the choir are likely what made me feel at peace. I attended a Catholic high school where I was part of the choir that sang during mass. I recalled some of the songs that were sung during mass at the Duomo and I felt serene listening to them, especially since I resonated with them regarding my religious upbringing. 

This photo was taken while touring the top of the Duomo in Milan, Italy. In the photo, one is able to see that I was astonished by the intricate architecture of the Duomo. While on our walking tour of Milan, our tour guide mentioned that it took 600 years to build the church. I was not surprised by this fact considering the intricacy of both the inside and the outside of the church. One can see in the photo that each pillar on the outside of the church has a sculpture at the top of the pillar. Although I was absolutely astonished by how the placement of such sculptures was achieved, I felt serene during mass knowing how much effort has gone into the construction of the Duomo. Not only did I feel serene regarding how much effort went into the construction, but I also felt serene noticing the delicate details that went into making such a beautiful edifice.

Comparison and Contrast of Salzburg, Vienna, Venice, and Milan

Compare and contrast the 4 cities we have visited, Salzburg, Vienna, Venice, and Milan. Which appeals to you the most, and why? Which city appeals least to you, and why? Would you want to live in any of these cities, why or why not? Be descriptive and analytical.

    As my class has traveled across Europe, we have stayed in Salzburg, Vienna, Venice, and Milan. I have loved traveling to all of these places and embracing everything that each city has to offer. However, with that being said, these cities are very similar and different from one another in each their own unique ways. Even though both Vienna and Milan are predominantly modern cities, they both uphold religious values and traditions. While touring Vienna, I visited numerous churches such as Saint Stephen's Cathedral and Saint Peter's Catholic Church. While visiting both of these religious institutions I noticed that similar to Milan's churches, Saint Stephen's Cathedral and Saint Peter's Catholic Church have tombs where society is able to honor past religious leaders. The Duomo in Milan also has tombs of past religious leaders in which people are able to read about the impact they made on the world and honor their spirit by lighting candles and offering flowers. Although Salzburg and Venice are much less industrial and modern compared to Vienna and Milan, they also still uphold religious values. In Salzburg, I had the opportunity to visit Petersfriedhof which is a cemetery where past religious figures are buried and religious paintings are honored with multiple offerings such as flowers, candles, and even jewelry. In addition, I was able to visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa in Venice. Although the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa did not have any tombs to honor, the church was filled with religious sculptures and paintings that are honored by Venetian society. 

    While Salzburg, Vienna, Venice, and Milan are very similar to one another in their religious traditions, Salzburg varied from the rest of these cities in its tourist attractions. Vienna, Venice, and Milan are very popular tourist destinations that have numerous tourist attractions. Although Salzburg is somewhat of a popular tourist destination, it does not have quite as many tourist attractions as the other cities I visited. A possible reason why there are fewer tourist attractions in Salzburg is likely due to the fact that it's a much smaller city and less industrial compared to Vienna, Venice, and Milan. 

    After noticing these similarities and differences between Salzburg, Vienna, Venice, and Milan, I was most appealed to the city of Venice regarding its unique qualities. Although I appreciate the quaintness of smaller cities like Salzburg, I grew up in the city of Dallas, Texas, so I am naturally more appealed to large cities while traveling. Although Venice isn't the largest city regarding its land mass, Venice felt much larger while exploring its canals rather than viewing it on a map. I was also attracted to the unique canals of Venice considering there are very few cities in the world that are completely surrounded by crystal-clear water. Although I thoroughly enjoyed visiting all of these cities, I was least attracted to Milan. I loved the Italian culture and tourist attractions in Milan, but I felt somewhat unsafe while traveling around Milan. There were a couple of times when I was approached by groups of men on the street trying to talk to me and ask me where I was from. There was also an instance in which my classmates were harassed by an Italian man spitting on people walking out of our hotel. With that being said, I would love to live in Venice not only because of the extraordinary cuisine but also because of its unique waters. I grew up loving big cities but also loving to be outside and active. Therefore, Venice is the ideal city for me to live in because it's predominantly a walking city with gorgeous scenery and delicious seafood. 

This photo was taken while touring the Duomo in Milan, Italy. In the photo, one is able to see the tomb of Beatro Andrea Carlo Ferrari, who is the former archbishop of Milan. While I took this photo I noticed people lighting candles next to his tomb and honoring his spirt through prayer. This experience made me realize that even though Milan is a very modern and industrial city, it still emphasizes religious traditions regarding prominent religious figures and artifacts. 

This photo was taken while visiting the Petersfriedhof cemetery in Salzburg, Austria. I took this photo while standing inside a crypt within the cemetery. The outside cemetery had many religious figures that were honored with candles and flowers but this was the first time on the trip that I saw a religious piece of art being honored. The stool in front of the painting is there for people to pray while honoring the artwork and I was deeply intrigued by this because I had never before seen a piece of art honored in this way. Typically, people tend to pray/honor tombs or religious artifacts such as sculptures depicting Jesus' crucifixion. This experience made me realize how Salzburg is heavily dependent on religious traditions similar to the other cities I visited including Vienna, Venice, and Milan.

This photo was taken while on the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy. In the background of the photo one is able to see crystal-clear waters even though its a very busy city with large amounts of pollution from boats. I was most appealed to Venice because of the crystal-clear waters, intricate canals, and delicious seafood. I was unfortunately unable to take a photo of the delicious shrimp scampi I had while in Venice, but one is able to see in this photo that Venice is absolutely surrounded by water and therefore they have super fresh and appetizing seafood. I would definitely live in Venice as I believe its the perfect mix between being a large city and being completely unique from anywhere I've ever been before.

Cultural Relativism: The Universality of Music Mini-Saga

We’ve experienced multiple musical performances as part of an audience who spoke multiple languages and came from many cultural backgrounds.  Yet music was the common shared expressive and communicative tool among us all–as Thoreau put it, music serves as a “universal language.”  Reflect on the power of music to act in this way, and why that’s important to you and society as a whole.

Cultural relativism.

The comprehension of music.

Influenced by the understanding of words,

Or influenced by tone?

Language cannot be understood by all,

But tone is always recognized regardless of the diction it’s displayed within.

The universality of music eases my cultural shock

And bridges the gap of polarization throughout society.

This photo was taken while visiting Castello Sforzesco during our class walking tour of Milan, Italy. Although the man playing the piano in the photo was singing in Italian, I was able to recognize the song that he was singing which was "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. The tone of the song was very sad and when I was walking by I actually recognized the song he was singing based on the sad tone rather than the words he was speaking. This represents the idea that music serves as a universal language. Although there is cultural relativism in the world, the tone of music can be recognized by all regardless of the language one speaks. The realization of this actually eased my apprehension about speaking in Italian. I felt much more confident speaking to others in Italian after this experience because I realized that in order for someone to understand another it does not matter what language one speaks but rather the manner and tone in which words are spoken.

This photo was taken while I was attending the Beethoven Symphony no.7 and Mozart Symphony no.36 "Linz" at Malibran Theater in Venice, Italy. Both symphonies were only played using instruments and there was no singing during the performances. Throughout the symphonies, I noticed that the crowd was synchronous in their emotions during each piece. When the tempo would slow down people's faces and body language became very serious; however, when the tempo was fast people would seem much more attentive and energized. This made me realize that music truly is universal. Although language cannot be comprehended by all, music can be universally understood due to the emotion it influences one to feel. This realization led me to the question "Would the world be less polarized if we all spoke the same language?". 

Space and Place: The Emotions of Musical Experiences

Along with hearing different composers and musical genres, we have seen many different concert halls and experienced many different audiences. How does the specific space and place impact your musical experience?

    While studying abroad, my class and I had the opportunity to attend various musical events such as operas and concerts. Throughout these musical events, I have realized the power of truly listening to music without being distracted by visual components. The first musical event we attended was the opera of Mozart's La Finta Giardiniera at the Landesberger Theater in Salzburg, Austria. I absolutely loved the opera and how the story was carried out in a more modern context with new-age set designs and costumes. However, I realized after the opera that I paid more attention to the acting rather than the music during the performance. I was still attentive to how the music changed regarding the multiple tone switches at the beginning or end of every scene, but for some reason, I felt more influenced by the acting rather than the music. During the opera, I felt more emotional relating to how Sandrina/Violante was treated by the rest of the characters rather than being emotional from the actual music itself. Therefore, before attending our next musical event at the Chamber music concert at Schloss Mirabell in Salzburg, I reminded myself to pay close attention to the music rather than the visual aspects of the performance. During the concert, I noticed that I was emotionally influenced by the tempo of each piece more so than at the opera. Some of the pieces performed made me feel relaxed and at ease in my mind due to the slow nature of the song; however, other faster-paced songs made me feel either energized or ominous depending on the tone of the piece. After making this realization that the specific place of musical events influences my emotions in various ways, I began to think about the space revolving around these musical events and how it influences me as well. At the opera, the space is very large and the room is constructed in a U-shaped manner so that opera singers can be heard from any point in the room. However, at the Chamber music concert, the space was very condensed to a small room so that people are able to hear the full clarity of the instruments in a more up close and personal setting. After taking the space of different musical events into account, I noticed that when I attended the Chamber music concert I was most likely more emotionally influenced because I was closer to the sound and vibrations of the music. During the concert, I felt as if I was part of the music itself rather than just listening as if I was at the opera. This realization that the space and place of musical events deeply affect my musical experience has helped me to become more intentional. Now when I attend music events I am not only attentive to the musicians/performers, but I am engaged with the actual music itself.

This photo was taken from Google and the proper citation is below. This photo depicts the inside of the Landesberger Theater in Salzburg, Austria. Unfortunately, I was so absolutely astonished by the ceiling of the theater that I forgot to take a picture of the layout of the space before the opera started. The inside of the theater is U-shaped so that the sound is able to travel to the back of the room. Although I enjoyed the music during the opera, I felt less emotionally influenced compared to my experience at the Chamber concert. I believe that the space of the room impaired my ability to emotionally connect with the music on a personal level. Compared to the concert hall I was further away from the vibrations of the music and personally, I feel that when music is at a louder volume I am more prone to feel connected and emotionally influenced. 

Citation: "Salzburger Landestheater : Event Location : salzburg.info" by Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, https://www.salzburg.info/en/events/event-venues/salzburger-landestheater. 

This photo was taken while attending the Chamber music concert at Schloss Mirabell in Salzburg, Austria. The shape of the room was somewhat small compared to the Landesberger Theater and therefore I felt as if the vibrations from the music were much stronger. I believe that the music was much louder while attending the concert rather than the opera, which led me to feel much more in tune and emotionally congruent with the music. Although I was a couple of rows back from the performing musicians, the loud vibrations from the music made me feel as if I was part of the music and playing alongside them. 

Cultural Differences Between Venetian and Viennese Culture

What cultural differences (from Austria, from the US, from another culture you know) have you experienced in Italy? How does this involve language, technology, values, beliefs and/or norms? Speculate on the reasons behind these differences.

    While in Venice, Italy I noticed many cultural differences compared to Vienna, Austria. The first cultural difference I noticed was that Venetians take more time to enjoy life at a slower pace compared to Viennese culture. In Vienna, the hotel breakfast typically started at 6:30 am; however, in Venice, the hotel breakfast started much later at 8:00 am. Therefore, after realizing this difference in norms I speculate that Venetians are much more focused on the enjoyment of life rather than the objectives of life. Rather than placing emphasis on time and the objectives of the day like Viennese culture, Venetian culture emphasizes the joys of life such as food and family. Another reason why Venetians wake up much later than the Viennese culture is likely due to the tide in Venice. The tide in Venice is generally at its highest early in the mornings and therefore Venetian culture has historically been accustomed to waking up much later in order to avoid the possibility of walking through flooded areas. Although in most recent years floods have been less prominent with the advancement of technology, I believe that Venetian culture has been historically accustomed to waking up later due to the tide.

    In addition to the difference between Viennese and Venetian culture regarding the timing of the day, another cultural difference I have noticed involves dining etiquette norms. While in Vienna, I noted that the Viennese culture is very quiet while dining compared to Venetian culture. When I went out to eat with friends in Vienna I noticed that we were the loudest ones in the restaurant. However, when I went out for dinner with friends in Venice we surprisingly fit in despite the noise coming from our table. This realization led me to speculate that Venetians are typically louder than the Viennese because they tend to dine with their family rather than friends or business associates. In Vienna, I rarely saw families eating out with one another and mainly only saw friends or business associates dining with one another. However, in Venice, I saw numerous families dining and laughing while speaking to one another. I believe that the dining etiquette norms in Vienna are culturally different than Venice because family and food are very closely correlated with one another more so in Venetian culture rather than Viennese culture.

This photo was taken from Google and the proper citation is below. This photo is a couple years old but it shows that the high tide in Venice's mornings makes it very difficult for people to navigate the city and live everyday life. Although there are current technological systems that prevent Venice from flooding, I speculate that the high tides in the city have historically accustomed Venetians to wake up later in the day.

Citation: "Venice under water as high tide takes canal city by surprise" by Wanted in Milan, https://www.wantedinmilan.com/news/venice-under-water-as-high-tide-takes-canal-city-by-surprise.html.

This photo was taken when Erin, Becca, and I went out for dinner in Venice, Italy. We were worried about being too loud especially in a family owned restaurant. However, we were very surprised when the restaurant got loud enough to the point that I couldn't hear them speak without yelling to me. This was a big transition from Viennese culture in which they're typically quiet during meals. In the background of this photo one is able to see large families dining with one another. I speculate that the correlation between family and food is a reason for why Venetians are generally much louder than the Viennese culture during meals. Typically one is louder with the people they feel comfortable with.

Legacies Live in Graves Mini-Saga

We've visited many gravesites of the great composers. Why do you think or feel it is important to do this?

Can one continue to live after leaving this world?

Does one's legacy make the man or does man make the legacy?

Are tombstones withered words of remembrance or tributes of legacy?

Gravesites are not only important for honoring the great but for immortalizing the impact that one made while alive.

This photo was taken while visiting Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's grave. Unfortunately, Mozart's remains were never found due to the fact that he was buried in an unmarked grave. However, this statue symbolizes his grave as visitors pay honor to the great composer even though he is not physically buried there. This influences one to think of the question "Does one's legacy make the man or does man make the legacy?". In this case, I believe that Mozart made his legacy not only through his influential talent, but his legacy makes him as he continues to be honored in a place where he isn't technically buried.

This photo was taken while visiting Ludwig van Beethoven's grave. In the photo, one is able to see many flowers and candles which show that Beethoven continues to be honored to this very day. This represents the idea that one's legacy or impact that one made while living continues on even after they have left this world. Beethoven continues to be a symbol of greatness not only through music but throughout the deaf community as well. The impact that Beethoven made while alive inspires others and teaches one that a person does not need to have the ability to hear in order to be great. 

The Complexity and Intricacy of Venice's Canals

Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world. How has it impressed you as you've experienced it, and why? Please be specific in your reply.

    During our travels throughout Europe, my class had the wonderful opportunity to visit Venice, Italy. To be completely honest, once I stepped off the coach that carried us from Vienna to Venice I was a little apprehensive about navigating the waterways of Venice. While completing the poster presentation during our study abroad preparatory class this past Fall, I learned that Venice is very difficult to navigate due to the lack of maps online. However, this apprehension quickly faded once we stepped off the water taxi into the heart of Venice. From that point on, I was continually impressed by the inherent complexity and intricacy of Venice. As some friends and I went on a gondola ride throughout the city, I was deeply impressed by the complexity of Venice's waterways. While on the gondola, I noticed that the canals in Venice are essentially the same as roads on land; however, instead of cars, there are primarily boats and gondolas. I was deeply impressed by Venice's canals and how they're uniquely connected to each other. A lot of regular business and day-to-day activities occur throughout the waterways such as trash pickup. Instead of a truck coming to each block and picking up trash, a boat would stop at every canal in Venice to pick up trash. I was thoroughly impressed by the inherent reliance on Venice waterways, especially when contrasting it to my experiences of growing up in Dallas, Texas. In Dallas, many people rely on motor transportation to navigate the city. All life in Dallas revolves around motor transportation due to the city being so big and primarily consisting of large plots of land. However, Venice is different from any other city I have ever had the opportunity to visit. I was so impressed by the intricacy of the waterways not only because they're unique, but also because they're relied on in the same way that roads are in the United States.

My friends Erin, Becca, and I went on a gondola ride during our second day in Venice. We were asked by the gondolier whether we would like to be dropped off closer to our hotel since we started off the ride at the main pier of Venice near Piazza San Marco, which was further from our hotel. When he asked this question I thought back to how I was overwhelmed at the start of the trip regarding navigating the waterways. However, my trepidation quickly transformed into astonishment once I realized how Venice's canals are essentially roads but just on water. After this realization, I felt very comfortable telling the gondolier where to drop us off because I recognized the buildings/landmarks near our hotel.

While walking throughout the city of Venice, Jenn pointed out a boat that picks up trash by navigating the canals of Venice. I was so impressed by Venice's waterways after seeing that the canals are not only used for joy rides on gondolas but are actually relied on by Venetians for the purposes of everyday life. Unfortunately, I was unable to take a picture of the waste management boat as we were traveling in a large group and I didn't have time to stop for a picture. Therefore, this photo was taken from Google and the proper citation is below.

Citation: "Boat collecting garbage in the canal, Veneto, Venice, Italia" by Eric Lafforgue, https://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/46511868375.

Austrian Traditions

We have heard about (and seen) many Austrian traditions from our tour guides and during our travels. Many of these involve how Austrians celebrate life and honor those who have passed. Which Austria traditions have you found to be most interesting and why?

    While touring the Austrian town of Hallstatt, our tour guide Anna brought us to the Beinhaus cemetery which rested upon a beautiful view of the lake and mountains. Anna explained that it's a tradition in Hallstatt to paint the skulls of deceased loved ones as a way to honor and remember them. Typically, the family of the deceased will paint their skull and place it in a crypt along with other skulls from those who once lived in Hallstatt. Although this tradition has occurred since the early 18th century, it's, unfortunately, becoming less popular as the last skull to be placed there was in the late 1990s. The paintings of each skull symbolize different things. An oak painting signifies glory, a painting of ivy symbolizes life, and paintings of roses represent love. I found this Austrian tradition to be very interesting because it's vastly different compared to how Americans honor those who have passed. In America, a majority of people would be uncomfortable painting the skull of their deceased loved ones. Throughout American culture, death is feared and therefore most people become uncomfortable with the topic of death, especially regarding their loved ones. Although I sincerely appreciate this Austrian tradition, I personally would be too uncomfortable to paint the skull of a loved one who has passed. I think that my upbringing in America has influenced me to be distressed by the concept of death as American movies and popular culture tend to demonize the subject.     Another Austrian tradition that I found to be interesting is the fact that Austrians love to celebrate life specifically by enjoying good food. In Austria, there is a heavy reliance on bratwurst stands, especially in major cities such as Vienna. While touring the city of Vienna, our tour guide Andrea stated that many Venetians rely on bratwurst stands throughout their day. Typically, Venetians will grab a bratwurst when they are too busy to go out for food or it is too late in the day to find food elsewhere. Andrea stated that bratwurst stands in Vienna are open late at night and are usually the cheapest meal that one is able to find in Austria. I found this tradition to be interesting because in America many people get their food depending on the price and time constraints as well. In the US, people will generally buy a meal that is fast and cheap due to their hectic schedules. There is an ironic similarity between a bratwurst in Vienna, Austria, and a hotdog in New York City. Both are cheap and readily available during most times of the day.

This picture was taken while touring the Beinhaus cemetery. Pictures were not allowed inside the crypt of the cemetery where the skulls were located as the prohibition of photos is to honor those who have passed. This is very different from American culture in which it's normal for people to take photos of loved one who have passed as they wish to honor them in that way. 

This photo was taken from Google and the proper citation is below. While on our way to explore the Haydn Museum during our independent research day, Erin, Becca, and I stopped at a bratwurst stand in the inner ring of Vienna. We decided to eat there because we wanted to save money and we thought it would be the fastest option as we had to get to the museum before it closed at 1:00 pm. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the bratwurst as we were in a rush and I finished it quickly because of how good it was.

Citation: "Bratwurst" by Holger Leue/Getty Images, https://www.businessinsider.com/german-chancellor-volkswagen-bashes-vegetarian-version-of-iconic-german-bratwurst-2021-8.

Imperial Vienna Mini-Saga

Imperial Vienna played a huge role in the history of Europe and classical music. In what ways have you specifically noted this, and why has it impacted you in particular?

Why are ceremonious palaces and classical musicians from imperial Vienna well respected?

Schloss Schönbrunn embraces its magisterial former occupants even though they committed atrocious imperial actions.

Museums continue to celebrate classical music with imperial tones.

Although I understand the significance of imperial Vienna, its recognition in today’s world perplexes me.

This picture was taken while I was touring Schloss Schönbrunn in Vienna, Austria. The palace is very well respected by Austria and this can be seen by the palace not allowing anyone to take pictures while touring the inside. I learned on the tour that the palace belonged to the Habsburg family/empire. The Habsburgs are an imperial family that used to rule a majority of Europe.

I took this picture while touring the Haydn Museum in Vienna, Austria. I learned on the tour that Haydn was very political in the sense that he supported imperial families/empires. In the picture, it's seen that Haydn wrote the Habsburg "Imperial Hymn" to influence Venetian society to remain imperial after Napoleon conquered the city.

The Sublimity and Incoherence of Nature Mini-Saga

The beauty of the Austrian Alps lake district and the villages of St. Gilgen and Hallstatt is simply stunning. Discuss the importance of nature and the “outside” to Austrians, as well as tourists traveling to Austria. Are there places in the US, or other parts of the world, that you can compare to what you saw in the Alps? What do those places make you feel and why?

How can nature be sublime but perilous?

The Austrian Alps not only provide water but can be hazardous as landslides threaten Austrians and Austrian tourists.

Can Colorado mountains invoke the same extent of sublimity yet vulnerability?

Both places make me feel astonished and apprehensive as their striking incoherence terrifies me.

This photo was taken while I was sitting on the bus traveling to Hallstatt, Austria. In the photo, there is a lake right below the mountains. While I took this photo, our tour guide Anna said that the water runoff from the mountains helps supply the water in the lake. Anna also stated that a majority of the drinking water in Hallstatt is glacier water that runs down from the mountains and therefore Austrian culture heavily relies on nature in their daily aspects of life.

This picture was taken while I was standing in a market square in Hallstatt, Austria. On the right side of the picture, one can see tall black fences along the mountains. These black fences prevent rocks from falling on people below during landslides. Although there are safety precautions for landslides, falling rock absolutely terrifies me. Even though I am astonished by the beauty of the Austrian Alps, I am also apprehensive due to landslides. 

Intercultural Difference at Stiegl-Keller

What specific intercultural difference or similarity has been most striking for you at first impression, and why? Provide specific details about the experience AND your reflection on how and why it impacted you.

    The most striking intercultural difference that I have experienced in Salzburg occurred when I went with a group of classmates to Stiegl-Keller after touring Fortress Hohensalzburg. We were all nervous walking into the restaurant as none of us really knew how to speak German. I looked up on the internet how to ask for a table for five in German, but I also realized that I should probably let the host know that we are English speakers so that he can assign us to a waiter that speaks English as well. I walked up to the host and asked "sprechen sie English?" to which he replied, "Ya, do you speak Deutsch?". I very quickly stated "Ya, but very little" which made me realize a striking intercultural difference between America and Austria regarding our respective languages. In America we expect every tourist to learn English because that is the most common language and typically most people only know English. In America, if a tourist walks up to a person speaking a different language the most common response would be "sorry, I only speak English". However, most American tourists expect the people where they're visiting to know the English language, especially throughout Europe. In Europe, most people know how to speak English and even if they are not proficient, it's still sufficient enough to understand one another. This led me to realize the intercultural difference that Americans expect others to know their language but are not willing to learn the language of where they're visiting.

    This interaction at Stiegl-Keller largely impacted my thoughts regarding European views of American culture. At first, I was confused as to why Europeans have displeasure towards American tourists. However, now I can somewhat understand why Europeans get frustrated with American tourists and their language speaking abilities. This interaction with the host at Stiegl-Keller also influenced me to practice my German while ordering my meal and later that night at the hotel. Before the start of this trip, I thought that I was sufficient in my general knowledge of the German language, but this interaction made me realize that I must continue to practice so that I may become not just sufficient but exceptional. 

The authentic Viennese schnitzel that I

had at Stiegl-Keller. I had a little difficulty

ordering this meal in the German language,

but I wanted to practice ordering in German

although the waiter spoke English.

The English/German menu outside of 

Stiegl-Keller. I thought it was a good idea

to take a picture of this menu before we

got inside in case the menus inside were

only offered in German. I found it 

interesting that they only had English as

the second language on the menu instead

of any other language such as French or

Italian.

Fortress Hohensalzburg Mini-Saga

Fortress Hohensalzburg is a beautiful and perhaps intimidating edifice looming over the city of Salzburg. Discuss its importance to this city and your own impressions both as you saw it from almost anywhere walking in the city, and as you toured the fortress.

Beautiful places with daunting atmospheres.

How is Fortress Hohensalzburg able to have such a rugged outside but delicate inside?

Built to intimidate and scare away rivals, but also regarded as home to many people throughout history.

Signifies not only resilience after WWII, but a reminder of Austrian strength and fortitude.

Inside of Fortress Hohensalzburg with delicate gold details and writing above a locked door. Although I cannot translate the writing, the gold details reveal the delicateness and intricacy inside the fortress.

The rugged and intimidating outside of Fortress Hohensalzburg as I stand below in a market square.