Montag 6 Juni: “Franz Josef I, The Austere”

Today is the travel day back to the United States and the finale to this trip in Europe. Europe holds a special place in my heart because of the old history and culture associated with the continent. While the history is not always as clear cut and clean as we would like, there is still much to learn from connecting with others and their cultures. Situations might happen in separate times, but the general idea is often the same. Art, music, and theater will always be political statements. That is a truism. The paintings seen in Europe were all created with propaganda in mind. Much of the ruling classes knew this and had their image created in a pleasing manner or drew connections between themselves and the historic Roman Emperors/ Rulers of the ancient world. Take for instance the Hapsburgs, connecting their lineage with Charlamagne would aid in their case for being elevated and constantly elected to Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The divine right of monarchs led the Hapsburgs to declare in much of the art their connection to God. Many of the ceiling frescos in the palaces of the Hapsburgs show them in the heavens surrounded by God and the angels. Taking a second look and asking questions about the why, when, where, how, and by whom is most important in the world of today.

I was busy this morning and did not leave with the group to the airport, but I was able to get to the airport by taking the U4 line from the Naschmarkt to Ländstrasse where I was able to get on the express train to the airport. Which only took around 15 minutes. Even though most of the group was a good 30 minutes ahead of me, we all cleared security at the same time. The airport in Vienna is set up when you check in, you are checking in at the terminal which you plane leaves form. Upon arrival at the airport, you should check the departure boards for the terminal and check-in desk number to be sure you are in the right spot. Most of the signs are in English and German, and it’s amazingly easy to traverse if you just read the signs.

Our flight on KLM was delayed. Originally leaving at 9:20, it was moved to 9:50 then to 9:40. We finally pushed away from the gate after 10:00 which caused us an almost hour delay with us arriving in Amsterdam/ Schiphol around 11:45. Every flight I have ever taken from Europe to the US has departed from AMS, so I am relatively used to the less than wonderful trips through passport control/ emigration. This trip was the worst. Although some of the workers at AMS are on strike, I did not think it would cause me an issue of being in passport control for almost an hour. While in line at passport control I had a wonderful conversation with this lady who was flying from AMS to San Francisco. We both has just been on the same flight out of Vienna and had an enlightening discussion about Vienna and the surrounding area. While in line, the bottom fell out of her paper bag and the contents went across the floor. I and another guy offered to give her an extra bag, but she refused to take my canvas bag I offered because the other guy was giving her a plastic bag. Making it through passport control is a time for calmness, even if you are stressed about a flight. Staying calm, cool, and together is important for you and the others around you.

I was able to make it through and arrive at my gate, while I was at the cutoff time for the cabin door to close there was a long line because of passport control and I was happy to make it with time to spare.

The flight from AMS to ATL is on Delta. My favorite flight experiences are with Delta, and the economy service is always amazing. On the flight, we were served a lunch shortly after takeoff which consisted of a choice of Thai Chicken and rice or Pasta and a tomato caprice salad and chocolate brownie ice cream. I was excited to see a great selection of movies, including Cabaret, which was my first to watch during the flight.