The third time really is the charm.

When I got back to Prague, I was thrilled to get an email telling me that my visa was FINALLY ready to be picked up. This meant that, instead of settling back into normal life, I would need to head to Vienna asap to pick it up. Coincidentally that same weekend, my friend DR was planning to be in Vienna before coming to visit me in Prague. So we made plans to meet up in Vienna, and I arranged to stay with my CouchSurfing friends, SK and JM, again.

Vienna

I took a bus that arrived in Vienna at 5am, and my appointment at the embassy was at 8:30am. Since I was exhausted from barely sleeping on the bus, and since it was still dark and I was alone, I decided to head to the only thing open: the metro. I got on the Green line, and decided to spend the time sleeping and riding the metro all the way to each end and back. People must have thought I was nuts. But it worked! I kept my backpack on my lap, crossed my arms over it, lay my head on my arms, and dozed. Then, after about 35 minutes, I would get off, switch to the other side of the tracks, get on the train in the other direction, and repeat. Pathetic? Maybe. Dangerous? Not as much as wandering the streets alone in the dark. And by 8:30 I was better rested and very ready to get my visa. After so many months of anticipation, frustration, fear, and anxiety, I walked out of the embassy holding my visa, grinning from ear-to-ear, and singing "Feeling Good," by Nina Simone. 

Strudel, yum!

I decided to hop on a random tram passing by to see where it would take me (I love doing this kind of thing when I have no time restrictions or travel limitations). Then I got off and walked by a little Farmer's Market (I don't know anymore if they attract me or if I attract them, but somehow I always find them). I got a yummy rhubarb strudel for breakfast, and meandered down the street, stopping here and there to check out cute shops or to take photos. Eventually I got to the Rathaus, where I'd been in December for the great Christmas Market. This time there were several ice rinks set up in front of it, and it was a great day for skating. I had plans to meet another friend, LP, downtown, so I didn't lace up, but I enjoyed just watching everyone having a great time.

An ice rink at the Rathaus

 LP had been traveling in Morocco for awhile, but we met in Prague because he was living there with is sister, MP, who is one of my closest friends from school here. LP and I grabbed brunch and caught up on life; it was amazing to hear his stories about Morocco, and made me push it up on my list of countries I hope to visit someday. After brunch we headed over to see some alternative sights in Vienna: the Hundertwasser house and the Hundertwasser museum. Artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser designed the house and the museum, rejecting "normal" architectural designs and assumptions. He employs color, uneven floors, and nature in his designs, striving to create more dynamic and livable spaces. The results are incredible; I would love to live in a place like this!

I didn't go in because I didn't want to pay, but even from the outside this toilet was worth seeing.

Behind the Museum

Under the Hundertwasserhaus

Later we met up with DR, SK and JM for dinner at a wine restaurant, and tried some Austrian wine; SK had first CouchSurfed at my apartment in Ithaca in 2007, and had introduced me to Austrian Riesling then, and years later he still remembered! For anyone who travels on a regular basis, I cannot recommend CouchSurfing enough. I have met such wonderful people this way, and had great experiences thanks to taking the chance on a host or surfer. It's not for everyone, but if you're willing to put yourself out there, and f you are smart about using the site, the rewards are great!

Schloss Schonbrunn

 The next day DR and I headed off to sightsee a bit before heading back to Prague. I took her to Schloss Schonbrunn again, which I just adore, and with my visa in hand this time I was even happier to be there - unlike the first time when I sat in the gardens after being rejected and was afraid I might never be back. The second time I came was after my application was accepted, so I was hopeful but still unsure. This time I felt like I was on top of the world - or at least, high above Vienna.

That afternoon DR and I took the bus back to Prague. Later that weekend, since we had missed that chance in Vienna, we found an ice skating rink in Prague. I was shaky at first after so many years without practice, but after about 10 minutes I started to get used to it. I also attracted a weird little teenage admirer, who kept popping in front of me to say "boo" and poking me or pushing me as he skated by. I couldn't decide between being flattered or annoyed. And I was left wondering...do I look like I'm 15? I had to be about a decade older than him. But with skates on, I did feel like a kid again, in the best way :)

Me, skating (ish).