In German, that means "My Name is Vannessa. And you?" I've signed up for German class so that I can get a hold of the language and decipher what my cousins are saying. So far it has been basic phrases and grammar. Here's the thing. With me, I can comprehend most languages when it comes to grammar, writing and reading. I still have some trouble speaking and conversing in languages. But like they say, sometimes you just need to jump in. I'm still dipping my toe in . . .
This past week, it has been all preparations for the General Conference next week. Apparently, it is a big event where science forums, discussions, panels, etc. occur and delegates and ambassadors from the Member States (a.k.a. the countries apart of the IAEA) come to Vienna and discuss stuff and whatnot. I have a vague idea what my job is, which seems like background information getter. So far that I know of, I will be going to the Isotope Labs and Seibersdorf Nuclear Plant with some ambassadors and maybe their entourage. We'll see how that goes next week. The whole week I will be staying at the Austria Center. Oh fun times!
Just recently, some of my friends from the U.N. and I signed up for a capoeira class together. Student rate is 28 Euros for an entire semester, which is October to January. I've always been interested in the martial art form but never got a chance to do it. I would have to thank my friend San-Po for telling me about the Sports University in Vienna. You can sign up for a whole bunch of sports classes to see what you are interested in. Let's see how this goes.
Last night, which was Friday night, I went with the family to Uncle Roland's brother's book launch. Willy spent a lot of time in Paupa, New Guinea and the book recounts what he did there like help build a school for the children. He's been asked by professors at universities all over Austria to speak about his experiences. Of course, his presentation was ALL IN GERMAN so all I could do was stare and try hard not to fall asleep, like a man behind me. I did get to meet the Rossi side of the family so that was cool. I met Robbie and Raffy's cousins Reiner and Roman, who are also part Filipino and Austrian. To me, they look like they are Chinese because they are so fair skinned as compared to my cousins olive complexion. Ah, genealogy's mysterious ways. So until next time . . . tschus!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Arts Week
Ok so last week I noticed that I've been in an "artsy" mood. I went to two art exhibits in what is called the "Art Quartier" in Vienna and of course, Albertina museum. Two totally different sides of art but all good just the same. :)
Going back to last Thursday, Raffy's friend Lisa had an exhibition of some of her work. She's a photographer/sculptor and it was a one night only kind of event for her. She's really nice and her artwork was pretty good. Along with her pieces, there was a money art exhibit, where artists used different countries' currencies such as the U.S. dollar and the European Union Euro. Raffy and I made a joke where in an emergency we can always break the glass and take the money. I wonder if that money was still good. The art gallery had of course food, alcoholic drinks like wine and a band. The ambience was really chill as groups stood around and discussed the different pieces while enjoying hor d'oeuvres and wine. I liked how the space was simply an old warehouse and used as little space as possible. Unfortunately, Raffy and I couldn't stay for the band because he had Kung Fu class. Oh well!
On Sunday, Tita Ruth and I went to the Albertina to see the Van Gogh exhibit. Apparently, a lot of people had the same idea and the museum was packed. It was mostly his sketches and paintings through the different stages of his life. In other words, it started from when he was younger and had an earthtone phase and continued on until the last days of his life. Some were his famous paintings like sunflowers and portraits but the majority were his unknown works, which captured more of his development of as an artist. From there, we went to ongoing exhibits such as photographs of the Artic and their private collections of Picasso, Monet and Matisse paintings. I think my Tita and I had the most fun with the Monet paintings because up close, the paintings look like blotches and spots but from afar it is a work of art. 3D Illusions at their best. :)
Rewinding back to Friday night, Robbie and I joined a bunch of my friends from the U.N. for what they call a Nachmarkt dinner. Basically, we all go to Nachmarkt and buy food from different stalls and share with the rest of the group. This time around we had falafel, hummus, bread, olives and dolma along with California Red Wine. At the same time, we were having a good-bye party for our friend Janna who just ended her internship and was going to be attending graduate school soon for her master's in Environmental Psychology (or something like that) at the London School of Economics. We all then decided to go to the Museumquartier for a fashion show but couldn't find it for some reason so the rest of the group decided to buy beer and hang out for awhile. Fun times! :) Until next time . . .
Going back to last Thursday, Raffy's friend Lisa had an exhibition of some of her work. She's a photographer/sculptor and it was a one night only kind of event for her. She's really nice and her artwork was pretty good. Along with her pieces, there was a money art exhibit, where artists used different countries' currencies such as the U.S. dollar and the European Union Euro. Raffy and I made a joke where in an emergency we can always break the glass and take the money. I wonder if that money was still good. The art gallery had of course food, alcoholic drinks like wine and a band. The ambience was really chill as groups stood around and discussed the different pieces while enjoying hor d'oeuvres and wine. I liked how the space was simply an old warehouse and used as little space as possible. Unfortunately, Raffy and I couldn't stay for the band because he had Kung Fu class. Oh well!
On Sunday, Tita Ruth and I went to the Albertina to see the Van Gogh exhibit. Apparently, a lot of people had the same idea and the museum was packed. It was mostly his sketches and paintings through the different stages of his life. In other words, it started from when he was younger and had an earthtone phase and continued on until the last days of his life. Some were his famous paintings like sunflowers and portraits but the majority were his unknown works, which captured more of his development of as an artist. From there, we went to ongoing exhibits such as photographs of the Artic and their private collections of Picasso, Monet and Matisse paintings. I think my Tita and I had the most fun with the Monet paintings because up close, the paintings look like blotches and spots but from afar it is a work of art. 3D Illusions at their best. :)
Rewinding back to Friday night, Robbie and I joined a bunch of my friends from the U.N. for what they call a Nachmarkt dinner. Basically, we all go to Nachmarkt and buy food from different stalls and share with the rest of the group. This time around we had falafel, hummus, bread, olives and dolma along with California Red Wine. At the same time, we were having a good-bye party for our friend Janna who just ended her internship and was going to be attending graduate school soon for her master's in Environmental Psychology (or something like that) at the London School of Economics. We all then decided to go to the Museumquartier for a fashion show but couldn't find it for some reason so the rest of the group decided to buy beer and hang out for awhile. Fun times! :) Until next time . . .
Saturday, September 20, 2008
"IN AUSTRIA!!!"
Major updating time folks. I've been in Vienna for about a month now and yet it feels like I've been here for a long time. I'm not sure if that is a good thing but maybe it is. Oh well!
Ok, major rewind to last week. On September 10, my good friend Siobhan came to see me. She was visiting family in Europe and came to see me via Dublin, Ireland, where she has family. She stayed with me at my family's place and boy, did we have A LOT of FUN. Our catchphrase for her entire visit was "IN AUSTRIA." For example, we ate ice cream and hung out in Schwedenplatz. One of us would say, "So here we are enjoying ice cream and enjoying the nice warm weather. . ." and we would turn to each other and say at the same time, "IN AUSTRIA!!" Corny, I know, but it's not everyday you get to hang out with one of your closest friends in a foreign country. :)
Day 1: She came directly from the airport to the U.N. to meet up with me. My Tita Ruth was going to be there too, so Siobhan was able to drop off her luggage in the car. With the help of my awesome officemate Ritu, we were able to get Siobhan past security and get her the private visitor pass. This gives Siobhan ultimate access to the U.N. In other words, where ever I'm able to go, she can come to. She was able to have lunch with me at the cafeteria. She met up with my Tita and they came with me to my office, where we left her luggage and got them. After work, I met up with Siobhan and walked around the city, visiting places like Museumquartier and the University of Wien. We met up at Stephansplatz, but Siobhan got lost for awhile. Poor girl! Luckily, she found her way and we looked at shops and hung out for awhile.
Day 2: I went to work and Robbie took Siobhan around to the different tourist spots for awhile such as Schobrunn. I met up with Siobhan after work and we went to see the treasures of King Tutanchaman a.k.a. King Tut. The exhibit was in both German and English so lucky us we got to do that. Afterwards, I realized that we were in Hofburg Imperial Palace and took fun pics there and more around Museumquartier. Afterwards, Siobhan and I went to the TexMex place, Pancho, that Raffy and I discovered and enjoyed Mexican food IN AUSTRIA. :) Our sweet tooth led us to Schwedenplatz, where we had ice cream. Yum!
Day 3: After work, Siobhan and I wanted to check out the Natural museum but because I had to help with last minute touches to the IAEA Bulletin,we didn't have much time to look around. So starts the hunt for a flower shop for Tita Ruth in Mariahilfer Strasse. Along the way, we stopped at a few stores and places. We eventually found ourselves at Westbahnhoff station, where we found a flower shop (Yay!) and then decided to have kebabs to eat. Wanting to show the Strandbar Hermann to Siobhan, we had a nice walk by the Danube and saw interesting stuff, like a swimming pool on the river. :) We found the bar and enjoyed sangrias, music while chilling on the beach chairs on the strandbar. Cheers!
FUN TIMES WITH SIOBHAN
Day 4: Although the very next day was so beautiful and perfect, chaos ensued as we all prepared for Maxi and Janna's wedding that day. Maxi is Robbie's best friend and so, he was frazzled and stressed as we were preparing for the wedding. The ceremony and both receptions were in Klosterneuburg. The mass was in a very cute church, though very small. Siobhan, Tita Ruth and Uncle Roland were lucky to sit down. Thankfully, the wedding ceremony was not that long. Of course I didn't understand much because it was all in German. Afterwards, we all went for the first reception at the Stift Klosterneuburg. It is an old monastery that is also a nice museum. We took so many pics and have nice wine and champagne with rose petals in it. From there, we went to what the boys call a "hut" which is basically a very nice cottage practically in the middle of the woods. Tita and I caught a ride with some other guests who decided to park closer while Uncle Roland, always the mountaineer, and Siobhan decided to trek the whole way to the hut. Siobhan, Tita Ruth, Uncle Roland and I brought extra clothes so we can change when it got cold. The food was awesome. Janna's dad made his famous paella, which has chicken and seafood. There were several activities going on like painting a picture for the couple, Irish folk music, etc. The boys and their friends created a newspaper about the couple in which they sold to the crowd for 10 Euros and the money went to the couple. There was a nice flower dance where the family and the closest friends presented either Janna or Maxi a rose and danced with them. Raffy and Andy totally made us laugh with their dance styles. At one point the couple lit this mini hot air balloon and let it go but it got stuck in the tree. Thankfully nothing was burnt but it got stuck and then died out. The wedding cake was so nice and the dessert was so good. Nils, one of Raffy and Robbie's childhood friends, created the desserts. By the end of the night, Siobhan, Tita Ruth, Uncle Roland and I made the long trek back to the car, using torches (a.k.a. flashlights) through the woods. The moon was shining bright and it was really peaceful. Overall, it was a really fun night!
AT MAXI AND JANNA'S WEDDING
Ok, major rewind to last week. On September 10, my good friend Siobhan came to see me. She was visiting family in Europe and came to see me via Dublin, Ireland, where she has family. She stayed with me at my family's place and boy, did we have A LOT of FUN. Our catchphrase for her entire visit was "IN AUSTRIA." For example, we ate ice cream and hung out in Schwedenplatz. One of us would say, "So here we are enjoying ice cream and enjoying the nice warm weather. . ." and we would turn to each other and say at the same time, "IN AUSTRIA!!" Corny, I know, but it's not everyday you get to hang out with one of your closest friends in a foreign country. :)
Day 1: She came directly from the airport to the U.N. to meet up with me. My Tita Ruth was going to be there too, so Siobhan was able to drop off her luggage in the car. With the help of my awesome officemate Ritu, we were able to get Siobhan past security and get her the private visitor pass. This gives Siobhan ultimate access to the U.N. In other words, where ever I'm able to go, she can come to. She was able to have lunch with me at the cafeteria. She met up with my Tita and they came with me to my office, where we left her luggage and got them. After work, I met up with Siobhan and walked around the city, visiting places like Museumquartier and the University of Wien. We met up at Stephansplatz, but Siobhan got lost for awhile. Poor girl! Luckily, she found her way and we looked at shops and hung out for awhile.
Day 2: I went to work and Robbie took Siobhan around to the different tourist spots for awhile such as Schobrunn. I met up with Siobhan after work and we went to see the treasures of King Tutanchaman a.k.a. King Tut. The exhibit was in both German and English so lucky us we got to do that. Afterwards, I realized that we were in Hofburg Imperial Palace and took fun pics there and more around Museumquartier. Afterwards, Siobhan and I went to the TexMex place, Pancho, that Raffy and I discovered and enjoyed Mexican food IN AUSTRIA. :) Our sweet tooth led us to Schwedenplatz, where we had ice cream. Yum!
Day 3: After work, Siobhan and I wanted to check out the Natural museum but because I had to help with last minute touches to the IAEA Bulletin,we didn't have much time to look around. So starts the hunt for a flower shop for Tita Ruth in Mariahilfer Strasse. Along the way, we stopped at a few stores and places. We eventually found ourselves at Westbahnhoff station, where we found a flower shop (Yay!) and then decided to have kebabs to eat. Wanting to show the Strandbar Hermann to Siobhan, we had a nice walk by the Danube and saw interesting stuff, like a swimming pool on the river. :) We found the bar and enjoyed sangrias, music while chilling on the beach chairs on the strandbar. Cheers!
Day 4: Although the very next day was so beautiful and perfect, chaos ensued as we all prepared for Maxi and Janna's wedding that day. Maxi is Robbie's best friend and so, he was frazzled and stressed as we were preparing for the wedding. The ceremony and both receptions were in Klosterneuburg. The mass was in a very cute church, though very small. Siobhan, Tita Ruth and Uncle Roland were lucky to sit down. Thankfully, the wedding ceremony was not that long. Of course I didn't understand much because it was all in German. Afterwards, we all went for the first reception at the Stift Klosterneuburg. It is an old monastery that is also a nice museum. We took so many pics and have nice wine and champagne with rose petals in it. From there, we went to what the boys call a "hut" which is basically a very nice cottage practically in the middle of the woods. Tita and I caught a ride with some other guests who decided to park closer while Uncle Roland, always the mountaineer, and Siobhan decided to trek the whole way to the hut. Siobhan, Tita Ruth, Uncle Roland and I brought extra clothes so we can change when it got cold. The food was awesome. Janna's dad made his famous paella, which has chicken and seafood. There were several activities going on like painting a picture for the couple, Irish folk music, etc. The boys and their friends created a newspaper about the couple in which they sold to the crowd for 10 Euros and the money went to the couple. There was a nice flower dance where the family and the closest friends presented either Janna or Maxi a rose and danced with them. Raffy and Andy totally made us laugh with their dance styles. At one point the couple lit this mini hot air balloon and let it go but it got stuck in the tree. Thankfully nothing was burnt but it got stuck and then died out. The wedding cake was so nice and the dessert was so good. Nils, one of Raffy and Robbie's childhood friends, created the desserts. By the end of the night, Siobhan, Tita Ruth, Uncle Roland and I made the long trek back to the car, using torches (a.k.a. flashlights) through the woods. The moon was shining bright and it was really peaceful. Overall, it was a really fun night!
Day 5: The day was dreary and wet. I guess the weather was sad that Siobhan was leaving for Germany that day. Uncle Roland decided to take Siobhan and me around Klosterneuburg and outside. We saw some ruins and nice views of Vienna, despite the weather. It rained off and on as we toured the place. We had a great tour guide too. My Uncle Roland really knows his history and he loved it when we asked questions about certain things. Uncle Roland and Tita Ruth decided to go to an exhibit about Vikings after we had lunch and so Robbie and I took Siobhan to Westbahnhoff. Seaslugs having fun IN AUSTRIA!!!
Monday, September 8, 2008
What a weekend!
With summer winding down, everyone around me were trying to enjoy the last-minute warm weather that we have been so blessed with these past few days. So when the ultimate European music festivals (which happens to be FREE ADMISSION) Donauinselfest, of course I had to head out. For those who don't know, Donauinselfest is usually in the beginning of the summer in June and is a several weeks of music, with countless stages. Each week there is a theme for the music and you can choose which stage you want to hang out at. The thing is Donauinsel is a very, very long island so it is best to where very comfy shoes because you will be walking A LOT.
Robbie and Raffy look SO EXCITED to be at Donauinselfest
Watching an act at the FM4 stage. It was mostly mainstream European acts.
This year, Donauinselfest was only three days because this summer Austria and Switzerland hosted the Euro Cup. So, my cousins and I were totally stoked to go. On Friday night, Robbie and I met up with Raffy and his best friend Andy and their friend Phillip, along with the rest of the Austrian National Lacrosse team at the FM4 stage. Yes, Andy and Phillip play on the country's lacrosse team and so they go out of the country often and play other countries in major tournaments. Andy and Phillip are really fun and chill guys. You would totally want them with you when you go out because they are so entertaining, as you can see in the pictures below.
Raffy and Andy totally enjoying the music
Andy and Phillip. Two guys you would want to party with.
The Austrian Lacrosse Team (well, most of them :P)
The theme for the stage we were at was hip hop, so the acts were European hip hop acts. Most of them were in German, which means that I wouldn't understand them. It's all good. The music was pretty good. Everyone around me were dancing and having an awesome time. The headliner was this group (Forgot the name. It was in German!) that was basically a beatbox group and man, those guys are REALLY good. If I closed my eyes, I would think I was listening to an actual band. They were THAT good.
After the festival, a whole bunch of us went to a party in a club called Sophie's in the city. It was a party for one of Robbie's friends who just graduated from medical school. The place was pretty cool, with it being in the private area in the back. The DJ kinda sucked so not many people were dancing. I met a whole bunch of Robbie's friends and mostly chilled out.
The next day, which was Saturday, I went with my friends from the U.N. to the World Press Photo exhibit. I really liked it because it was all award-winning photos and many of them were very powerful. One that stuck to my mind was of a mountain gorilla that was killed by poachers and was being carried by 10 rangers in Congo. It was sad because the gorilla and it's family was killed because they were caught in between the civil wars among villages and tribes in Congo. The fighting has spread to the mountain gorillas' habitats where the trees and vegetation that make up their homes were being torn down.
After chilling with my friends around the city, I went with my friends Carolyn and Janna to the Donauiselfest. This time the music was more rock, or more like the stages that I was in were more rock. There was this cover band called Lenengarde Cowboys, who basically were a cover band with circus costumes. Apparently they are very popular, but I found them hilarious. Even though I was tired from the other night, I still had fun. It turns out more than 3 million people attended the festival this year.
Sunday afternoon, my family had a potluck/kickback at the home. My friends Carolyn and Janna came, along with my Tita Ruth's friends from the VIC choir. We had a lot of BBQ, dessert and drinks. The weather was really nice and so a lot of the kids there swam in the pool. There was also a ping pong table set up, along with foosball (a.k.a. table soccer), badminton and frisbee. There is a really good drink called sturm that my friend Carolyn brought to the party. What sturm is the grapes during the first stage of wine fermentation. It is really sweet and has a really small amount of alcohol. So no drunken debauchery during the party. ;-P
I played foosball with Raffy, who apparently knew more trick shots than anything. He even tried to teach me the rules. I didn't even know there were specific rules for foosball. He said that there was even a World Cup Table Soccer. You learn something new every day. :-P
Hanging out on the patio
Chilling in the backyard
Talking and relaxing
Playing table tennis and yes, the baby was playing too.
Baby Shannon playing table tennis. Isn't she so cute?
Robbie and Raffy look SO EXCITED to be at Donauinselfest
Watching an act at the FM4 stage. It was mostly mainstream European acts.This year, Donauinselfest was only three days because this summer Austria and Switzerland hosted the Euro Cup. So, my cousins and I were totally stoked to go. On Friday night, Robbie and I met up with Raffy and his best friend Andy and their friend Phillip, along with the rest of the Austrian National Lacrosse team at the FM4 stage. Yes, Andy and Phillip play on the country's lacrosse team and so they go out of the country often and play other countries in major tournaments. Andy and Phillip are really fun and chill guys. You would totally want them with you when you go out because they are so entertaining, as you can see in the pictures below.
Raffy and Andy totally enjoying the music
Andy and Phillip. Two guys you would want to party with.
The Austrian Lacrosse Team (well, most of them :P)The theme for the stage we were at was hip hop, so the acts were European hip hop acts. Most of them were in German, which means that I wouldn't understand them. It's all good. The music was pretty good. Everyone around me were dancing and having an awesome time. The headliner was this group (Forgot the name. It was in German!) that was basically a beatbox group and man, those guys are REALLY good. If I closed my eyes, I would think I was listening to an actual band. They were THAT good.
After the festival, a whole bunch of us went to a party in a club called Sophie's in the city. It was a party for one of Robbie's friends who just graduated from medical school. The place was pretty cool, with it being in the private area in the back. The DJ kinda sucked so not many people were dancing. I met a whole bunch of Robbie's friends and mostly chilled out.
The next day, which was Saturday, I went with my friends from the U.N. to the World Press Photo exhibit. I really liked it because it was all award-winning photos and many of them were very powerful. One that stuck to my mind was of a mountain gorilla that was killed by poachers and was being carried by 10 rangers in Congo. It was sad because the gorilla and it's family was killed because they were caught in between the civil wars among villages and tribes in Congo. The fighting has spread to the mountain gorillas' habitats where the trees and vegetation that make up their homes were being torn down.
After chilling with my friends around the city, I went with my friends Carolyn and Janna to the Donauiselfest. This time the music was more rock, or more like the stages that I was in were more rock. There was this cover band called Lenengarde Cowboys, who basically were a cover band with circus costumes. Apparently they are very popular, but I found them hilarious. Even though I was tired from the other night, I still had fun. It turns out more than 3 million people attended the festival this year.
Sunday afternoon, my family had a potluck/kickback at the home. My friends Carolyn and Janna came, along with my Tita Ruth's friends from the VIC choir. We had a lot of BBQ, dessert and drinks. The weather was really nice and so a lot of the kids there swam in the pool. There was also a ping pong table set up, along with foosball (a.k.a. table soccer), badminton and frisbee. There is a really good drink called sturm that my friend Carolyn brought to the party. What sturm is the grapes during the first stage of wine fermentation. It is really sweet and has a really small amount of alcohol. So no drunken debauchery during the party. ;-P
I played foosball with Raffy, who apparently knew more trick shots than anything. He even tried to teach me the rules. I didn't even know there were specific rules for foosball. He said that there was even a World Cup Table Soccer. You learn something new every day. :-P
Hanging out on the patio
Chilling in the backyard
Talking and relaxing
Playing table tennis and yes, the baby was playing too.
Baby Shannon playing table tennis. Isn't she so cute?So, that was my busy weekend. Whew! And I managed to survive Monday. Sort of. :-P Until next time and hopefully real soon . . .
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Picture time!
For your viewing pleasure, here are photos of my adventures in Vienna so far . . .
Memorial Fountain at UNO City aka the United Nations. All around the fountain are the flags of the countries and nations that are a part of the UN. On each flagpole, there is the description of the country. In more than one languge . . . cool, huh?
Here are my uncle Roland and auntie Ruth. Aren't they cute? Here they just took me to a winery/restaurant where it was nice and chill outside. We ate on the patio they have there.
Burggarten . . . nice old building. Raffy took me here and I got some great shots of the place. Of course this led . . .
To Raffy jumping in my shots. He's having a lot of fun, obviously. :)
Yup, it's me and Mozart
Robbie doing his Zoolander impression
Raffy on the phone . . .
My two favorite Italian boys Valentino and Cristiano
Nice building!
Museum Quartier at night
From Left to Right: Raffy, Pouya and Phillip. We're at this lounge called Donue. Played a lot of electronica type music.
From Left to Right: Andy, Therese, and Raffy
Phillip and Robbie laughing about I don't know what . . .
Robbie chilling at the beach bar
Aw poor Raffy . . . he's cold!
Mmmmm . . . Dessert anyone?
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