The City of Music and Dreams

By Erik Squire

This is the final installment of my extraordinary trek across Europe. I hope the reader has enjoyed reading about my adventures, as it was an eye opening experience for me, one that I will never forget, and one I have enjoyed sharing a small slice of with the SMCC community.

After I arrived in Vienna I ran out of funds, so I didn’t eat anything the entire day. But, as I like to say, the real journey begins when you run out of money. I would have crashed at my friend’s place, she lives in Vienna, but she was staying in Italy at the time (what are the odds). I ended up staying at another youth hostel and rooming with a middle-aged guy who claimed he was a spiritual healer, or something of the like (oh the people one meets whilst traveling).
The next day I used what little money I had left to buy a nice breakfast, and set out on my day excursion. My first destination was set for St. Peters Church. The architecture was mind-blowingly intricate and the roof was colored with a mosaic of beautiful designs.
From there I meandered my way around the city enjoying every little eye catcher here and there. The city truly has so much to offer. When I started the day I had no set plan, just a map the hostel handed out. On the map was listed “places of interest,” and after taking a look I knew I would have a full day. I tried to visit as many castles and cathedrals as I could, because I knew each would be visually pleasing to look upon. On the way to each new spot there were a hundred different things that stole my attention. Vienna is filled with so much history and beauty that it would take a lifetime to fully explore it.
Midafternoon, I was caught up in a downpour of rain for half an hour. Fortunately I was stuck under an arched building that offered a vantage point of all the incredible surroundings. When the rain ceased I ran to the gorgeous Rathausplatz where there was an outdoor film festival being held. After taking in the view for a bit, I made my way over to the Wien River to walk along it. As I went further up I strolled through the parks sitting along its canal.
Towards the end of the canal I was lead back to the heart of the city. I saw Vienna House of Music listed on my map and thought I’d check it out; I was glad I did. There was a pianist and violinist playing in the foyer for the public to freely come and enjoy. I sat and listened intently; it was mesmerizing and swept me in completely. When the violinist finished playing he said something that will always stick with me; “when I play, my soul goes out to you, and when you listen joyfully, your soul goes out to me. In that moment, we are connected.” When he and the lady pianist left the foyer the crowd that had gathered cheered for an encore. They came back out and played one last sweet piece.
As I said, this is my last edition journaling my travels through Europe. Thank you for reading and sharing in a meaningful part of my life. Until our next journey~