Vienna, a marathon

The days were long. Even longer were the nights spent at the sound and company of those who love music and folk dancing. A calm intensity hovers in the air that marks the beat of our hearts, feeling the joy and wonders of a family gathering. For it is this magic the reason why we, from so far of on the globe, travelled such distances to be here... now... in Vienna, for the Folk Marathon, held from the 28th of December until the 2nd of January, 2012.

Changing in venues around the city, genres of folk music, what made this event special and intim was the fact that there were no 'official' bands: all the people playing at this gathering were mere music lovers who offered to the directors of the Marathon either workshops of a particular kind of dance, music workshop, themselves for the night gigs or even the three of them. Thus, this happening is the consequence of enthusiasts that want to give and share what they know with whoever might come. Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Noo! This is real; I can feel it in my bones, see it with my eyes, listen it with my hears... and they are not playing around with me!

Like any other's new year's eve, we also had ours, Vienna Folk Marathon way. A bit before midnight, after already plenty of dancing, everyone stopped and started heading to the river. On the way there we started to see some firework. Apparently, from what I was told, it's legal for people to buy their own firework. Thus, rather than having a single, massive assembly's firework, Vienna is ran by local firework that runs all night long!

Despite not having firework of our own, we celebrated the new year the best way possible: with folk music and, of course, dancing. What better and more magical way of making the first step into 2012 than being with such a group of magical people, next to the river, playing and dancing at our heart's content...!

It was, so far, one of the most incredible scenes I've ever witnessed. One that I shall repeat, if time and opportunity come to it! If not, I only wish that people get involved in it more and more, to allow it to grow more, and more, and more!

Vienna, the walk around

Vienna, a city that never stopped surprising me. From its history, folklore and museums; the little markets along the canal; their people... this is a city that everyone should breathe.

So it all started on the 28th of December. I was already settled at Cat's house and, between the folk brakes (barely nonexistent), but more after the folky marathon, a city was waiting to be visited.

From the lust of the Palaces that now hold some of the most famous Austrian artists, such as Gustav Klimt; the surreal world of Magritte; to be lost in awe on the streets of the 18th century, once four-occupied city, I went around and around, seeing as much as the time allowed me, considering that the main purpose was the folk marathon, that took almost two thirds of the time I had reserved to be there. I want to focus a section only to the folk marathon, so let's not loose track of things.

One of the highlights in Vienna had nothing to do with the city, nor arts, but it's gastronomy. I was proposed by Manu to see how a proper Apple Strudel is made. We made a shop list and thus walked to the market, to get local apples, to get that Viennese strudel like flavour to it. Even though there are no pictures of it, and no recipe - yet -, I can tell you it was a very funny experience!

  

Moreover, only the ancient architecture, the german-like influenced structure and soviet palette give the city a very blend, yet unique style. We pass by history and in some parts of Viena, this feeling is very sharp and present.

From ancient churches, cathedrals, palaces, it's music, food, their people, the markets, gardens, views, smells... a world of things to see, do and fell that will for sure let one be astonished by it's magnificent humbleness.

A city that will keep impress many, for as many time time allows it.

PS:. Coming up next, the folk in Vienna :D