Something I've Noticed

I've never really been part of the city life that is Vienna. Lakewood, Evergreen, or Walla Walla hardly qualify as metropolitan. Don't get me wrong, I've loved all the places I've lived--I would never trade it, but there's just something new and completely different about living in a big city. There's literally a never-ending list of things to do, places to see, or restaurants to try. Just last night I went to a movie in a fantastic sector of town I'd never seen before and it's within walking distance of my school. It's literally impossible to be bored. 

Two weeks ago, I was leaving a friend's house late on a Sunday night, and as I waited for the Strassenbahn (street car), I realized something very important that cities lack. There I was, standing on a completely abandoned street-corner, with absolutely no one around--no constant rumble of passing cars and trains, no loud chatter in a language I can barely understand, no jackhammer fixing the sidewalk, no one practicing opera for their next voice lesson or blaring away on the french horn (did I mention IES Vienna is pretty much a program for music majors?). That's when I realized I haven't heard this in over two months...complete silence. I mean, sure, it's quiet in our apartment at night, but that's different. Standing out on the street with nothing but a slight breeze rattling the tree behind me was a very calming experience. I realized that everywhere I've lived up to this point always has somewhere I can go and it is silent, and I think I've always taken that for granted. It makes me wonder what people that have always lived in a city do when they feel overwhelmed (do they ever feel that way?), because I've always just gone somewhere that's quiet and I can be alone. But here, there are people everywhere, cars everywhere. 

This moment of silence lasted maybe two minutes, then I heard the train rumbling down the tracks, even before I could see it turn the corner up the hill. I thought of a story a girl from camp told me a few summers ago. She was from the Summer Search program, meaning she had grown up in the city, and this was her first time out of it. She mentioned at one point that she had never heard silence before. I couldn't even imagine that then, but now I think I understand it a little better...

BUT! I still love Vienna, so don't worry. It was just something strange I realized--

Starting Saturday is our midterm week, so hopefully that will go okay. I've plans to go spend a few days in Prague on Wednesday. Last weekend I went snowboarding near Salzburg (ie where The Sound of Music took place), so I will have to fill you in on this. Perhaps tomorrow?