Sunday, Sunday

The kitchen in action

Today would be my last full day in Vienna before returning to the US. I had invited Martin to come to the apartment for lunch. Looking at what was available in the kitchen, I decided I could probably make a credible mushroom risotto. After returning from Klosterneuburg on Saturday, we made a quick stop at one of the few supermarkets still open after 6:00 p.m. All shops are closed on Sunday. The place was a madhouse, but I did manage to find everything we needed to put a meal on the table. I considered trying to go to Mass before lunch, but all the Masses were too early. Fortunately, there were several late afternoon Masses in the city center. So, I had a lazy Sunday morning. Eventually I got around to prepping for lunch. I cleaned and chopped the parsley, did the same for the mushrooms, grated the cheese and set the table. I used the two apples and muesli I had left to make microwaved “baked” apples. It made the apartment smell great!

The table is set

Martin arrived right on time. I went downstairs to let him in and it was the first time I had been outside. The sky was grey and the air was cold and damp. Some light snow was predicted for tonight and tomorrow. Winter had definitely arrived. Martin had the last few ingredients with him and some pastry as well. While I made the risotto, we nibbled on some antipasto and had a drink. Then it was time to eat. I have to admit, the risotto was quite good. We had a pleasant lunch, but then Martin had to get home to meet his daughter. I gave him all the food that I had left in the apartment. We said our goodbyes and parted company. I was happy to have had the chance to spend so much time with this old friend.

Fiaker under Christmas lights

I loaded the dishwasher and gave the kitchen a thorough cleaning. I had to be up and out of the apartment tomorrow at 7:00, so I wanted as much done as possible. Even though I knew that the cleaning lady would never be satisfied by the job I had done, I still felt compelled. I packed the rest of my things, except what I was wearing to fly home. By 5:00, I as ready as I could be. There was a Mass at St. Peter’s church at 6:00. That would be perfect. I hopped on the subway and made my way to the center. When I came up onto Stephansplatz, I was captivated by the scene. All the Christmas lights had been turned on and the city was aglow. Every street seemed to have a different pattern of lights. It was truly beautiful. I reached the church and went inside. I was surprised to see how many people were there. By the time Mass started, the church was nearly full. St. Peter’s is another marvel of Baroque architecture and there was much to distract one, but fortunately, the celebrant was engaging. Leaving the church, I was heading towards the Christmas market near the art museum where the Breughel exhibit was. Martin had suggested that the market there was the nicest. I walked through the streets of old Vienna that were filled with both locals and tourists enjoying the festive, if chilly, atmosphere. Every now and then a flake of snow would fall.

City Hall

I reached the site of the market, only to find that it hadn’t opened yet. The different markets in the city open on different dates. I knew that the one at the city hall was open, so I headed there. I had never been in Vienna in the run up to Christmas, so I had never been to one of these markets before. The one at the city hall is among the largest and includes an outdoor ice-skating venue. The markets have various stalls, some selling food and drink, especially “Glühwein”, a type of mulled wine. There are also stalls selling Christmas ornaments and decorations, many made by artisans from the rural parts of the country. There are also carnival style rides at this one. Not surprisingly, it was mobbed. There were people of all ages, but especially lots of young couples with small children. It was quite enjoyable, but it was now time to get something to eat, go home and get to bed early.

The Christmas Market

The area between city hall and my apartment had many options, but because the university was in between, many of them catered to students and not exactly what I had in mind. I walked past one Italian place that I had read about. I looked at the menu outside. It was not busy, so I decided to go in. So, my last meal in Vienna was going to be Italian! Such is life. It was a fairly upscale place, but it was warm and quiet. Just what I needed. The wait staff were pleasant and I soon had a glass of wine and some bread. I ordered and my appetizer arrived quickly. It was vitello tonnato, cold slices of veal with a creamy tuna sauce. It was an excellent version of the dish. That made my disappointment at my lasagna even more profound. It was very poorly made. Oh well. You can’t win them all. I paid and walked back to the apartment for one last time. I made one last check to make sure I had everything. I shut off the lights in the living room, got into bed, began reading and soon enough fell asleep. 6:00 a.m. would be here quickly.