Today I woke up feeling better, still not fully recovered but had enough energy to venture to Karlsplatz to meet Ellen. Karlsplatz is where the ‘Technische Universität’ is situated and is only a 10 minute journey on the U-Bahn from Messer-Prater station. This was my first glimpse of where I will be studying, and I was very impressed!
The university was founded as the ‘K.K. Polyteschnisches Institut’ in 1815; the name was later changed to the ‘Technische Hochschule’ in 1872, and in 1975 became the ‘Technische Universität Wien’ – TU. It is said that the TU is among the most successful technical universities in Europe and is the largest in Austria
The grand building is a dominant feature as you exit the station, the surrounding landscaped park was empty due to the cold weather but we could sense the potential hustle and bustle of the area on a week day.
Technische Universitat Wien
We then ventured around to get to know the area and the other university buildings but due to it being a Sunday they were shut, but at least we will be able to orientate ourselves on our first day.
As we walked around, we stumbled across a ‘Kunsthalle’ (art hall) which had an exhibition on with a rather striking name - ‘Fuck that Chicken from Popeyes’. We decided to have a look around. The exhibition was a combination of projections onto images; with objects placed within the space which itself was filled with leaves, dirt and bits of rubbish. I was not too impressed to be honest and began to question the meaning of the images of circus acts, popular American foods and settings. Even after reading the guide I could not understand the exhibition and struggled to see the aesthetic or psychological background to it. It felt random and not very well presented but had managed to provoke my thoughts. When leaving, a gentleman told us to come back once it was dark as the exhibition and projections would only come to life then. We did not give it another chance I am afraid.
Following the exhibition Ellen and I enjoyed Austrian café culture and watched the world go by for a few hours. Ellen then received a text message from her flatmate inviting us to the ballet to see ‘Die Fledermaus’, so we decided to go!
The ‘Wiener Staatsoper’ dates back to the mid 19th Century. It was designed by architects August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Null; building commenced in 1861 and was completed in 1869. The presence of the Neo-Renaissance style building is truly exceptional; it was beautifully lit and was drawing people of the street by the second.
Outside the Vienna State Opera House
We paid €3 for standing tickets on the second floor balcony – I was shocked at how cheap it was and my previous preconceptions of going to such places disappeared with the realisation that the Opera and Ballet really is for everyone. This was to be my first real experience of Ballet and I was in awe of my surroundings and the sheer scale of the building. The range of people and the stunning interior spaces took my breath away.
The interior circulation space of the Opera House
Although our standing tickets had a restricted view of the left hand side of the stage, the atmosphere and beauty of the music made every second worthwhile.
After the ballet we met a group of Erasmus students and went out for dinner and a quick drink before heading home.
Finally I was feeling much better and was overjoyed with the last minute decision to go the Ballet. I will definitely be returning!
Moments before the start of 'Die Fledermaus'
