Men of Bayreuth, I am Not Single

Intro: 

Bayreuth

    I have spent the past five days in Bayreuth (Wagner or University city as people call it). The town is filled with Eiscafes (icecream cafes) and Wagner everything...overall, quite peaceful; however, I must have stirred up something in the men of Bayreuth. I have had some interesting encounters over the past few days that I will now share.

Number 1:

Wagner Statues in Wagner Park

      On the second day, I visited Wagner's Festspielhaus and walked around the little park. As if I weren't already a little creeped out by the many, little, purple and pink Wagner statues littering the park, I was also shouted at by a group of 10-year-olds. Being polite, when I walked by them and they said "Hallo," I responded in kind. But when they said "Halllo!" and "Hi sexy," I almost turned around to scold them. Of course, I didn't and pretended not to hear. Avoided all the children in the park after that.

Pond at Wagner Park

Number 2:
     This one really just has to deal with people trying to fix me up with their sons. At the hotel I was staying at, this older couple invited me to chat with them over several glasses of wine. We talked for a while and then all of a sudden, the woman was telling me I must stay longer so I can meet her youngest son. Oh no! Then, I explained to them about my darling boyfriend; however, the woman was very persistent. She gave me gifts, which I'm now questioning if they were bribe attempts... No thank you.

Gifts...or Bribes?

Number 3: 
      When I arrived at the second hotel in a town outside of Bayreuth, I was greeted by a kind elderly lady. But when I came down later for dinner, I discovered that a young man was helping her at the hotel. No problem. When I came to order my food, the guy just wouldn't leave me alone. Granted, he was very kind, but when someone has a book (especially when its a woman with a Jane Austen novel), they genuinely want to read it. He proceeded to give me bus schedules (very helpful), but then after that and after I said thank you, he just waited around. It was awkward and he seemed overly happy. Maybe just a jolly, hovering guy, but it was still awkward. Perhaps, I am not used to German behavior by now.

Wagner Festspielhaus

Number 4: 
     Whereas the others seem like vague encounters, this one was definite. I arrived at the main bus station of Bad Berneck around noon (for the record, I was up at 8 o'clock). This little boy was waiting on a bench. We'll call him Daniel. I sat on a different bench. Anyway, Daniel asked me where I was going, so I told him my destination and which bus I was to take. "Ich auch (I also)," he said. Then, he asked (ever so politely) if I would sit with him on the bus. Granted, he was maybe 8-years-old, so I said, "Ja (Yes)." Thank goodness him and the bus driver talked most of the way, but he was not without politeness. Once we boarded the bus, he stepped back to let me in the seat first, and even fanned me with his over-sized cat folder because of the heat. A very nice young lad, but our little bus date had to come to an end 30 minutes later, where he told me to have a nice day.

Steingraeber House

Number 5:

       Since I had several hours to kill before my Steingraeber factory tour, I parked myself at a nice cafe and had lunch...while reading my book. This guy and his parents sat at a table near to me, and I started getting this eerie feeling that someone was watching me (sixth sense!). Low and behold, the guy was directly facing me and staring. So, I just return to my book reading, blowing it off as a mere coincidence. My food comes and still I feel him watching me. I look up, he's watching. Then, I catch his mother watching me. What the heck people! So the whole time I'm eating my vegetarian pizza (one of the few German foods with green vegetables besides salad), I try to eat like a proper lady (not easy) because of  this constant staring. I should have just eaten like a slob as to gross them out, but I digress.

Steingraeber House

       A street performing violinist appears, to whom the guy gives money to and points in my direction. No, please don't send that horrible violinist over here! were my thoughts. Not all street performers are bad, but this man was without talent. Anyway, after his family finishes their meal, his parents leave. And what does this guy do but ask if he can sit at my table. Because I am not forward enough to say No, I said Yes. I try the whole "I'm sorry, I don't speak good German" act (which is mostly true) but dangit! He knows English. He asks about what I'm doing there and then persists to overly compliment me with "So you're clever because you got a scholarship, and your creative because you're a musician. What are you bad at?" I told him I have a bad memory (and will likely forget him entirely). More compliments ensue, to which I get annoyed with because this guy does not know me. I tell him I'm leaving on Saturday and then, like an arrogant person-I'd-never-date-ever, he says, "Well then we only have two days to fall in love." Of course, that was when I hurriedly had to leave, but not before he creepily caressed my arm and wished me a good day. Don't touch me! Glad to be rid of him (and thankful I did not have to lie about not having a German number). I suppose tomorrow, I will have to hide in the shadows, wear no makeup, and put on the frumpiest thing I have.

Number 6:
        After that last encounter, I just avoid men and eye contact with them like the plague for the rest of the day. The bus schedule I was given by the awkward young man at my hotel did not match the times at the bus stop. So, I went on the next bus that came and asked the bus driver (a male) if the bus went to my stop. "It will for a pretty girl," he replied. Yup, I'm done with male encounters for a while.

Favorite Steingraeber Grand Piano

      On a lighter, less annoying note, I will be home in FIVE days!

Tata Dresden, Hello Prague!

Piano Fun: 

Piano Gäbler

        My last day in Dresden was nothing short of perfect. The weather was warm with nice breezes every now and then. I began my day visiting Piano Gäbler, where I got to play some Rachmaninoff and Bernstein on Steinway & Sons, Boston, Essex, Grotrian, and August Förster grand pianos. I took notes on some of the qualities from each piano, such as the tone quality and touch of the keys. I think my favorite (for me, personally) from the bunch was the Grotrian grand! We had a great chemistry, but alas! I cannot afford any grand piano yet...maybe by age 40. I did see that Piano Gäbler offered payment plans, so maybe my future piano will be just like a car payment.

Dresden Relics:  

        After leaving the piano wonderland, I headed over to the Grösser Garten, meaning a big park, where I took a little train ride. The train went through the park and also stopped at the zoo. It was a pleasant little break. I also saw some unique architecture when stumbling upon the Volkswagen Gläserne Manufaktur! 

train ride

Volkswagen Gläserne Manufaktur

part of the park

        Next, I headed to the Altstadt (old city), where I toured the Historical Green Vault...a huge treasure chamber! There were separate fancy rooms (usually with lots of mirrors) for each material on display, like a room for bronze treasures and another for gilted silver..etc. After that, I walked around Dresden, revisiting some of my most favorite aspects of the city...listed below with pictures! 

Cafes

people in costumes

street entertainment

sculptures

Goldener Reiter

Neumarkt

Frauenkirche (Lady of our Church)

Altstadt

       While walking along the Augustusbrücke, I noticed the whole bridge was lined with emergency vehicles. At first, I just thought they were blocking off a part of the bridge from traffic, but then I saw military vehicles, ambulances, firetrucks, etc. so I asked a group of people what was going on. Apparently, there was going to be a concert along the riverbank for everyone who helped during the flood disaster. How nice! I considered staying for the concert, but it just didn't feel right. It just seemed like a personal community event. Maybe if I weren't alone, I'd feel differently, but I just wanted to let the Dresdeners celebrate. 

         One thing I will miss, is this cleverly decorated laundromat! I believe those are long-lost socks from previous customers. 

Journey to Prague:

train view

train view

           Some very lovely views on the train ride from Dresden to Prague. The ones here also include my seat-buddy's water bottle. I didn't have the nerve to ask him to move it.

              

             After arriving at Prague's main train station, I had to get Czech Koruna (the local currency) from an ATM, buy a public transportation 3-day ticket, and then find the subway. It was pretty exhausting considering there were not a lot of helpful signs or maps of the station. Luckily, the staff were helpful. After one subway transfer and aimlessly wondering in search of a street sign, I finally found where my hostel was. So now I'm here in Prague, and my lovely mom, dad, and sister are about to fly on over here for a two-week vacation! Not sure if I will have much time for blogging, but just know I'll be having an amazing time! 

new room in Prague! 

longest/steepest/fastest escalator

La Bayadère: Drama On-Stage and Off

Tour of the Opera House: 

          Before discussing the wonderful ballet La Bayadère, I would like to talk about the wonderful tour of the opera house beforehand. I really did think more English-speakers would be up for the tour, but apparently, I was the only one again...and my ticket was in English so they made a point to have the tour guide say some information in English for me. That is always pretty embarrassing, but I did make some jokes to the other Germans on the tour and they were very friendly by the end. And I was also the youngest person oe only one alone...I stuck out needless to say. 

Aphrodite

         The tour guide was this petite blonde who was so welcoming and kind toward me. She offered to talk with me more after the tour about the opera house, which was when I explained my odd circumstances and wonderful trip. I just wanted this lady to be my new best friend and personal tour guide for all of Dresden! 

         Fun Facts About the Opera House: So, this opera house has been burnt down several times...once occurred during the bombings of WWII. They wanted to restore the opera house again (hopefully for the last time) and make it look just how it did before. They had photographs of certain parts, such as the chandeliers, but did they really want to make the building mostly wood again? No! The walls only look like they are made of wood...when in fact they are coated with a sticky substance called beer. Yes, beer! Also, it is tradition for the opera houses in Germany to be named after a Greek god Dionysus, the god of wine and parties...very appropriate. The railings are made of marble, while the great pillars are made of plaster and imitation marble...which apparently imitation was more expensive then marble, but easier to shape. The style and architecture of the building is a blend of Italian, Renaissance, and Baroque. This blending was common in the mid-1800s, according to the guide. Famous composers' names appear all over the inside of the opera, along with other Greek gods. 

       After the tour, I had about 30 minutes to spare before the show began, so I just bought me a glass of white wine and lounged with others on the balcony...gazing over the Dresden Royal Palace and Elbe River. Magical! 

La Bayadère:

View of the Stage from My Seat

       The ballet was nothing short of amazing! I'm not much of a ballet expert, but everyone, with the exception of this one minor character that just seemed a little off for the most part, was just so perfect. At one point, the lead ballerina held an Arabesque position while moving across the entire stage. That is a true leg workout, I'm sure! The stage effects and props were also great, especially when the temple collapsed. Most important to note, was that several male dancers were just wearing a loincloth, or this one excellent dancer was just in a full-body skin-tight shimmering gold outfit. I was only six rows in front of the stage and seated in the middle, so I had an amazing view. The guy next to me, however...did not. 

       Drama: Off-Stage: To my left, was a young man, who I assume is Indian because he was dressed as one and seemed very enthusiastic about the ballet, which was set in Royal India. Well, in front of him was an even more excited young lady, who would sit up very tall and on the edge of her seat when the love of her life performed...which was the lead male dancer (Danseur Nobel). This girl must have been his all-time biggest fan. Anyway, the Indian guy asked her to sit back and she just brushed him off and said, "Nein." And Germans are very stern when they say, "Nein." I was just sitting there trying not to laugh, and could not wait for the intermission. When the first act ended, the Indian guy (who spoke fluent German, so maybe he is German but keeps hold of his Indian traditions) gave her a piece of his mind. I could only understand bits and pieces, but I'm certain he got his point across. Intense! 

     Clearly, I enjoyed myself. Couldn't have asked a more exciting evening! After the ballet, I walked to my tram stop and listened to fireworks being set off in the distance. I never saw any, but it did fulfill some July 4th wishes. I also ran into some Americans who were taking my same tram. They were from California...the other side. Always good to meet some Americans, especially when you can say "Happy Independence Day" to them. 

Cultural Similarities to Note: 

         Not sure why this didn't occur to me earlier, but Germans listen to American and English music. Currently, I am in Dresden and hearing the Dixie Chicks... Hearing my own culture's music is actually a great comfort, although I was hoping to hear the latest German pop music...turns out it's just ours! They play more of the 'good' American and English music, but I am surprised they play our country music too...I've also heard some Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash since I've been in Germany. : ) 

Dreary Dresden, Cheery Chatting

Dresden:

Dresden

Dresden Frauenkirche

           Since arriving in Dresden last week, I have to admit, the weather has been a little dreary. It's slowly heating up, which is great! I think my behavior and emotional health is definitely weather-dependent. In Leipzig, the weather was perfect and it was the most perfect week...concerts, churches, and sunshine! And now, the city I have been looking forward to visiting for almost a year, has seemed quite dismal..but is this weather-related? I'm thinking half and half. It is clear that Dresden is still in the rebuilding period following WWII and the fall of the Berlin wall. While a lot of historic buildings are back up and open for visitors (such as the beloved Frauenkirche), they still look a bit sad...like they are surrounded by these excited tourists and pleasant Dresdeners, but still not healed from the war. *sigh*  On the bright side, I plan to revisit the old historic buildings again, during a nice sunny day this weekend...which may or may not change my perspective.
         
Bechstein:

Bechstein factory 

           Two days ago, I had the privilege of touring the Bechstein piano factory in Seifhennersdorf (just had to share that my spell-check thinks I was trying to spell 'oversensitiveness' when spelling 'Seifhennersdorf'...so close spell-check...so close). Anyway, Seifhennersdorf is a small town and about an hour and a half away from Dresden via regional train and taxi. Unfortunately, there was some communication error between myself and the tour reservation I had made because no one knew I was coming. I knew I should have reconfirmed my tour a week earlier...like I've done with almost every other factory. Oh well, I still was able to have a tour and everyone in the office was very pleasant toward me. They even gave me some Bechstein books to take home!

Bechstein company car

           There was a Japanese lady with a scheduled tour, and although she preferred the tour in German, she also knew English (and Spanish and Japanese, of course...quadrilingual??). The tour was mostly in German, with some English thrown in there for some of the complex information (thank you!). Instead of having to pay for another taxi, an employee of Bechstein's drove us to the train stop in the company car! Hopefully, I will get my butt in gear (today!) and write a page on the Bechstein process and my sustainable observations soon.

Seifhennersdorf:

Seifhennersdorf Kreuzkirche

           After the tour, the Japanese lady (Kaiya? I believe that's what she told me her name was...) and I had about three hours to kill before the next train back to Dresden arrived, so we wandered aimlessly around the small town and talked in Germanglish (German-English). We walked to the town church called Kreuzkirche (popular church name...Church of the Cross) and then to the Gymnasium (high school). The town contained some beautiful sights besides the church, such as rolling hills of fields, woods, and a creek. It made me feel a little more at home. Cities aren't really my favorite places.
          Anyway, Kaiya and I stopped to have some tea for an hour or so...at the only cafe in town. There we discussed many subjects...and one of them was WWII. For anyone who knows me, you know I love discussing some of the more taboo subjects. Not to start a quarrel, but simply because I love discussing important issues and by hearing other's opinions and beliefs, I gain perspective. So yes, after two hours of talking with this woman, I brought up WWII. She was so surprised how much I knew! And believe, although I took the highest level history classes in high school (and love history), I don't remember nearly as much as I was told. In fact, I really hate how little I can retain from my classes.  Anyway, we discussed the Japanese camps in the United States, Pearl Harbor, and Hiroshima and Nagasaki...and at the end, she said she was happy we could discuss those issues now. I think the initial conversation came up when I asked if there were a lot of Japanese flags in Japan...because I've barely seen any flags in Germany. For an American, this is strange because we have flags everywhere...from little shops to schools to outside every government-related building. And no, there are not a lot of Japanese flags flying high in Japan.

Cafe in Seifhennersdorf

          Kaiya and I also discussed Christianity because I brought up my Bible somewhere down the line. (And I know, religion is another taboo topic, but she seemed comfortable to discuss it). She asked me if I prayed everyday, and I was a little stumped. I said, "Well it's mostly just an on-going conversation throughout the day. I don't usually pray formally." Apparently, Kaiya found love for Jesus about a year ago when she studied religion in school. (Now, this was an older lady so props to her for taking some more classes!). She said many Japanese are not religious at all. After talking with Kaiya, I felt I had gotten a sense of the Japanese culture...since it is not often discusses in school. When I was getting off the train, she hugged me goodbye. I will miss this lady!