The moment I landed in the airport of Vienna, I felt I was dreaming. Everything seemed surreal, considering the fact that I had wanted to visit a place outside my country for a long time.
When I had bought a ticket with 11 hour layover at Vienna I thought I would see some part of the city before resuming my journey towards Leipzig. Then someone said I cant visit outside thecountry of visa. But surprisingly I was allowed because I had a schengen visa.
Anyways, so people in general are helpful. They spoke English in a more or less similar manner like Indians. We tend to make fun of the panwala who dabbles in English with his funny accent but when you compare that with the English of Europeans, I think Panwalas deserve a pat on their back.
There were lots of subtle similarities and differences in the way people conduct themselves. For instance, excessive use of Danke and Bitte (Thank you and welcome). As an Indian person, I am not used to such politeness where there is a thank you involved in the smallest act of help/kindness. Its a welcome change for the next 3 months.
So when I landed in Leipzig Airport, I had no clue how to get to the place of my stay. I had an address that was shortest I had ever seen, and asking people around didn't seem to help me much either. Then I met this lovely couple called Martin and Christina at the Railways station and they went out of their way to make sure that I reach my place for sure. And entire time, Martin was balancing between a heavy luggage, backpack, and his son on a cart. And talking to me and getting tickets and what not ... phew ! Eventually I made sure to get their contact number and would probably be meeting them next week once I am done with all the legal formalities of my stay over here.
The first weekend over here was great. On Friday I was invited by fellow couch surfers to meet up at one of the local Pubs called Bayerhaus and it was brimming with some loud music and high spirits of German people. What makes this place interesting for me is that people are very German, in the sense, not too much affected by the americanisation caused by the sitcoms all around the world, even though I could see some traces of Yankeeism in Mc Donald. :)
I took some liberty with alcohol consumption considering that this is Germany and beer is cheaper than water ! Apologies to parents for disappointing them :D
As I listen to Porcupine tree, sitting in a very comfortable bed in my room so close to the city center I am at loss of what is to be done today and what not.
Its good to be out in a while out of your country and see the world, but it also strikes you strongly how different you are from the people around you. The sense of identity that you get out of a short trip outside your country is immeasurable. I am still enjoying every it of alien culture but I am afraid there will come a point when I would want to get back to square one. Later, the better !
I also visited a very good old friend from Germany and was a delight to see his house and his friends. They come from a typical German family and being with them is a good learning experience about the German way of life. Though I wish Germans go a bit easy on Pigs.. I miss my Desi Chicken !
So well, I have penned a part of my feeling and I am ready to take a stroll in the Leipzig streets yet again !
See you guys soon.
