On a Friday free in Salzburg, Anna and I went on an adventure through Aldstadt. We started at the train station - where we found cell phones to call home with.Needless to say, after two weeks of little to no communication, my mother was a very happy woman. We wound our way through the streets until we found the river, walking along it in the sunshine until we found a small cafe with pretty flowers on the tables. I enjoyed an espresso while Anna sipped on a cappuccino. We shared a homemade sorbet - Orange, Wildberry and Strawberry. It was absolutely divine. Afterwards, we followed the sounds of street artists until we came to 'The Dome' Cathedral. When standing in the perfect place, two cupids on the Cathedral hold a crown above Mary's head, who stands atop a large statue in front of the Cathedral. Anna and I often walk in silence, having learned from the Austrians that silence is a virtue. People here are so very quiet and just as polite. We have only been here two weeks, but have already begun to be able to pick out American tourists from a distance. It's amazing what we can learn from different cultures if we allow ourselves to break down the walls we have built, the cultural norms that have been embedded and the reality we thought we knew. I have learned to simply revel in joy. Whether it is art, architecture, food, drinks, sitting in the sun, walking, thinking or simply observing, there is joy everywhere. Austrians take their time to experience joy and it is something I find extremely beautiful. They smile - especially when they think no one is looking. While sitting in the sun with their eyes closed, while listening to music, while drinking a wine spritzer by themselves. There is joy everywhere. And I am learning to take the time to experience it.
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