Hey everyone, just wanted to type up a quick-ish update since last time! Hope you all are enjoying the links and downloading Kindred Fall songs! We are on the brink of revolution...
Mostly i have been helping out my Hausfrau with her new Kasten (closet units), as she had the old ones demolished by a demo crew and new ones installed by Helmut (her handyman-type friend) and myself. Needless to say, things have been in quite a crazy disarray roundabout the house--especially since Ben's two friends who are on break from studying in Spain came and stayed two nights on an air mattress in our room and then the living room amidst the mountains of clothes and other miscellaneous items...
Mostly i have been going to classes, doing chores, and playing my guitar for money and listeners on the main footbridge. However, i got talked to by the Polizei who say i have to relocate the next time since the bridge is not one of the designated street musician areas of Salzburg (who knew?). Anyway, they were nice and helpful and also did not fine me for not having my passport and attached visa on my person (i had forgotten it at home). They radio-ed in and confirmed my residence and studenthood in Salzburg, so i didn't get in trouble. Good thing i had registered with the Police though! They also knew English which was nice, though i tried to use as much German as possible as a courtesy and also for practice.
In other news of more serious nature, we went to the Death Camp of Mauthausen near Linz, Austria last Friday with our World War II class. Probably just as sobering as any trip to a concentration camp, Mauthausen was unique for a couple of other reasons:
1. It was the only camp of mass exterminations within the borders of the former German Reich.
2. It was a major source of the stones used by the Nazi for Hitler's extravagant building plans. There was a stone quarry where prisoners were forced to work long, hard, and mercilessly until death.
3. It is very beautiful and close to the natural landscape of the region. Unlike Dachau near Munich which we visited before, Mauthausen is located on a hill, dotted with trees and flowers, and covered with green grass. One can hear birds singing and see blue skies and even see the mountains in the distance on a clear day. The quarry nowadays has three lakes and lots of growth along the rock face. It is very hard to imagine such suffering took place in such a beautiful, seemingly peaceful location.
Like i said before, i have an art test very soon, so i'd better get going. However, if you could please post a response to anything mentioned here if you feel so inclined. 'til next time...
-ac-
2 comments:
Wow, I'm way imperssed that you've become a forgein streen musician! On one of my last days in Granada I came across this guy who was playing a familiar sounding song as I visited the artisan shops by the cathedral. His accent was pretty think, but he was singing in English and eventually I realized that he was singing Wonderwall by Oasis!
For some reason it was totally a rad moment. I gave him the rest of my change. What sorts of songs do you play?
Imperssed? Wow! i don't think anyone has ever been imperssed with me before. Neat. Thanks for the comment, i'll post a response as my next entry!
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