The Pleasant Vienna

The Pleasant Vienna

March 17, 2015|Adiek Sarah

My overnight train from Zurich to Vienna would on 9.30 pm and it was only 6.00 pm when I arrived in Zurich. I didn't print out my ticket. I thought I did. So, I just showed the downloaded version in my mobile phone and they told where my couchette was. I booked a couchette for 6 for 59 Euro. The train departed on time. Soon after it moves, a train worker came to ask if we would like to have coffee or tea for the breakfast for tomorrow morning. For that, he needed to see our tickets. When I showed mine, he said, "I need to see your ticket" and I said, "I don't have the hardcopy".

He took the orders from everybody except for me before he left. I guess it was still OK if they didn't serve me breakfast, as long as I could reach my destination. After a few minutes, another guy came and asked for my ticket. I showed him the same thing and he asked for my passport. He asked, "Deutch? English?" I said, "English". Then, he told me this, "Mam, this is actually not a valid ticket. You have to print it out. Next time, please bring the printed copy". He handed over my phone and my passport. It was so relieved. But I didn't think he would ask me to go down since the train was already moving.

Couchettes for 6 (59 Euro)

Wien Main Station

Muslim Friendly in Wien Hauptbanhof

I lost about 2 hours when I was looking for the hostel that I booked, Wombat's City Hostels Vienna At The Naschmarkt. It was located opposite the Naschmarkt. Initially I booked a mixed dorm for 8. But since I was early and the room was not ready, they offered me for free upgrade to female dorm for 4. Price - 20 Euro for 2 nights. Very spacious and clean room with very friendly roommates.

Wombat's City Hostel

Vending machines in Wombat's

I put down my bag. Took a shower and rest about 2 hours. About 12 pm, I started to make a tour around Vienna city. In Vienna, the transportation system was also very convenient. I just need to buy a Vienna Card for 24 hours for 7,60 Euro and it was applicable for all mode of pubic transportation.

Tram in front of Parliament Vienna

There was a carnival a town and everybody was out with costumes. According to Andrea, my roommate in Wombat's, they were celebrating something where everyone will be wearing costumes and dancing. It was a public holiday (Tuesday). I believe that was the reason that most of the museums were closed.

Austrian National Library

Something about this had caught my attention

Parliament of Austria

Bicycle Park

Tram in Vienna

Universitat Wien

St. Stephens´s Cathedral (Stephansdom)

Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum)

Mozart

The Naschmarkt

Vienna’s best-known market has around 120 market stands and restaurants for a colorful culinary offering ranging from Viennese to Indian, from Vietnamese to Italian. The Naschmarkt has developed into a meeting point for young and old. The Flea Market on Saturday is already a cult event.

Source: The Naschmarkt

Friendly Egytian guy

Wearing hijab gave me a unique experience in Vienna. I didn't bother about their impression about Muslim, which I believe it was not a problem in Vienna or in many European countries. But it gave an advantages where other Muslims able to recognized me. For example, some Egytians straight away gave Salam and tried to create conversation. They tried to communicate in Arabic, unfortunately it was not my communication language. I told them I could speak English, and those who able to speak English really interested to know about my country. To be honest, I'm proud to be Malaysian. This Egyptian talked about a lot of things. I never wanted to buy anything. In the end, I bought one pack of peanuts because he was being too nice to me.

The Naschmark was exactly in front my hostel. I did bought lamb kebab for my dinner here after I came back from Vienna tour.

I only managed to see my roommates during night time, after everybody had done with their own activities. One them was an Austrian, Andrea, who was attending a performing art course in Vienna. A very nice and lovely person. We had very good and fruitful conversation during our stays. I noticed the conversation with local people created different environment compared to other foreigners. As for that, I'll definitely come again to Austria, specifically in Vienna.