Saturday 2nd

I made my first trip into the big city today. I walked to the local train station and hopped on the first train that came, not wanting to be late for my appointment. As I sat there watching unfamiliar territory and the minutes pass by, I wished I had checked to see where the train was going. Oh well, que sera sera. I’ll arrive somewhere sooner or later. Says the new and relaxed post-Africa Nicola.
I’m visiting my university housemate today. She's been living in Vienna for her year abroad and this is her last weekend here before heading home.

When my train finally landed in Karlsplatz, Cat was standing there waiting for me. I can't explain how nice it is to see a familiar face in an unfamiliar place. It was the same thing when Suzanna arrived in Kigali; I don't think I’d ever been so happy to see anyone in my life. Anyway, Cat and I headed to lunch at an Italian restaurant, and spent the afternoon reminiscing and sharing stories from the past year. Hats off to her, she endured over three hundred of my photos before waving the white flag and calling it a day.

As we walked to find a Starbucks for me to work in while she had her debrief, I came across a fruit stall. I love fresh fruit, so I picked up a bag of about 10 cherries and a nectarine to enjoy as we walked. But when I took them to the vendor, he tried to charge me over 9 euros, 7 for the cherries and 2 for the nectarine. I’ve had my fill of greedy street vendors this year, so instead of giving him the money, I handed back the fruit and said snidely 'Wot, is it gold plated?' and walked away. Yes greedy. No, not just trying to make a living. He could have easily charged me 3 or 4 euros without causing me to bat an eyelid and gotton off with a lot of profit. But he just had to get that extra penny, or cent in this case, to fill his coffer, and it was enough to make me cross. Grrr.

Anyway, after ordering a hefty slice of chocolate truffle cake at Starbucks, the fruit incident was all but forgotten. By the time Cat got back, all the shops were shut and we couldn't find any supplies for dinner. Stuff closes at 6pm on a Saturday in preparation of the Sabbath. So we did what any reasonable, hungry student would do - we bought more pizza.

Back at Cat's place we were joined by some of her friends for an evening of politics, linguistics and ligretto. These Austrians sure know how to have fun. Note to self, never engage in a debate about the real English language with non-native speakers. Americans for example. It always gets ugly and you don't care enough to see it through. Yeah, I’m an arrogant, pompous Brit. Get over it Yank. I left the party just after 3am and went to sleep in Cat's spare room.