European scarf count: 7 (I forgot to divulge that I bought one in Budapest, but I blame the Azerbaijanis for the other two additions)
If I could sum up my day in one word it would be JOY. I spent most of my day celebrating the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence. Yes, you read that correctly. Words can’t describe the feeling you get seeing a group of people who are so passionate about sharing their culture and celebrating with anyone who was interested.
I was innocently on my way to the city’s Imperial Palace/Hofburg for the English guided tour, but some lively music distracted me. Since I had a couple extra minutes I decided to see where the music was coming from when I happened upon the wonderful celebration. There was not only music, but dancing as well. Sorry former Austrian royalty, dancing takes priority over your extravagant china collections and living quarters.
CNN is the only English speaking channel available here (at least where I am staying), and almost every commercial is related to tourism. Maybe Austrians are known for traveling a lot? Anyways, there are the more common tourist locations such as China, India and Switzerland (for business), but there are also a disproportional amount of advertisements for Azerbaijan. Maybe I am living under a rock, but I am pretty sure I have never heard any references to the country until I came here to Austria. CNN is even doing a special on the country in the upcoming week…apparently they have the fastest growing economy in the world? I think this is all a sign I need to go there on my next trip.
They had tents with some of their traditional handicrafts set up (intricate rugs and stained glass pieces) and a food with tent, but I was just standing and taking it all in because I did not want to impose on another country’s celebration. Someone came by and insisted I get a plate of food (with wine or pomegranate juice) only after handing me a red scarf with an information card for the “Magic Silk from Azerbaijan”.
Magic silk will calm and relax you. It will bring you coolness of mountains in summer, and heat you with the sunny warmth in winter. Gentle touch of silk will excite your feelings, make your wishes come true and fulfill your secret desires. It will make you happy!
You feed me (the lamb and amazing flatbread with pomegranate was incredible) AND clothe me with magical textiles? I appreciate that. I snapped some pictures of the dancing and music…of course just before I was dragged into the circle to participate in the dancing. J
I braved the 1 degree Celsius weather to celebrate with the Azerbaijanis until I couldn’t feel my fingers or my toes, then headed inside to take a look at the displays as I had intended with my outing. First, I saw the collection of plates and serving pieces used in the building when it was occupied by the royal Austrian families. Their meals were served mostly on silver pieces and the picture below represents only about a third of the serving pieces used for any one meal. It was amazing to see so many pieces of intact dishes!
The most interesting thing I learned from this collection was that the emperor and empress used to bathe the feet of 12 commoners weekly as a form of giving back to the community (of course not before thorough medical examination to ensure the person carried no disease). They had a separate set of dishes used for the entire process.
Next, we were able to get a look into Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elizabeth’s “apartment”. Let me tell you, if that is an apartment, then I have always lived in and will continue to live in the equivalent of a cardboard box. It was very ornate with crystal chandeliers, hand embroidered linens and elaborate furniture. On display were also some of the dresses she wore and replicas of jewelry she donned. It is hard to imagine what it would be like to live your life in that manner with separate rooms for different activities and fancy attire all the time.
When I got back outside, the Azerbaijanis were on a break, so I headed to the Hofburg Café for an afternoon coffee. They had pretty Christmas trees with Mozart ornaments outside, so I knew it was going to be absolutely lovely, which it was. I also got a marzipan to go with my Mozart Kaffee (when in Vienna…).
I spent some more time enjoying the Azerbaijan independence celebration. I got handed another scarf despite the fact that I tried to tell them I already had one. I guess one can never have too many magical silk scarves? I know the lighting isn’t great and it’s not the best quality, but maybe these videos give you an idea on why I am obsessing. I am not sure what the guy is singing about, but I hope he was professing his love to Azerbaijan because I would have to agree with that sentiment.
I began walking towards the main part of town when to my surprise I came across the Christmas Market I had been gawking at, but did not think opened until the weekend open and ready for business. Obviously, there was also a choir singing Christmas carols with the amazing Museum of Fine Arts building as the backdrop. It just wouldn’t be Europe without little touches like that.
I headed to the main square of town, Stephansplatz and marveled at the beautiful church in the middle and said “auf wiedersehen” to Vienna. At least for now.
