For such an orderly lot of people, the austrians SUCK at public swimming

Grausam, grausam Tag...

Today I had to get up at 6:00. GASP! But the day was full of interesting surprises!

I bought a cell phone. I can RECEIVE calls for free, but I can not make them for free. I loaded 40€ onto it, which should last me if I don't spend too much time chatting... In other words... once I memorize my number I will post it here, otherwise, ask Maia or my Mother and they would, I am sure... be more than happy to hand it out. Remember, I am 6 hours ahead... no wild, middle of the night, drunk dialing please, or I guess I should say, early, to late evening, drunk dialing...

Okay... on to the topic of this post.

FOR SUCH AN ORDERLY PEOPLE, THE AUSTRIANS SUCK AT PUBLIC SWIMMING.

Upon entering the pool today, I mentally prepared myself for a struggle, briefly recounting my earlier attempts to swim in München three years ago... And much to my chagrin, all was as expected, except for the fact that not only am I a much better swimmer now, I am faster and less patient... sad, but true.

After I found a nice little spot on a bench for my towel I began to scan the water for a possible entry point, taking care to notice the sign that said 'Reserviert für Schulbefreiendzeit' Reserved for school free time. I got in where I thought an empty lane was... they have NO lap lanes. Frustrating, I know. There existed one TINY divider that separated the School Children zone from the regular zone.

Okay, this is where the fun begins...

You would think that after three people were practically mauled by my impressive speed and strength that they would move out of the way... make room for the 'swimmer'... but no... it was only an invitation to cut directly in front of me and swim breaststroke at a snail's pace... maybe even slower than that, because I saw a snail the other day, and man, relative to its size... it was bookin' it.

I honestly don't think there is anything more annoying while swimming than to have someone swimming in front of you moving at a much slower pace than you are when you are in the middle of a set, especially if you are doing fly and you've gone maybe... 15 meters. I wanted to scream.

Finally though, I think people got the idea that I meant business, because they gave me some room, and no one followed behind me, or cut in front of me... they edged in a bit too close now and then, but no more smacking arms with someone who is trying to do backstroke by spreading themselves as wide to the side as they can, kicking fiercely, and simultaneously trying to stroke. OI. That's all I have to say on the actual pool.

The locker rooms are very nice. You have to buy access to them though (1 hour, 2.5 hours, or 4 hours), which is annoying, because as I found out when I exited, once you have used your card to go through the little swinging doors marked 'Ausgang' or Exit, you can not re-enter, even if you have not used up your 'bought' time. This became increasingly annoying as I had not thought it necessary to relieve myself BEFORE exiting, and I had to wait three hours until Eva could pick me up after work. Needless to say, I used my amazing American wiles and got access to the W.C.

Now for some photographs.

Krems in the rain. This is how I started off my day.

I don't like the light in this one, but I have named it... 'Der Unsichtbare Schuh' (The invisible shoe)

Selbstbildnis bei Hallebad (Self Portrait at Hallebad (Swimming Pool)

I was fascinated by this glowing drop of water. If only I had a macros lens!





Now, for two photographs that I took on Saturday that I forgot to post...

Eva's garden.

The church Side Building.