Listen to the Music around

Not a usual Business trip with jam packed meetings and multiple consultations with different plants this time. Comparatively lighter than usual – and this time with my whole team. Berlin – seemed to act multi faceted this time. She smiled at us warmly while we looked out of the windows and betrayed us when we walked out. The wind seemed to wickedly laugh at us. She poked us from multiple directions and we hated to go to lunch to the canteen which was a street away.

“What’s the plan for the weekend?” our colleague asked “Vienna, the first and last team trip” I continued “Its warmer there – 10 degrees! We’re going to the temple in Berlin tonight as well”.

Friday evening – Karthikai Deepam festival and we wanted to go to Murugan temple in Berlin. As we entered the temple, we felt home. It was a blessing to see him dressed in silk. The loud bells and “Om Muruga” chants gifted me goosebumps.

More of a loner, I always wandered as a lonely cloud. This was the first time I had a plan with my team. Our flight was scheduled as early as 6:15 am and we made plans for our early arrival. We targeted reaching the airport at 4:15 am. We were all set for the Viennese weekend!

We boarded the flight and fell asleep even before the flight started. I slept almost for an hour, I felt and woke up to see the flight on land – “that was too quick” my mind awed – “Berlin Tegel” the lights read! “What?? Did I sleep less or is the flight sleepy?” I asked myself. The flight was creeping through the land as though it was learning to crawl. Finally it took off and I was back to my duty – sleep. “We’re landing in few mins” the captain announced and “can I sleep more?” My mind questioned. We left the flight and the first board that said “Wien” caught my eyes. I got recharged for yet another trip!

“The big suitcase” with an Ad to CAT – the fastest train caught our eyes. Fifteen mins to the central station – it said – the cost was 12 Euros. When I looked up for the regular trains, it was 4.2 Euros and it takes 17 to 20 mins 😉. We bought the 48 hour pass and an additional ticket to Main station and proceeded. Time is money and pay more money to get time – was the first message 😀

Raj, Naresh, Sridhar, Mamatha – my colleagues and I were traveling together for the first time. I didn’t know personally about them too much and asked them for their choices or tastes to plan the day accordingly. Until now all that we have spoken about was “Releases, Infrastructure, consultation, ToDos, action items”. Time to switch from a Business context to personal context.

Vienna welcomed us warmly showing some greenery around. However he seemed to listen to his Berlin friend. As we came out of the train station, our jaws met with an accident with each other and were still in friction. We transferred to our first point – Schönbrunn Palace. After walking for about ten mins from the station – there she was. Quite Mighty as she seemed, quite confident too. We walked around the palace and the gardens too. Interesting sculptures all around and our first view of a Christmas market in Europe!

The market had interesting mixture of glass and wood products. Christmas decorations selling everywhere. “Blue, Green or Red? Wine, Punch or Beer? Soaps, candles or balls? Figurines, toys or dolls” what do you want?” – the market seemed to question. The market seemed to have just opened up and in sometime there was quite some crowd. “The beginning may seem dull but how you transform the mood matters – be lively and cheerful” the market uttered to me! We moved on to the next place – the Zoo.

Quite some interesting history that the Zoo was first built in 1700s and the oldest operating zoo in the world! We awed and moved on. Map showed interesting animals all around! “Wow! The Panda!- this is what I want to see” exclaimed Sridhar. We were busy giggling and walking each time we saw the board that said “Indian Rhinoceros, Indian Elephant, Indian Deer” etc. We traveled thousands of miles to see what’s in our home! We cried 😉 Our animals adapted wisely to this climate too! Adapt to the environment around – they taught me.

“The polar bear” – didn’t give a damn to what was happening around her. She was playing with the big ball, swimming and enjoying herself. She didn’t have a companion nor did she sing a melancholy for that! She stopped when she wanted, toppled herself, shook her heads and moved on. I only got motivated to move my own path seeing her – enjoy every moment as you want!

“The Gepard” read the board now. Leopards are called Gepard in German. She walked majestically holding her head in pride. She did not seem to worry for being caged. Every step she took seemed to be a slap to the ground – such firm were they. Situations may always not be favourable but don’t lose who you are – you are your attitude and confidence – she reminded me!

Bears seemed lazy and sleepy. He was dozing until another one came in. He gazed at him and continued sleeping. He seemed to wake up and move faster suddenly and I didn’t understand why. I didn’t know he was capable of such swift acts. His capability is misunderstood when he’s found lazy – never be one but go on energetically – I got reminded.

“Giraffes” – as tall as they seemed to be also had challenges pulling their food which was lower. They had to twist and bend for their food. Even if you’re on the top, you need to be humble and bend down to situations – I smiled.

Monkeys jumping around funnily – active to the core. Within the blink of the eye they were leaping between ten trees! What a talent! My infant giving me troubles crawling while I try to change his diaper – I smiled. Never lose your energy!

“Panda Bear – the endangered species” the board read. He was busy munching his bamboo. He moved around freely and sat where he felt comfortable. He munched and munched tirelessly. Don’t worry but live your life until it is destined to be! I learnt!

With smiles and great experiences, I moved out of the zoo. We took a train to the closest station to some Indian food. “Guys, Christoph will ask us where did you have food in Vienna, please don’t mention we went to Indian restaurant” it was a group voice. We laughed and laughed. It was typical for us to go for an Indian restaurant always and our lead exclaims “you are so boring” – this is usual to us!

Usual menu and unusual taste – Vienna surprised us. The chef seemed to be Christoph’s friend and hence didn’t give us Indian food! We paid for the non Indian food we ate and moved on to our hotel. Always expect the unexpected and still move on – I smiled.

The hotel appeared a vintage flat. The floors reminded me of my granny’s home with lovely designed red oxide tiles. The receptionist welcomed us warmly and handed over the keys. After a rest of a couple of hours, we moved on.

“Christmas market at the Town Hall in Vienna” was the largest in Europe and this was our first experience. As we entered in, the musical lights and colours made our feets tap. “Rainbow colours and what others that we can’t find here?” Snowman seemed to get frozen in the cold and he extended his arms widely. The large Christmas tree competed with the Cathedrals tower.

Love is in the air – so were the love lights and lanterns. The trees seemed to hug and kiss them adorably that the lanterns were tied to the trees. The Christmas tree waved his head shying the sight of the pairs beneath. Dance to the music around you – I smiled.

Glow wine – aroma of Indian spices. Cinnamon smells all around. Cute little red shoes of Santa held by people moving around. Maybe Santa felt cold too that he wanted his shoes to be warm with glow wine! Cinnamon boiled with citron and wine – typical in Christmas market! Some punches too. Fruits crushed makes a good taste. “Haven’t I felt crushed too – personally and at work!” But those are the situations that has brought out the best learnings in me – I smiled again.

Souvenirs of different colours and themes – which one to pick? My mind wandered. Finally making up my mind, I picked a couple of gifts and walked. “When life has no options to give, we accept and move on. When life gifts us multiple options, we demand for more”. How ironical!

Clicking some lovely pictures and making great memories of the Christmas market, we went to bed.

The day dawned – my clock struck 5. I moved out of my room for a short stroll. Walking down the town reminded me of something I heard. I walked further to hear the calmness of nature. Roads were empty and wind seemed tired. Moving towards a church, I sat on the roadside bench. There was calmness everywhere and I was watching the lovely green shades on the dome.

Sudden sound of pigeons flapping their wings and flying in groups – they made a quick round about and sat on the dome. They repeated this thrice and finally flew. “The day may seem to dawn slowly and dull but never lose your charm. Flap your wings fiercely and move swiftly finding your own way!” they said.

“Ding dong” rang the church bell to remind me it was time to meet my colleagues. We had a lovely breakfast time with colleagues pulling Naresh with funny comments as usual. The English breakfast tea and the Viennese coffee made us further energetic for the day.

“Viennese Ferris Wheel” we exclaimed. “Take a pic of me jumping” Mamatha said. Many tries by everyone, one after the other – I was happy they were enjoying the weekend. All of a sudden, we seemed to remember that we had come here to experience the Ferris wheel 😉😀.

The wheel moved to the top slowly and we saw the entire city with a birds eye view. Always approach the problems at a distance and they don’t scare us as they seem! This was teacher wheels lesson to me. Next was the time travel. It dated to 15th century with quite some hilarious comments. Every stage seemed interesting – do we even have one third of a hard life that existed in the past? Aren’t we blessed without wars and threats? Are we counting on our blessings or crying over little things? I felt ashamed for our generations!

St Patrick’s church – a calm and lovely experience. Candles and lights enlightened the surroundings. Golden glow was a treat to the eyes. It’s not a specific religion that brings in calmness and peace but the group positive vibrations in prayer places that makes you feel good – I again experienced. How nice if every person understood the essence of religion and prayers!

First Blueberry experience – grabbed one pack from the supermarket after lunch. Looked great and tasted awesome too. However my imagination was that it’s a sweet fruit but that was not right. “Appearances are often deceptive” reminded of Winston Churchill!

Walked on and on awing the colourful streets – “gold, red, purple, blue, yellow – colour, colour which colour do you choose?” Asked Vienna! Again some souvenir shops, debates on what to pick, longer waiting period annoying colleagues – finally had to be branded with typical women’s shopping syndrome! “Less choices less time” – second alarm in my mind!

“Typical Viennese coffee and hot chocolate” finally from an old Italian restaurant. “Should I ask if that is non alcoholic” I giggled.

Moved on to the airport laughing about the two days funny memories. Mostly a loner, I grab a lot from little things around me and I missed them not even when in group. Focus was still existing within little tunes of nature! Focus no matter what’s happening and how situation changes – also another lesson!

Vienna – weather though colder, the experiences were quite warmer. Each building and sculpture had something to say. Dawn to dusk were classes needed for life. Every bird, animal, person, building, and thing smiled at me with a message.

“Earth has lot of music to those who want to listen” – “we’re now landing in Berlin” the captain announced and here I smile completing my lesson and writing my reflections from my trip. Vienna remains special in my heart – for many reasons!