Rock Star!

It's true that Barack Obama is a celebrity of sorts. The Obama mania that has swept the States is also in evidence in Austria, but of course, it's hard to tell since the Austrians tend to be restrained in their displays of enthusiasm. I'm sure that they have no idea of what to make of me....

The ex-pat community here in Salzburg is a close-knit one. They are truly wonderful people and they are making my time here so enjoyable. Since I am not really the same age as the more traditional students, it's nice to find friends who are in the same phase of life.... that is....middle age! A lot of my ex-pat friends have cool Austrian spouses. I've met some American students and some of the teachers at the International School. It's a nice community!

Of course, we are thrilled about Obama's election and so my friend Mary Ann organized an party at Hotel Stein, one of THE most chic places in Salzburg. The management was kind enough to set up a large screen TV and the presecco flowed freely. Mary Ann had spent the afternoon decorating, so there was red, white and blue everywhere. There was even a big "Obama" banner! Unfortunately, we didn't have the life size cardboard cut-out of the man, but we made do. The media was there, taking pictures and interviewing people. It was a great party and the goodwill was palpable. We cheered, sang, and toasted the new president and some of us continued the party until well into the evening.

I slept until 10:30 the next day, entirely missing my class. When I finally made it back to the Institut on Thursday, I discovered that I was a star. Apparently my interview and picture were in the Salzburger Nachrichten (the local paper!).

It's nice to be American!