Today I got to use the practice rooms at the Kunstuniversität! This is Graz’s University for Performing Arts, which is separate from the Karl-Franzens University (University of Graz), which I am attending through my exchange with U of C. In Europe, music performance students tend to study at conservatories or performing arts schools, but musicologists often study at the regular universities. Practice vs. theory? Anyway, it was really wonderful to use one of their rooms. They are nearly soundproof, and have pianos…and I can now play all my loud obnoxious material without the fear of bothering the other apartment residents. ;-)
Another interesting story…I was transferring busses in one of the main squares in Graz. It’s a REALLY busy place, because there’s got to be at least 15 different routes that pass through, and there are a lot of shops. There was an interesting building that I wanted to take a picture of, so I got out my camera and got ready to take the shot. However, there was a man standing in front of the building. As soon as I raised my camera, he crossed the street and walked right up to me. “Did you take my picture?” (Wow. Talk about intimidation!) I explained, in my fragmented German, that no, I didn’t take a picture of him, I was trying to get the building. He relaxed, and asked where I was from (since I obviously wasn’t a Graz resident). I said I was a student from Canada. “Canada! No! You must be Slovenian, or Hungarian…not Canadian!” He still didn’t look convinced after I insisted I was from North America. You’ve got to wonder what kind of image people associate with Canadians…??? ;-) Any ideas?
If you ask them right then and there: "Oh what does a Canadian look like?" then you will have your answer.
ReplyDeleteMarmie