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Saturday
12 May 2001
Qualification Day[ Formel Eins day 1 ]
^ To say Matthew was excited about attending Formel Eins [Formula One] would be a grave understatement. After snapping two shots of our lovely tickets, we headed off to our continental breakfast and then got on the road.
^ Matthew was a man with a mission behind the wheel, obeying the speed limits to get us there as soon and safely as possible.
^ The two hour drive was stunning, with each town more quaint than the last.
^ We drove over, around, and through maountains.
^ The dormant ski slopes called to Matthew and he spoke of returning during ski season.
^ Finally at the race, both were overwhelmed by the stunning weather, and gorgeous views. Matthew posed by one edge of the track. We ended up sitting on the other side.
^ Part of the fun for me was attending a European sporting event. They served pizza, sausage, pretzels, and Fosters "Australian for beer." I tried a sip of Matthew's "Australian for beer" but couldn't handle the bitter taste.
^ We made attempts to photograph us together.
^ We watched a Porche race and Formel Eins qualifying. I leave the bulk of the rae photos for Matthew to post in his soon-to-be-created page about Formel Eins.
^ On the drive back to Vienna I photographed the scenery, and myself...
^ Having arrived in the city after midnight the night before, it was lovely to return to during daylight.
^ Matthew almost fell out of his seat laughing at the Lotto ad. My favorite sign said "Video-Ass Cash Pot."
^ Wein was lovely and we were glad to have chosen to stay there.
^ For dinner I got a little booklet of top spots in the city and suggested sushi. There were two promising places -- one local hole in the wall and one sheshe premium place in the true senter of the city. Matthew admitted to wanting the premium sushi but was unsure if going there would be too indulgent. I said, "You know 'When in Rome...' When in Vienna, eat the best sushi." So we took a cab (a buttery driving Mercedes) and walked to the nearest bank to get cash for souveniers at the race the next day, then I made him pose with me for a reflection shot.
^ Since the image didn't turn out clear enough, I enticed him to take another with me.
^ After dinner, we found a balcony near the restaurant and took in the view.
^ The Vienna sunset was fantastic.
^ The whole city was lit up.
^ And were were happy and full and feeling spoiled and in love...
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