Having fun in Vienna

The trip to Vienna was supposed for work – to give a couple of book talks, organized by my wonderful publisher of the German edition of my memoir. Nora is actually an Austrian, mostly based in Vienna. Both events, one at University of Vienna and the other at a bookstore, went well. More importantly, I had so much fun, reconnecting with old friends and meeting wonderful new friends.

An American friend John who got Austrian roots was flat hunting in Vienna as he is considering relocating to the capital. So I stayed with him and he kindly took me to a fancy restaurant designed by his grandfather and to the opera. Another New Zealand friend Donelle whom I met in Beijing and whom lived in Vienna until recently made a trip there to meet me, combining with other chores. She showed me around. Nonelle also introduced me to a lively Chinese lady Helena who has lived in Vienna for nearly thirty years. Helena and her husband kindly took me and John to lunch at a fabulous restaurant one day. A Brazilian friend Vita, who was my neighbor in Beijing, came to one event with her Austrian partner. They took me to a traditional Viennese restaurant, joined by their family and friends. We partied until small hours.

I am a super rich woman in terms of social capital.