Hitler's Balcony

Traveling through Vienna is in many ways like opening a book of stories that, though distinct, are woven together by socio-political historical events. Today, for instance, we passed by building after building, each of which begged for a picture. Then we came to the building pictured above and our guide said, "Hitler stood on the balcony of that building and spoke to 50,000 Austrians who packed this street." The moment was chilling, for you could almost feel the weight of a crowd, eager with anticipation, craning their necks to see this man who would become for the modern world its most evil villain. What a confusing and vulnerable time for many Austrians.

We also learned today that Vienna's diversity (ethnic, architecture, etc) is due in large part to its strategic location in the resistance of Turk invasions. As the Turks advanced from the east it was decided that Vienna would be the final wall of defense, for if the Turks were to make it to the Alps they could hide and scatter and make victory very nearly impossible. Ironically, the park that is located one block from where we are staying, Turkenschanz Park, is where that "wall" was. In fact, Turks who were captured were thrown over a wall to their death. I'll remember that the next time I walk by joggers, dogs, and kids playing within the boundaries of that park!