In December everybody around me was busy with their plans for New Year’s eve and made a long list of resolutions for 2015. In the past I also made lists of resolutions, which were generally broken or forgotten on the second or third day of January. So, this time, my plan was not to have any. I did, however, celebrate New Year’s eve. It became one of those days you’ll always remember.
New Year and Christmas seem to start around the first of December in the United Nations building in Vienna. Everybody was making plans and was excited. The atmosphere itself was vibrant and the Mayor of the city himself came there to wish us well. The whole December was a festive season: getting cookies and chocolates with warm wishes and going to the Christmas market. I noticed that the Austrians celebrate Christmas with Christkindl (baby Christ) rather than Santa Claus (Austrians see Santa Claus as a promotional figure of the Coca-Cola company).
In the past I also made lists of resolutions, which were generally broken or forgotten on the second or third day of January
I had planned to enjoy my New Year’s eve in a grand way: going to the opera in The City of Music. The 3000 euros for a single ticket, however, made me cancel my plan. Instead I went to parties, concerts and saw the fireworks at the heart of Vienna, in front of the giant wheel. Watching it live with the naked eye was far more beautiful than watching it on television (as in previous years).
Another thing to cherish was the snow in between Christmas and New Year. Though I come from the country of Mount Everest, I had never practically felt snow. Last year there was no snow in Wageningen and I was heartbroken. Luckily this year one of my many wishes I harbored before coming to Europe was fulfilled.
I am looking forward to an exciting, fruitful and fun-filled 2015. Happy New Year to you all.