My friend Stephen Provasnik from Bates College was in Vienna this weekend and I managed to grab a train and spend some time with him catching up on the last 12 years. The new Rapid train is a smooth, clean and quick ride. I was also pleased to note that the reciprocal agreement between Vienna and Budapest public transport companies remains active, but with a minor modification. Free weekend public transport used to be included free of charge in the train ticket, now it is 24 hours and costs an extra 5 Euro. Still a good deal. Irish poet extraordinaire Neil McCarthy, currently residing in Vienna, recommended the 1516 Pub near Stephen's hotel. Service was good and friendly, prices were reasonable considering the area, and the home-brew went down just fine. I wolfed down a big turkey burger with fries, escorted by a 1516 lager and a 1516 Radler, while Stephen had a really good looking chocolate something. When setting up the logistics, it was interesting to learn that Americans do not really use sms - it being much more expensive than a phone call there. Moreover, kids in the US see email as a form of communication preferred by old people, while they use instant messenger programs and Skype. Stephen was amazed that people were smoking in the pub, and that when he asked for water they naturally gave him a big glass of tap water without even trying to charge him for bottled. We had some great discussions, and I learned that his wife Kristi just launched a new business, Kiln Glass Creations in the DC area.

Catch Neil McCarthy Live at Treehugger Dan's on Februrary 23, 2012. Yes, a live recording will be made of the poetry, music and performance.