red tape

I was about to take the shortcut through Burggarten/Heldenplatz to the office this morning, but ended up having to walk around the park. Why? Because the square is being turned into the so-called Fan Zone for the EURO 2008.

Allegedly, some people are really excited about the EURO.

I recently had an almost-argument with a German friend who has lived in Vienna for years. When myself and two other friends were moaning about all the detours and obstacles we would have to put up with because of the EURO 08, never mind hooligans, she accused us of being narrow-minded and not appreciative of the historical event we were about to host. "Typically Austrian," she said - "On the one occasion to get to host an event of such proportions all you do is complain about changed tram timetables."

She has a point, but I can't help wondering if the city (or in fact any city) would make such a big fuss for a cultural event. Like, the sort of event, I would actually want to attend and take part in.