New fountain at Neubaugasse (Richtergasse)ノイバウ通り(リヒター通り)の新しい噴水

I found a new fountain at Neubaugasse in Vienna. It is right in front of a newly constructed bench. Three small fountains come from three outlets at alternating intervals. Since there is no border between the fountain and the street, everyone can come really close to it. Yesterday I sat on the bench in front of the fountain to rest and was enjoying the playful water action. Because it is so close to the bench, one can feel the water hit the feet when there is strong wind. I think that is a nice summer attraction.

Today I sat on a different bench a little farther away from the fountain and was observing the water from a distance. A small girl with her mother was sitting in front of the fountain. The child was interested in the fountain and went right to it with bare feet. She stepped on the water and had a lot of fun playing there. Some time later a child who was a little older came by with her father, took off her shoes and joined the other child right at the fountain. I presume they did not know each other but they played together like good friends which was rather cute to look at.

After they had left, two dogs and their owner came by and showed a lot of interest in the fountain. The interval of water coming out suprised the dogs and they were eagerly awaiting the next salvo of water. During about 30 minutes while I was there, other dogs as well enjoyed the playful water action.

I felt that there was quite a peaceful and enjoyable mood on that Summer day.

　ウイーンのノイバウ通りに、新しい噴水ができているのを見つけました。新設のベンチのすぐ前です。3つの小さな穴から水が、それぞれ違うタイミングで間隔を空けて吹き出します。道路との境界がないので、誰でも近づくことができます。昨日、私は噴水前のベンチに腰掛け、愉快な水の戯れを眺めて楽しみました。ベンチにとても近いので、風向きによっては水しぶきが足にかかります。良い、夏の楽しみだと思いました。

　今日は、私は少し離れたベンチに座って、この噴水を遠目に眺めました。小さな女の子がお母さんと一緒に噴水前のベンチに座っていました。女の子は噴水に興味を覚え、裸足で近寄って行きました。噴水の間を歩いたり、足で水を塞いだりして、楽しそう。暫くして、この子より少し大きい女の子がお父さんと一緒にやってきました。そして遊びの仲間に入り、二人ではしゃいでいました。この二人は知り合いではない様子でしたが、すっかり打ち解けたように水遊びを楽しんでいました。とても微笑ましかったです。

　女の子達が去った後、今度は女性のご主人と散歩中の犬二匹が噴水に興味を示しました。水が間隔を置いて吹き出すのが、不思議な様子でした。30分ぐらいの間に、他にも噴水に惹かれてやってくる犬を見受けました。

　私はここで、おおらかで自由な夏の日の雰囲気を堪能できた気がします。

Pictures by Yuka Simeno, August 10th 2021 in Vienna