This past weekend I went to Salzburg, it was a great experience filled with many different events. Friday afternoon we stopped in Melk to see an Abbey on our way to Salzburg. It was gorgeous and an extremely informative experience. We arrived to our hotel that night in Hellbrun, a town just outside of Vienna. The next day we took a tour of the city, and then travelled to an old fortress that used to protect the city. I have some pictures a lot of that; you can click on the link again and go to the end of my pictures. I have yet to put on captions of what exactly things are, that will happen sometime soon, I promise. Sunday morning we visted an old salt mine. We put on these crazy white suits and travelled into what used to be an active mine. It was extremely interesting. While we were there we crossed the border into Germany. The day went from adventurous and exciting to emotional when we drove next to Mauthausan, a concentration camp in Austria. It was an experience indescribable. To place my feet on the same ground where so much terror insued was a heart wrenching experience. I chose to take no pictures. If you want to know more about this feel free to send me an e-mail but talking more about it in a blog feels strange and innapropriate. Shifting gears I arrived back in Vienna Sunday night safe and sound. My class has only 5 days left. We then have a final and a days break before I start my next class. Many people will be leaving after the first class, but then a new group comes also. It will be a change of pace which should shake things up in the best of ways. I plan to attend the Nutcracker Ballet this thursday night, providing I am able to get tickets. Shows are extremely expenisve here, but through careful planning it's possible to get good and affordable tickets for just about anything! Friday we are off again for a weekend trip. This weekends destination: Budapest. I'm not sure what we're doing exactly, but I'll tell you that when I return! I've received requests for pictures of the place where my classes are and the street my flat is situated on. I will do this soon, my goal is to take the pictures tonight/ tomorrow morning so you should have them soon! For now, here are pictures from this weekend! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2046774&id=1149750801&l=1b9bc1cad1
Much LOVE!
Nothing earth shattering has happened in the last 24 hours, however I finally have a few pictures! My computer knowledge is currently failing me, so I cannot get them to post here, however you can click on this link to view them! http://www.facebook.com/album.
I'm finally starting to settle in and feel really at home here. My roommate has gone home, so now I am alone at my homestay. Selfishly this is very nice because I get along beautifully with my host Frau so I get to talk with her more than I would otherwise. I've become a pro at my streetcar that I take to get to and from class, but am not very fond of going home after dark. There are people around but I'm paranoid-- I have walking home alone in HOLLAND. Luckily, last night a few friends took a detour to my house because it's so close to ensure that I got home safely before they went to their homestays. That was really nice. We had been at a small local winery where being me: I ordered apple strudel. It was delicious! I think it's a good thing I walk my way through Vienna because in the process I eat my way through Vienna. Me and two of my friends: Bri and Biz found this amazing place for lunch. It's this chicken sandwich on delicious bread. We went there for the second time this week and the man remembered us, including that I don't like onions, when we left he said "see you later" it was hilarious, and also sticking with the common theme-- delicious. I eat ice cream nearly everyday, and I am quickly forming specific opinions about my favorites. I tried Grapefuit ice cream, which although somewhat tart and sour was to die for. My class which I had previously assumed would be at least somewhat boring is proving to be really interesting. I have more of a knack for history and philosophy than I thought. It's a ton of reading, not hard just time consuming. The next few days hold more adventures. Tonight a few friends of mine have planned a trip to the Albertina art museum which I have been looking forward to since day one. This weekend I'm off to Salzburg, I'll leave on friday afternoon (aka the middle of the night for all of you). I'll be back sunday night, meaning that I'll have internet access again on monday if I don't update before then. Hope all is well, miss you all!!
Updating a blog is tricky I’ve already come to notice. I want to say everything that I’ve been doing, however I do not have the time to write it, nor do you have the time to read it. As you know from the previous update I had safe travels. Went to Morbisch (spelling?), which is an hour outside of Vienna for orientation. It was a relaxing start to the trip; interestingly enough we were able to walk to Hungary from our hotel. It was just country, so we didn’t see much. We did get to see the old security check in, which since Hungary joined the EU we didn’t actually have to have our passports to get in, there was nobody of authority there. Apparently years prior there were guards with guns checking passports, but no longer! We arrived in Vienna on Friday. We met our host families and were taken home. My host Frau is very kind. She seems prim and proper, but this is due to her old age not lack of a kind heart. She invited me to join her for strawberry cake (yum!). I am staying with another Hope student, but I don’t see her much, but I like my alone time so it is just as well. My homestay is 30 minutes walking, but about 15 or less by street-car (think San Francisco). We have unlimited rides on any public transportation and as a result of quickly mastered the tram (street-car) and U (underground train) systems. I shockingly have good bearings on where things are in the city considering I am directionally challenged. I have been eating very good food, attempting to cautiously try new things (which has been very successful!). This morning I saw the Vienna Boys Choir: gorgeous voices! Later we went to the Vienna woods and then traveled to the highest part of the city, which revealed breathtaking views. I am enjoying myself so much, there are about a thousand things on my to-do list. I think six weeks will be a great length of time to be here. I could not picture myself away for an entire semester—this is exactly what I needed. I haven’t had a ton of culture shock, just little things such as hard beds that have only a fitted sheet and comforter, no top sheet. The largest thing is language, obviously. I feel kind of stupid, having to always ask for English. I plan to take the optional German conversation courses so that I can stop looking like a total idiot. People immediately turn and look at us when they hear our language. I don’t blame them, I do it to people at home! I hope that was a sufficient and hopefully not too long of an update! I love and miss all of you very much!
P.S. I forgot my camera cord in my flat, so I’ll add pictures tomorrow! :)
I'm safely here, and finally with internet! I don't have time to give extended details, but I will in the next few days! It's gorgeous here, and I am due to meet my host frau in about an hour! More later!
