Much Needed Update!

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! :)