Crevices

Living in an actual city has been interesting. I could almost get used to not driving. The public transportation is most excellent here. The U-bahn (underground) is very speedy and can take you from one end of the city to the next in twenty minutes, probably less. The strasse-bahn (trolley) can take you everywhere in between. Takes a little more time, but it can show you the city in no time at all.

Every time I walk out of my house, I find something new, or should I say old. New to me, but old to the world. I am surrounded in history. There hang signs on every street. A plaque here and there, commemorating the death of a someone important or recognizing where a synagogue stood. You just need to know where to look: down at the sidewalk or on the side of buildings.

My group took an excursion to the Beethoven Frieze. It consists of a three panel mural of a certain degree. We sat looking at it for at least thirty minutes, maybe because it was literally the only thing to look at in the Vienna Succession building or because Gustaf Klimt was a genius. Definitely a thing to see.

I also took a trip to the 1st annual ( at least I hope so) Wien Oktoberfest. It was a lot of fun. Drank many a beer and rattler (beer mixed with lemonade... YUM!). It was interesting to see all the men in lederhosen and the women in dirndls. I enjoyed myself a lot.

We also went to Arsenal, the military fortress that was turned into a museum that houses many things including WWI and WWII artifacts. I learned all about Franz Ferdinand and his assassination. Even got to see the car that he was shot in, and the couch he dies on. A little morbid.

The UN was the next thing that was seen. It was interesting hearing about what the UN actually does and what councils they have. A lot are for nuclear power and even for the claims to outer space. I was over 190 places at once, gotta love that international soil.

We were supposed to go to the Leopold museum today, but... it is now closed on Tuesday's because the tourists are all gone. Instead we walked around the 7th district and strolled down many alleys, finding crevices that I would have never seen otherwise. I think I will go on a long, long walk sometime and find some crevices of my own.

Life here seems to go on and on. Seems almost fast, but also slow at times too. It will be interesting where I end up. Wish for the best as I jump into this life in the city.

<3

Catching Up!

Where have I been? Where haven't I? Keeping a blog is a lot harder than what I thought it would be. To catch up on my life:
I have started my classes which include:

1. Beginning German
2. Explaining Evil: Hitler's Holocaust
3. Art in Vienna in the 1900's
4. Austrian History

The classes aren't too bad. The classes allow for many excursions outside of the classroom, which will be very exciting.

I have also moved in with a host family, Maria and Otto. They are amazing! My roommate, Julie, and I have been able to talk about many different subjects with them. We have become part of the family. They have offered to take us to their house in Burgenland for a weekend in October. Maria also said she would take us into Hungary.

We have already been on a couple excursions. These would include:

1. The only synagogue to have survived Kristallnacht in Vienna. It survived because there were many non-Jews living next to and across the street from it. If they burned it, then these people would also bear the consequences. 
2. The art history museum, which houses many paintings by Raphael and Rembrandt. They also house an extensive Egyptian artifact exhibit.
3. The Brunnenmarkt, which reminds me of the Fashion District in downtown L.A. Cheap produce and even cheaper clothes and little random trinkets.
4. The Staatsoper, me and a couple of people decided to go see Mozarts "Don Giovani". Being my first opera, I was blown away from the performance. It was a great experience. 

I have also explored the Schonnbrun by myself. I went running there and it was just huge. Reminded me of Central Park. I could wander there for hours and always see something different.

That is my catch up of my life here in Vienna. It is very interesting to be in a city that is so rich in history. Everywhere I go, I can see different parts of history, either in the buildings or in a statue. I am very thankful for this adventure. It will something that I will cherish for a lifetime to come.

Just the Beginning

I have been around the city a couple times now and always see something different. There was a large Thanksgiving festival by the National Library today. They had a lot of booths that represented many different regions around Austria. They had bands and dancers and lederhosen. It was very interesting. I also was able to go to Rapid Wien soccer match. It opened my eyes to soccer in Austria. The fans reminded me of Chicago Cub fans in that they are dedicated to their team.... even if they aren't that good. I also moved in my house that I will be staying at for three months. My lovely roommate is Julie and our room is an amazing size for two. We have two full beds, a desk, two "study chairs" (Julie's words... not mine), a good sized bookcase, and a wardrobe. Yes... all my stuff fits into an alotted area. We are living right by the Kanal and Prater. It seems like a great area. And the second night that we are here... our house parents decided to leave us. They went to the countryside to take care of a hedge. They are amazing though and are helping us with German. The pillows are a little... more like a sack of feathers that stick out in every which way. And I hope I don't fall out of the windows either. Everything is just great here though and I am loving everything! Until next time!
SLH

Tea in London, Lunch in Brussels, Dinner in Vienna

London

My layover in London. I have three hours… I am greatful that there is a Starbucks because I know I will be living off of coffee today. I probably got an hour of sleep on my flight to Dallas/Ft. Worth and then maybe another hour to two hours on my flight to London. Going off of that sleep for the rest of today and then hopefully going to crash at the hotel in Vienna tonight and get up tomorrow refreshed and ready for adventure!

This whole this is a bit surreal. Yes, I have been planning for months, but planning is only half of it. Being here is a bit crazier! I am definitely very thankful to my parents, God, and myself for making this trip possible. With a little bit of planning and a lot of hard work, any dream can be made possible. Now for some coffee and maybe a little nap and then a short plane ride. Then and only then will I finally reach my destination! Talk to you all soon.

Vienna

I am finally in Vienna! So amazing! Just taking in the sites and sounds of the city.

First night was very pleasant and I passed out right away. My suite mate Kailey is pretty sweet and we will be roaming the city today. Had some pretty good food last night with Blaine too. The beer is not too shabby as well. Won’t have internet until Saturday, so see you then!