I have been in Vienna now for?3.5 weeks and I feel more comfortable in my routine each day.? It is a beautiful city with delicious food and plenty to see and do.? I am starting to think that six months will not be enough time to explore it all!? I love the European lifestyle but obviously miss my friends, family, and food back home.? My apartment is located in Neubau or the 7th District, which is considered the ?Green? district with all the hipster types.? I love it because it is centrally located and close to everything.? It takes about 25 minutes to get to campus depending on wait times for transportation.
I participated in a Cultural Program through WU, which was a great way to see Vienna and to meet people.? Throughout the three week program we visited Rathaus (City Hall), Linz (another city in Austria), Schlo? Belvedere, Graz (another city in Austria), Parliament, and Schlo? Schonbrunn to name a few.? I also took a German class in the mornings, which has helped tremendously in getting around and grocery shopping!? Before we learned about food, I accidentally bought ?Swiss Lard? instead of cheese.? My friend had a similar experience where she bought chunky ?sour milk? instead of normal milk.? Jokes aside, it has been difficult not speaking the language.? Austria is the fifth country I have lived in and the only one where I have not been able to speak the language.? It is annoying to have to ask if someone speaks English and I think this has been the biggest hurdle for me to get over.
Coming from College Station, the land of friendliness, I have become accustomed to a certain level of politeness; be it having doors held open for you or smiling at people when you walk by.? I know it is stupid to assume this behavior is present everywhere but I miss the warmth of the Texan people!? Also, Viennese take their dogs everywhere.? Dogs are basically allowed everywhere except in certain grocery stores and buildings but that?s about it based on what I have seen.? Apparently there?s a saying that Viennese take better care of their dogs than their children!
I am excited for March because school is starting and we get two weeks off for Easter later in the month.? Tomorrow I am going to Budapest to visit my friends and then when I come back I have a friend visiting from the states.? It will be a packed two weeks but I am very excited!
Schonbrunn Palace
Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace Gardens
Cathedral in Graz