Howdy!
Where to begin? Well, its June 4th so that means I finished my last class four days ago (whoop!). Technically the semester was supposed to run through June 28 but I would say that 95% of classes ended in April or May. So most exchange students have already returned home – or will soon ? with the exception of those unlucky few who will be ?stuck? in Vienna for another 2-3 weeks finishing up a last class or two. Oh, the second exception would be people like me who figured classes would extend until the end of the semester, and therefore booked return flights for that last day (oops).
In travel news, since my last post I?ve been to Salzburg and on an 8-day road trip to Croatia. Croatia was pretty sweet. I rented a car with three Canadian exchange students and together we drove all the way from Vienna to Split with stops at Zagreb, Bol, and the Plitvice Lakes and Paklenica National Parks. Fortunately, I?ve driven a fair amount in the UK so was already familiar with how to drive around Europe (picture a manual transmission and driving on the wrong side of the road in tiny, hectic lanes) or else it would have been a lot more stressful getting through parts of Croatia. ?I mean, we had the tiniest European car you could possibly imagine and still had to fold the mirrors in to BARELY fit between stone buildings on the ancient cobblestone roads in some of these little villages. Side note ? you would be amazed how much luggage and how many people you can fit into those tiny little cars.
What else? I head to Prague and Graz, Austria later this week. My return flight is a little over three weeks from now. Which in hindsight means I will be spending 2-3 weeks more time in Europe than I needed to. But my plan for the rest of the month (after Prague and Graz) is to go to Greece (Athens and Crete) and then Lisbon, Portugal. Believe it or not I?m more excited about Portugal. It just seems more out there or something. And actually it is ? visiting Cape Saint Vincent I will be able to look out at the Ocean at the southernmost point of Europe.
I think I ended my last post with advise, so, here is another thought. When travelling for an extending period of time in a foreign country, find a good neighborhood bar where locals like to go. Especially if they are Irish, Scottish, or English pubs! Introduce yourself, talk to the bartenders, whatever ? it?s a great way to get a lay of the land and find the best restaurants, clubs, coffeehouses, etc.
Until next time!