The Beginning of the End

I am currently flying over Montreal on my flight home.  Marcus is sitting next to me watching some action packed movie, Kai is doing something similar, Ginger is passed out cold, and my parents are enjoying themselves in Business class and sending us drinks and snacks periodically. (Again, thanks a lot!!)  It’s been a whirlwind of 4 months.  Time hasn’t gone faster, or slower, at times.  I have gone through the motions today, traveling, layovers, delays, luggage, things you just do.  I haven’t really thought about the fact that this chapter of my life is closing.  I have talked about studying abroad since high school.  I knew it  was something I wanted to do.  Heck, I applied to two schools IN EUROPE for college.  I knew I was supposed to go back at some point.  After falling in love with school in South Carolina, I never thought I could leave school there and enjoy another place, knowing my friends and life would continue there without me.  But I did.  And I loved it.  I don’t know if I have “changed” abroad but I certainly learned a lot about myself.  Many people have told me that I wouldn’t want to come back.  Two weeks ago, I would have told them they were wrong, I was ready to see my family and I was ready to have the certain luxuries of being home.  But after having my family in Vienna, everything changed.  I love that city.  I love being able to walk everywhere.  I love the historical buildings, the self-confidence people exude, wearing whatever they choose and not thinking twice about it.  The individuality and different cultures you experience around each corner.  Life is always interesting.  Never the same, never ordinary.

But at the same time, I hated missing my close friends, my family and my life in South Carolina.  I missed my Delta Zeta sorority functions; I miss driving down the streets of Columbia, blasting country music with the windows down.  I miss the southern hospitality, the friendliness of a stranger, and the smiles from acquaintances.  I look forward to being back there come August. But I also know thatI will appreciate those things more, and similarly, I will miss parts of Vienna.  I will miss sitting on Maggie’s balcony in he morning, enjoying a big cup of coffee.  I will also miss my close group of friends in Vienna.  The fact that we would do anything for any one of us, and that we never got sick of each other.  Vienna has made me appreciate the little things in life.  I hope I do not get sucked into the fast pace of a fully scheduled life again.  I want to enjoy a big cup of coffee outside, I want to eat a fresh breakfast, and walk round a city with no list of errands to complete. 

I hope to take the experiences from Vienna and incorporate them into my busy life at school.  I hope to make my senior year the most unforgettable. 

As for the summer, AKA the next six weeks before my drive down to Columbia, I hope to recuperate, unpack and purge the excess in my life that I haven’t missed over the past four months, and enjoy my summer with my family.  This will probably the longest time that the five of us will be “the five of us” under the same roof.  Ever.  Kai is starting school in Miami in the fall, and I will be graduating from my undergrad in June.  I don’t know what my next step will be, but I am spending time this summer prepping for the GMAT to take in the fall and apply to grad schools.  Marcus will be a freshmen in high school.  Oh, and Marcus did, indeed, pass me up while I was gone.  I’m now the shortest child and the second shortest in my family of giants.  CRAZY. 

I know that this blog was for my time abroad, and I didn’t do the best job consistently updating it, but I hope to create a new blog this summer and continue blogging. If this actually happens, I will make a post on Vienna or Bust to redirect you.  Blogging helps me reflect on my life, and appreciate the experiences I have had. 

All for now, thanks for following :)

Familie

My two brothers, amazing Family and Ginger (Kai’s girlfriend) arrived in Vienna  a week ago.  We had the busiest week and my hottest week in Vienna!! Another amazing surprise, my grandparents flew in from Germany for two nights and one full day in Vienna to see me. Talk about feeling loved J I am so blessed to have such an incredible support system in my family.  We had a jam-packed “Wiener Woche” and had so much fun together!

We went to Schloß Schonnbrunn (did the tour), Palace Belvedere (Saw Gustav Klimt’s “Der Kuss” and Mom about DIED) , Museums Quartier (More Klimt and other incredible artists), Julius Meinl Café, Hotel Sacher, Staatsoper, St. Stephans Cathedral, Figlmüller (best Wiener Schnitzel), to the Donau, to a Schwimmbad near Prater, and of course a big dinner at Mariahilferbrau and an little visit to Travel Shack. We had a jam-packed week but we did exactly what I wanted to do my last weekend in Vienna.  It was so hot and not many stores/restaurants/my apartment have air conditioning, so I am looking forward to this luxury when I return home.

Wind it up...

Its amazing how fast time can fly.  One moment I am returning from Spring Break, starting my semester of classes abroad and the next I’m running from my last class at WU to the Vienna Airport to pick up the family for a week in Vienna before returning home.  I feel like I have really come full circle this semester.  I am so thankful for this experience.

So I guess classes had to wind up before they could wind down and end.  The classes this semester have been interesting.  All of my courses in Vienna were block courses.  So I would have one class for 2-3 weeks, meet for about 6 or 7 times but totaling like 25 hours of class in that time.  Some classes were day long seminars, others met consistently for 3-4 hours 3 times a week for 2 weeks and then they were over.  Because of this, I had “sprints” and “spurts” of classes, and then nothing.  Which is great for studying abroad, but I would have a hard time doing this for all four years of college.

The last two weeks (first two weeks of June) were crazy.  I had two group projects, two presentations (one in German) and two research papers.  On top of it, I was in classes for at least 4 hours daily during those two weeks.  But it was a SPRINT, and it was over quickly!! The classes offered more experiences and learning than strictly textbook knowledge from books and lectures.  I learned so much from the different professors, some guest professors only in Vienna for 3 weeks to teach a block course and then return to their home countries.  I had two Austrian professors, one Croatia professor and one Pakistani professor.  They offered different perspectives from their host countries, especially cultural differences that  I am personally interested in. 

In the middle of the craziness, we had the biggiest birthday celebration this semester.  Miss Maggie turned 21 on the 8^th of June and we had a true birthday bash.  I made birthday Jell-O Shots and lemon drop shots and Picture Props.  We decorated  Maggies room with neon streamers and balloons  and I painted a giant wine glass for Maggie’s birthday goblet.  We got all dressed up and Maggie fashioned a cute “Birthday Girl” pin.  We went to Volksgarten, a big club in Vienna that was SO COOL.  Thanks to Brandon, Maggie and I were on the guest list so we didn’t have to pay a cover to get in, and we all had a great night together.  It was a great last hurrah with all of our friends before we all started to head home at different times.  I already look back on that night and smile, and I know that I will only become more fond of the memories as time passes.

Vienna

I am so happy to be here.  After the long spring break and over a month spent in Vienna with weekend travel, I have realized how lucky I am to have chosen such a perfect city to study abroad.  I could have stayed completely in my comfort zone and studied in Germany, and traveled to the cities I have many memories in, but I am glad that I decided to come to Vienna.  It's fun exploring a new city.  The historic buildings are breathtaking and the new adventures around each street corner make me anxious to explore.  I am so happy to still be able to practice my German.  Vienna is clean, safe and the weather the past two weeks has been amazing!

I am  also truly blessed to have met some amazing people studying abroad, and I am fairly certain they will be lifelong friends.  I think it takes a certain personality type to be willing to explore a new city and spend a semester abroad.  You have to be open to differences, personable and willing to try new things.  The fellow exchange students have the same passion for travel  and exploring new cultures that I do.  We have made some fun memories together and I hope that the next month here will be the same.  I want to look back on study abroad and realize that I lived the life I wanted to live.  I may not have traveled every possible opportunity, but I have really learned how to live in Vienna, and I feel there is something to be said for that.

I have become so independent here. Living alone outside of your comfort zone, you really learn a lot about yourself.  I enjoy my life in Vienna.  My classes are challenging and demanding from time to time, but they are not as rigorous as a full semester of classes back in South Carolina.  The lighter course load and the fact that classes only go back as credits (not affecting GPA) I feel that I have a good balance between classes, travel, and socializing.  When I left Columbia in December last year and then spent 3 months at home in Chicago, I had this "vision" of what Study Abroad would be like.  I can happily say, I was completely wrong.  I didn't realize the independence of study abroad, nor did I realize how much I would learn about myself.  I have come to appreciate certain luxuries at home, as well as realize what I need to prioritize.  Relationships with friends and family have proven to be most important to me.  Its amazing how new experiences can really change a person.  Although I am loving my life in Vienna, I know come a month from now, when my family is arriving for a Viennese vacation, I will be ready to relax with them and show them my new home.  But, I will also be ready, come the following week, to board the plane with them back home.

See you later, Alligator!

Yesterday, Nicole left Vienna.  After a short two and a half months here, she is headed on a 10 day vacation in Italy and France, and then off to Columbia, South Carolina to have a long hot summer with her best friends! She has only been gone a day and it feels like its been a week.  Nicole and I had so much fun together this semester.  I am so thankful we decided to both study abroad in Vienna.  She was a great travel buddy, a perfect neighbor and an amazing sister.  Although I am so sad that she is gone, I know I will see her come August for spirit week, so I am not quite as upset.

Not only have I learned a lot about myself this semester, I have also realized how lucky I am to have such an amazing friend like Nicole.  She is patient, a great listener, and always makes me smile.  I am SO lucky to call her my sister and one of my best friends.  We have shared some great memories this semester and I am looking forward to reminiscing next semester as well as creating many more memories together in Columbia.  MISSING YOU, NICOLE!

Bratislava...where it all began 

The Girls!

Las Tres Amigas at Travel Shack

Love us.  London Eye

First Ride Club experience.

Lattes and Apfel Strudel!

Ice Cream....We enjoy the OCCASIONAL sweet....

Dublin for St. Patty's!

Rathaus...With our Maggie Map...first full day in Vienna

Goodbye Austria presents....Hugos, Sacher Torte, Stabilo Pens, Vienna Shot Glass and Tchibo Snack Tubes!

Cinco De Drinko

One of the very few things that Europe does not do well is Mexican food.  We have had the HARDEST time finding a good Mexican restaurant.  I remember this being the case when I lived in Frankfurt as well.  After having such a hard time being deprived of Mexican food this semester, Nicole, Maggie and I thought it was only right to celebrate our favorite Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo.  We sent out an invite to all of our friends here and then started planning the menu.  

Nicole, Maggie and I were not quite as impressed with the selection at our normal grocery store so we researched online and found a Mexican grocery store in Vienna!  We went on a mini-adventure and found this store.  They had the BEST tortilla chips, tequila at a better price than the grocery and Margarita Mix (which we haven't been able to find, ANYWHERE) so we were happy campers.  We spent Sunday morning (El Cinco De Mayo) cooking and preparing the food.  Everyone came around 3 and enjoyed our delicious cuisine, as well as homemade Jell-O Shots and Maggie, Nicole and I enjoyed some delicious Margaritas! It was a fun afternoon of good food, good drinks and good company.  Everyone was complimentary of all the work we did and we were happy to do it.  Definitely a great memory I will look back on for years to come.  

Maggie and Me!

All of our food! Quesadillas, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Homemade Salsa, Bean Dip,and more!!

How's it goin, Nicole?!

Jello Shots, Sangria, and fresh Lemons, Limes and Oranges for drinks!

Diane Does Vienna

After returning from Salzburg, my mom and I wasted no time.  We bought snacks and wine and hosted a few friends Friday evening, before heading to a local bar that all of the foreign exchange students go to.  I was so happy to introduce my mom to my closer friends here.  Everyone loved her, and everyone told me they knew EXACTLY how I was going be 28 years down the road.  That's okay, I would be very happy if I grew up to be just like my mom.

On Saturday, we went to Naschmarkt and had so much fun exploring, tasting yummy food and checking out the flea market.  The Flea Market next to Naschmarkt is a cross between some really cool treasures and stands that look like people literally took all the junk/garbage from their house and threw it into a heap.  My mom and I bought some really cool stones from a stand.  We are going to make some amazing jewelry.  The man who sold us the beads was named Aziz, and he was such a friendly person who gave us an unbelievable deal.  He asked us where we were from and we explained that I was studying in Vienna but we were from the US.  And then he thanked us.  He said that he was from Afghanistan and that the American Troops and presence saved his country.  He was so complimentary and said that he was so thankful.  My mom and I were astonished.  Not only were we not expecting that, but it was just so heartwarming to hear it out of the blue.  He explained that his immediate family was here but his brothers and other relatives were still living in Afghanistan.  Its amazing what you will find when you take the time to get to know people.

On Sunday, Mom and I walked to the Schönbrunn Palace, and walked through the grounds, up the hill and sat at a cafe and had an Eiskaffee. (our favorite!) It was such a great weekend.  We were lucky enough to have great weather the entire time and we were so blessed to spend six full days together.  I am so happy to have my mom and one of my very best friends.  We have shared some great experiences together, and I know there will be many more to come.  This trip was our first international trip together, but I can promise you it certainly won't be our last!

Again, I will add some pictures when I receive a copy of them from my mom!

Salzburg

My incredible Mom arrived in Vienna on the 23rd of April and stayed a short 6 days.  We had the most amazing time together.  I can honestly say that she is one of my very best friends, as well as the most inspirational, strong, independent role model a daughter could ask for.  We started her visit with a two night trip to Salzburg.  When I decided to study abroad in Vienna, we promised each other that we would do the Sound Of Music Tour together.  My dad and brothers were completely willing to let us do this one as a "girls trip." I wonder why?

On our way to Salzburg, about a two and a half hour train ride, we say next to the CUTEST little lady. Coincidentally, it was my Nana's 102nd Birthday and we were planning to call her that evening from Salzburg.  This woman was 92, Hungarian but had lived in Austria for the past 40 years.  She lived alone, but was visiting her grandchildren and had 5 roses with her, one for each of them.  She told us that each visit, her grandchildren always receive a red rose from her.  She spoke German with me but spoke slowly enough for my mom to catch most of it as well.  She spoke so fondly of her late husband, family and life in Austria.  After I helped her with her bag and got her off the train at her stop, my mom looked at me and said, "God sent us an Austrian Nana for her birthday."  And she was completely right, this woman filled our spirits.  And to think that we met her on our Nana's 102nd Birthday.  Its funny how things like that work out.

We had a great time in Salzburg.  We went on the Sound Of Music Tour, which consisted of disappointingly cheesy commentary and unnecessary remarks, but the sights and scenery around Austria was breathtaking.  When Mom and I got back to Vienna we spent one night after dinner watching the Sound of Music to place all the sights we saw during our tour.  We had a fun time.  Salzburg also has occasional "Nacht Shopping" events and we happened to be there for one! All the stores were open until 10PM (unheard of in Germany or Austria, most stores close at 6PM) We were able to window shop and see all of Salzburg, and had two great dinners together.  It was so fun sharing a bottle of wine and talking.

I know I am so fortunate to have a Mom that is willing to fly across the world to visit me.  TWICE! I found out just before my Mom arrived, that my entire family will be visiting for a week once I finish my classes in June.  I cannot wait to show them my temporary home.  I'm certainly one lucky lady.

I would normally attach some pictures, but my Mom has all of them on her phone....I'll post them once I get a copy!

Senior Ceremony

On the 22nd of April, my DZ Chapter had their Senior Ceremony, honoring all seniors for their commitment to Delta Zeta and the accomplishment of graduation.  I was so upset, knowing that I would miss this ceremony for my big, Kristen.  I talked about FaceTime-ing in for the ceremony last semester, but honestly didn't know if I would be able to do that.  When it came time to planning for senior ceremony, my twin, Sara Facebooked the "family" and included me.  I was so happy she did, because I was actually in Vienna on the 22nd, and decided I could stay up until 3:30 AM to FaceTime in for the ceremony! Sara took care of all of the logistics, and emailed our president who was totally down to let me FaceTime in (thanks, Amanda!).  I was SO excited to surprised Kristen.  When I met Kristen as a new member of Delta Zeta my freshman year, I knew almost immediately that she had to be my Big.  One night, at my first Delta Zeta function, she had "hinted" at wanting me to be her Little too, but it was never discussed again.  She made me believe that she was not taking a Little, and that I definitely wasn't her Little.  In reality, she had been planning and crafting the entire time! I was so happy, so relieved and so excited to find out she was my Big on Find Out in October.  She had tricked me sooo well, I wanted to surprise her somehow with the ceremony.  I sent a letter for Sara to give Kristen that night and I texted Kristen that day saying I wished I was there.  She understood, but had no idea I was going to FaceTime in!

I was very happy to be apart of the ceremony even though I was on the other side of the world.  Thank goodness for modern technology!!! Below is a little progression of my time with Kristen.  I am so thankful that she has accepted a job in Columbia, SC next year so I can see her all the time! I LOVE YOU BIG!

Thanks to my twin, Sara, for coordinating the ceremony with me!

Our first night together, DZ Debut!

Find Out! And Halloween!

Studying together...our hair was so short!

Kristen's Birthday Family dinner!

Most Alike Big and Little Award!

Turtle Tug 2011

Before Viki's and Sara's Find Out!

Our last function together.  Semi-Formal 2012

A Walk Down Frankfurter Straße

I am so incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to live abroad as a child.  Twice.  The second time around, we lived in Oberursel, a suburb of Frankfurt am Main in the State of Hessen (in Germany of course!).  I attended an international school and truly met the most incredible friends.  Not only have we all gone our separate ways as far as university, but we are from all over and we still manage to meet up for "reunions." One of my best friends, Claire, is studying for the semester in Copenhagen.  Instead of her trying to come to Vienna or me trying to come to Copenhagen, we decided we would meet in Frankfurt and take a walk down memory lane! (We didn't actually take a walk down Frankfurter Straße, I just liked the play on words!)

Claire and I met in Frankfurt on a Thursday and literally ate our way through Frankfurt and our respective "home towns" until Sunday morning when we flew back to Vienna and Copenhagen.  We had SO much fun catching up and shopping.  Its amazing that after not seeing someone for almost two years how we were able to just pick up where we left off and it was like no time had passed at all.  We ate at our favorite restaurants, found an amazing Mexican restaurant and on Saturday morning we went to Oberursel and went back to Frankfurt International School.  The gate was surprisingly open, and we were able to walk through the grounds again and found our lockers, silly things like that.  It was amazing to see how the school had changed and updated, but that our favorite places were still there. It made us miss the rest of our friends, and we want to do a REAL Reunion in Frankfurt one of these days.

It was a perfect weekend. I was so happy to have seen Claire and I cannot wait to have a group reunion at my house again in July.

In Frankfurt on our first full day.

Enough Said.  It was great to be back!