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.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
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!
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!
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| Bratislava...where it all began |
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| The Girls! |
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| Las Tres Amigas at Travel Shack |
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| Love us. London Eye |
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| First Ride Club experience. |
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| Lattes and Apfel Strudel! |
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| Ice Cream....We enjoy the OCCASIONAL sweet.... |
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| Dublin for St. Patty's! |
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| Rathaus...With our Maggie Map...first full day in Vienna |
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| 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.
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| Maggie and Me! |
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| All of our food! Quesadillas, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Homemade Salsa, Bean Dip,and more!! |
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| How's it goin, Nicole?! |
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| 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!
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!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
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!
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!
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| Thanks to my twin, Sara, for coordinating the ceremony with me! |
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| Our first night together, DZ Debut! |
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| Find Out! And Halloween! |
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| Studying together...our hair was so short! |
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| Kristen's Birthday Family dinner! |
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| Most Alike Big and Little Award! |
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| Turtle Tug 2011 |
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| Before Viki's and Sara's Find Out! |
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| 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.
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.
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| In Frankfurt on our first full day. |
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| Enough Said. It was great to be back! |
My Euro-Fam
The second weekend in April I decided to pick up for the weekend and visit our family friends in Innsbruck. I lovingly refer to them as "my Euro-Fam" as they truly are family to me. Esmeralda, Horst and Christopher were our neighbors the first time we lived in Germany in the Wildpark in Engenhahn. Esmeralda and Horst work for Lufthansa, Esmeralda a head purser and Horst a pilot. Esmeralda really took my mom under her wing when we lived in Germany. They became good friends and the Endruweits would invite us over for big barbecue dinners on beautiful summer nights. When we moved back to Chicago, Esmeralda and Horst requested to fly to Chicago more often than normally in order to visit us. We have visited them in Germany multiple times as well. Almost 7 years ago the Endruweits moved to Innsbruck and began construction on their dream home. When I decided to study in Vienna for the semester, the Esmeralda was so happy that they would be near in case I needed anything and that I would be able visit.
The weekend in Innsbruck was a perfect "family" get away. It was so nice to be in a home again and to have my own space but also be with a family. Esmeralda and I spent Saturday walking around the city center, I had my first Sacher Torte, a famous chocolate cake from the Sacher Hotel in Vienna. There are also Sacher Hotels in Innsbruck and Salzburg. I also bought my first pair of "Pretty Ballerina" flats, and I can promise you, they won't be my last pair either!
On Saturday night, the Endruweits were invited to a special performance of a music and dance group from Patsch. Patsch is a small town near Mutters, a small town in the mountains around Innsbruck where the Endruweits live. This group, had returned from a performance "tour" in Asia and Horst was their pilot on their return flight! They had a long slide show of all the places they visited and where they performed, followed my a concert, dance performance and musical bells (Glockenspiel). It was such a unique experience and I was so fortunate to see such a special part of Austrian culture.
I love to cook and prepare meals so it was great to be with Esmeralda and prepare food together. On Sunday, Esmeralda taught me how to make homemade pizzas with fresh, homemade dough....they were delicious! It was so fun cutting the mozzarella and just being together. It truly was a perfect weekend. I got to "re-charge" my batteries, relax and be with a family.
I am hoping to bring Maggie back with me at the beginning of June to spend a weekend and see Innsbruck. Esmeralda said that she would pick out some of her favorite recipes and buy the ingredients for us to make them together and then make copies of the recipes for us to take along. If classes aren't too busy, I know we will both be there!
The weekend in Innsbruck was a perfect "family" get away. It was so nice to be in a home again and to have my own space but also be with a family. Esmeralda and I spent Saturday walking around the city center, I had my first Sacher Torte, a famous chocolate cake from the Sacher Hotel in Vienna. There are also Sacher Hotels in Innsbruck and Salzburg. I also bought my first pair of "Pretty Ballerina" flats, and I can promise you, they won't be my last pair either!
On Saturday night, the Endruweits were invited to a special performance of a music and dance group from Patsch. Patsch is a small town near Mutters, a small town in the mountains around Innsbruck where the Endruweits live. This group, had returned from a performance "tour" in Asia and Horst was their pilot on their return flight! They had a long slide show of all the places they visited and where they performed, followed my a concert, dance performance and musical bells (Glockenspiel). It was such a unique experience and I was so fortunate to see such a special part of Austrian culture.
I love to cook and prepare meals so it was great to be with Esmeralda and prepare food together. On Sunday, Esmeralda taught me how to make homemade pizzas with fresh, homemade dough....they were delicious! It was so fun cutting the mozzarella and just being together. It truly was a perfect weekend. I got to "re-charge" my batteries, relax and be with a family.
I am hoping to bring Maggie back with me at the beginning of June to spend a weekend and see Innsbruck. Esmeralda said that she would pick out some of her favorite recipes and buy the ingredients for us to make them together and then make copies of the recipes for us to take along. If classes aren't too busy, I know we will both be there!
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| Sacher Torte and Cappuccino! |
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| The view from the Endruweit's rooftop patio. So beautiful! |
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
The Art of Studying Abroad
I am a sucker for one of a kind creations. Our first full day in Florence, Maggie, Spencer and I decided to get off the beaten path, and actually explore the streets of this small city. We were so excited to find the small art boutiques. Spencer was looking for a journal to document his memories abroad, as well as keep all of his many contacts....Spencer NEVER meets a stranger. We happened upon a quaint store with journals in the window. Naturally, we went inside and saw all the one of a kind creations. The store owner was working on some really cool journal bindings that were made of black fabric and orange elastic. Spencer asked if he could by a completed one...here were at least 50 identical ones. The store owner said he was sorry, but they were for a special order and he could not sell them. We asked why he could not just spare one, and he said they were for Armani Casa's new line. They were made of the fabric from their new furniture line and the journals were for the Swag Bags that the guests will receive at the launch party! We were so excited to find this out! The store owner said that his girlfriend was the "real artist" and he just helped her with production. Although we weren't able to purchase the the Armani Casa journals, Spencer bought another journal and I bought a scrapbook that I will use to document my memories from this semester. It was such a cool experience! Very inspirational, that one person who followed their dreams could make it big!!
We continued our shopping experience and found a leather store that looked intriguing. when we went inside, we found a true leather workshop and beautiful handmade bags, coin purses and embroidered beaded necklaces. We spoke with one of the owners, the daughter of the mother, Ali (the store's name) and she told us how she learned to make these necklaces and bags as a small girl. She and her mother work side by side in the shop and make amazing pieces. We asked her questions about technique and how long certain pieces take to make, and she was so willing to talk to us, and explain everything in English. We could tell that she was proud of her work and that we were interested. She even let us brand their logo into leather and then let us cut out the pieces to take with us. Maggie and I bought small leather jewelry cases for travel, and Spencer suggested they expand their production to male wallets as well :)
We finished our afternoon with a glass of wine and some snacks (known as Apertivo in Italian) at a local cafe. It was a perfect day, sans lines and tourist attractions. I have found that days like these are my fondest memories, as they are so different from the typical "trips" through Europe. There are so many hidden gems in each city, and I feel so accomplished when I find them!
We continued our shopping experience and found a leather store that looked intriguing. when we went inside, we found a true leather workshop and beautiful handmade bags, coin purses and embroidered beaded necklaces. We spoke with one of the owners, the daughter of the mother, Ali (the store's name) and she told us how she learned to make these necklaces and bags as a small girl. She and her mother work side by side in the shop and make amazing pieces. We asked her questions about technique and how long certain pieces take to make, and she was so willing to talk to us, and explain everything in English. We could tell that she was proud of her work and that we were interested. She even let us brand their logo into leather and then let us cut out the pieces to take with us. Maggie and I bought small leather jewelry cases for travel, and Spencer suggested they expand their production to male wallets as well :)
We finished our afternoon with a glass of wine and some snacks (known as Apertivo in Italian) at a local cafe. It was a perfect day, sans lines and tourist attractions. I have found that days like these are my fondest memories, as they are so different from the typical "trips" through Europe. There are so many hidden gems in each city, and I feel so accomplished when I find them!
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| Inside Guilia Materia with the Armani Casa Journals! |
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| Branding the leather with Ali! |
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| So happy with our successful day in Florence! |
Planes, Trains and Busses, OH MY!
Today is May Day in Austria (and Germany too...maybe it is Europe wide...I'm not certain) but that means no shops are open and no school. I am headed to the Donau (a river that runs through Vienna) in a couple of hours with a group of friends. I thought I would finally finish this post and prepare a few other blog posts. I am sorry I have not been very consistent with posting. I hope to get caught up this week! Here is a breakdown of my March European adventures!
Spring Break was amazing. Maggie and I were together for the 15 days of travel, navigating each new city. By the end of our few days in each city, we felt as though we could master their public transit system! In each of our cities, we were able to meet up with friends from USC or from WU (The school I am attending in Vienna). Below are a few stories form each city!
London:
Maggie and I arrived at an airport outside of London around 11PM and had to meet up with Nicole, Colleen, Spencer and Ali, all friends from USC. They had arrived earlier and were already checked into the hotel so Maggie and I just had to navigate the Tube and get there, before the Tube closed and the "Night Busses" started. We managed to make it to ONE stop away from our destination when the Tube closed. We found other exchange students that were waiting for the same night bus and they were really friendly and helped us find our way to our hotel. By the time we arrived in London it was after 2:30 AM and we had to be checked in at our Patty Wagon bus station at 6AM the next morning. Needless to say, Maggie and I were VERY proud of ourselves for finding our way to "The Green Man" hotel/pub and we were VERY tired the next day.
Dublin:
The Trip to Dublin was the only trip that I had planned prior to arriving in Vienna. Nicole and Spencer had done quite a bit of research and found the "Patty Wagon Tour." We payed a flat rate and had a bus take us to and from Dublin to London, hostel and excursions planned in Dublin. We got to see an awesome Irish Dancing Performance (Maggie was VERY excited and joined in with the dancing during the performance) and we were able to visit Glendelough (the countryside near Dublin where P.S. I Love You was filmed.) Glendelough was GORGEOUS. Absolutely breath taking. St. Patty's Day in Dublin was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. We got to see a lot of the city and enjoy the parade during the day. It rained daily while we were there. I wasn't expecting fabulous weather so the rain didn't bother me. It was fun being in a group of six in Dublin. It was so great seeing familiar faces from USC abroad, and we definitely will have stories to share when we get back.
London:
After returning to London at 6AM, Maggie and I managed to make the most of our day in London and went to the London Eye and got to see London from afar. It was a beautiful day with clear skies, very surprising for London and we were happily surprised! We had a 10pm bus that would take us from London to Paris through the Chunnel. We were fascinated that our Bus drove onto a train car, which then went underwater through the Chunnel. We thought it was so cool!
Paris:
After arriving at 7am in Paris, Maggie and I were officially zombies. We had spent the past two nights sleeping on busses, one from Dublin to London and then the other from London to Paris. We needed sleep. After some clear false-advertising, we were unable to stay at for first accomodation, and ended up at a hostel in the 18th district of Paris. It was a nice hostel, nothing spectacular but it got the job done. We had to sleep a couple of hours before we began to explore the city. We had a great time in Paris, although it was very cold.
Rome:
After Paris, we took a short flight to Rome. I had my first Ryan-Air experience, and I accidentally paid extra (you got me....) to have a reserved seat and because I was the ONLY one who was in the "reserved" area, I asked if Maggie could come sit by me. We were the only people in the first 5 rows of the plane. Rome was amazing. We rented an adorable apartment about 20 minutes outside the city center and got to experience a more laid back lifestyle than the hustle and bustle of the city. We met up with Lauren and Taylor in Rome, and part of Paris as well. They stayed in the apartment with us in Rome. We were able to go to the small supermarket....Supermarket should be used very loosely in this circumstance, as the place wasn't bigger than my bathroom at home. Two ladies worked behind glass refrigerated counters and you pointed to the things you wanted and they rang them up for you. We had the most fresh mozzarella, eggs, tomatoes and carrots I have ever tasted. Our first night at the apartment, we had tomatoes and cheese and crackers and a bottle of wine for dinner on the roof of our apartment overlooking the city and river. It was perfect. We were able to see some of the sites in Rome, but not all in the short time we were there.
My new mentality on traveling is this: see what you can see, but also enjoy your time there. If you are too concerned about making it to all the tourist attractions, you may miss some of your favorite parts of the city along the way.
Florence:
We took a short hour and a half train to Florence as our final destination during our trip. We spent three nights there and felt like we saw the entire city. Maggie and I cooked dinner the first night, and our last night there as well with Lauren. We rented a cute little apartment in Florence with an ACTUAL supermarket around the corner and we were able to cook come real food. On our last day in Florence I decided to break off from Maggie and Lauren and waited a hour and a half in line to see the David. I know that is a long line, but I had the time and I felt like it was a "Bucket-List" or "Once-In-A-Lifetime" thing to do. It is hard to explain the feeling I felt when I turned the corner in the museum and saw the David. It was like one of those cartoon movie moments where the background music is "Ahhhhhhh" and you see your "burried treasure" or something around the corner. It was breathtaking. Of course, there was no photography whatsoever so I was not able to take a picture of the masterpiece. But I would recommend taking the time to see the David should you find yourself in Florence. It was definitely worth the wait.
VIENNA!!!
We took a 9 hour night train back from Florence. Needless to say, it wasn't the most relaxing night sleep I have ever had. Maggie and I managed to be in a cabin with an older man who snored SO LOUDLY we could not sleep. We didn't want to be rude, but I have never heard someone snore so loudly in my entire life. We turned on and off the lights. Opened and closed the doors. Coughed. Played Spice Girls from my IPod (don't judge my taste in music) and finally another lady who was in the cabin with us, laughing at our attempts to make him stop snoring, woke him up and asked him in Italian to stop snoring. It worked. Sort of.
When we returned to Gasgasse, we said goodbye and that we would see each other in a minimum of 24 hours. I unpacked, did laundry, grocery shopped and showered. Twice. It was necessary. And then I went to bed early and slept for 14 hours straight.
Spring Break was amazing. Maggie and I were together for the 15 days of travel, navigating each new city. By the end of our few days in each city, we felt as though we could master their public transit system! In each of our cities, we were able to meet up with friends from USC or from WU (The school I am attending in Vienna). Below are a few stories form each city!
London:
Maggie and I arrived at an airport outside of London around 11PM and had to meet up with Nicole, Colleen, Spencer and Ali, all friends from USC. They had arrived earlier and were already checked into the hotel so Maggie and I just had to navigate the Tube and get there, before the Tube closed and the "Night Busses" started. We managed to make it to ONE stop away from our destination when the Tube closed. We found other exchange students that were waiting for the same night bus and they were really friendly and helped us find our way to our hotel. By the time we arrived in London it was after 2:30 AM and we had to be checked in at our Patty Wagon bus station at 6AM the next morning. Needless to say, Maggie and I were VERY proud of ourselves for finding our way to "The Green Man" hotel/pub and we were VERY tired the next day.
Dublin:
The Trip to Dublin was the only trip that I had planned prior to arriving in Vienna. Nicole and Spencer had done quite a bit of research and found the "Patty Wagon Tour." We payed a flat rate and had a bus take us to and from Dublin to London, hostel and excursions planned in Dublin. We got to see an awesome Irish Dancing Performance (Maggie was VERY excited and joined in with the dancing during the performance) and we were able to visit Glendelough (the countryside near Dublin where P.S. I Love You was filmed.) Glendelough was GORGEOUS. Absolutely breath taking. St. Patty's Day in Dublin was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. We got to see a lot of the city and enjoy the parade during the day. It rained daily while we were there. I wasn't expecting fabulous weather so the rain didn't bother me. It was fun being in a group of six in Dublin. It was so great seeing familiar faces from USC abroad, and we definitely will have stories to share when we get back.
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| Glendelough |
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| Before Dublin St. Patty's Day Parade! |
London:
After returning to London at 6AM, Maggie and I managed to make the most of our day in London and went to the London Eye and got to see London from afar. It was a beautiful day with clear skies, very surprising for London and we were happily surprised! We had a 10pm bus that would take us from London to Paris through the Chunnel. We were fascinated that our Bus drove onto a train car, which then went underwater through the Chunnel. We thought it was so cool!
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| London Eye! |
Paris:
After arriving at 7am in Paris, Maggie and I were officially zombies. We had spent the past two nights sleeping on busses, one from Dublin to London and then the other from London to Paris. We needed sleep. After some clear false-advertising, we were unable to stay at for first accomodation, and ended up at a hostel in the 18th district of Paris. It was a nice hostel, nothing spectacular but it got the job done. We had to sleep a couple of hours before we began to explore the city. We had a great time in Paris, although it was very cold.
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| On the Eiffel Tower! |
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| Paris, France |
Rome:
After Paris, we took a short flight to Rome. I had my first Ryan-Air experience, and I accidentally paid extra (you got me....) to have a reserved seat and because I was the ONLY one who was in the "reserved" area, I asked if Maggie could come sit by me. We were the only people in the first 5 rows of the plane. Rome was amazing. We rented an adorable apartment about 20 minutes outside the city center and got to experience a more laid back lifestyle than the hustle and bustle of the city. We met up with Lauren and Taylor in Rome, and part of Paris as well. They stayed in the apartment with us in Rome. We were able to go to the small supermarket....Supermarket should be used very loosely in this circumstance, as the place wasn't bigger than my bathroom at home. Two ladies worked behind glass refrigerated counters and you pointed to the things you wanted and they rang them up for you. We had the most fresh mozzarella, eggs, tomatoes and carrots I have ever tasted. Our first night at the apartment, we had tomatoes and cheese and crackers and a bottle of wine for dinner on the roof of our apartment overlooking the city and river. It was perfect. We were able to see some of the sites in Rome, but not all in the short time we were there.
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| Our first night on our apartment rooftop. Photocred: Maggie Schmidtke! |
My new mentality on traveling is this: see what you can see, but also enjoy your time there. If you are too concerned about making it to all the tourist attractions, you may miss some of your favorite parts of the city along the way.
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| Trevi Fountain |
Florence:
We took a short hour and a half train to Florence as our final destination during our trip. We spent three nights there and felt like we saw the entire city. Maggie and I cooked dinner the first night, and our last night there as well with Lauren. We rented a cute little apartment in Florence with an ACTUAL supermarket around the corner and we were able to cook come real food. On our last day in Florence I decided to break off from Maggie and Lauren and waited a hour and a half in line to see the David. I know that is a long line, but I had the time and I felt like it was a "Bucket-List" or "Once-In-A-Lifetime" thing to do. It is hard to explain the feeling I felt when I turned the corner in the museum and saw the David. It was like one of those cartoon movie moments where the background music is "Ahhhhhhh" and you see your "burried treasure" or something around the corner. It was breathtaking. Of course, there was no photography whatsoever so I was not able to take a picture of the masterpiece. But I would recommend taking the time to see the David should you find yourself in Florence. It was definitely worth the wait.
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| Maggie and me exploring the streets of Florence |
VIENNA!!!
We took a 9 hour night train back from Florence. Needless to say, it wasn't the most relaxing night sleep I have ever had. Maggie and I managed to be in a cabin with an older man who snored SO LOUDLY we could not sleep. We didn't want to be rude, but I have never heard someone snore so loudly in my entire life. We turned on and off the lights. Opened and closed the doors. Coughed. Played Spice Girls from my IPod (don't judge my taste in music) and finally another lady who was in the cabin with us, laughing at our attempts to make him stop snoring, woke him up and asked him in Italian to stop snoring. It worked. Sort of.
When we returned to Gasgasse, we said goodbye and that we would see each other in a minimum of 24 hours. I unpacked, did laundry, grocery shopped and showered. Twice. It was necessary. And then I went to bed early and slept for 14 hours straight.
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