Finally in Wien!!

First of all, I would like to apologize for not writing sooner. It has been so crazy here with orientation and moving into my new home. So, last week I left Katja and Hansi's house on Thursday morning by train. This was an awful adventure and I do not recommend it to anyone carrying over a small bag. Marie and I ended up having 3 suitcases each, which became a nightmare in a matter of seconds. As soon as we got on the train, people already hated us because of all of our possessions. After 10 very long minutes of sweating and almost crying, we finally were able to find a small space for our luggage to go. We than sat staring at our luggage for the remainder of the time hoping that it would not fall on the passengers below it. 5 hours passed, and finally we had made it to our final destination. We took a taxi to our hotel, and then went to the nearest restaurant for pizza. Later that evening while adventuring around the city, we realized that our hotel was attached to a mall. So, for the remainder of the time we spent walking around admiring the European styles, only looking, due to the price in Euros presented on the tags. The next day, we met our future friends and peers at the train station. It was so exciting to think that these strangers would soon be my closest friends for the next four months. On a tour bus, all 140 IES students piled on, luggage stored away, and best face on. As we drove up the winding roads to our orientation in Mariazell, everyone shared their name, major, and hometown. That evening we encountered a Vienna Wiener Schnitzel dinner, schnapps, slap dancers, and good ol' fashioned Austrian bier. On Saturday, I went to my first Deutsch lesson, first disco (fun times), and toured around the city of Mariazell, Austria. It was absolutely beautiful. On Sunday, we signed up for housing. I woke up not feeling the greatest, but figured it was due to a long night at the disco. Later that day, a cold began to occur. I knew that I had been overworking my self, so I took a nap, while the rest of the people went to a lake near by. That night, I felt my symptoms worsen so I went to bed early. Unfortunatly this wasn't a 24 hour bug. Today is Wed. and I still have a cough and cold. What a wonderful state to be in during my first week of school :) Anyways, on Monday we arrived back in Vienna. My roommates and I took a taxi to our new apartment (which by the way is abs. beautiful). A doctor owns the apartment and provided abs. everything we might ever need which was very helpful and kind. So, the apt is 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. I live with 6 other girls which could seem overwhelming but isn't to bad. We have a really big kitchen and a glass balcony that we can sit out to study or eat. The apt is also furnished with unlimited Internet which is very uncommon in Europe as well as a big TV and DVD player and two long couches in a spacious living room. We really lucked out on our living situation, the only thing that is negative is that it takes an hour to get to our institute. This becomes an issue when we have to be at school at 9 am and if we miss the 8:02 train, we are out of luck :) Fun, fun, fun :) Everyday we wish we had a car, but keep reminding our selves of the great exercise we are receiving. Tuesday was our first day of German. My class is about 15 people which is nice, and the structure of the class is participative. That evening we went to a cute restaurant down the street from school and had a good meal consisting of a yummy hamburger and french fries and TONS OF KETCHUP. Yes, ketchup most of the time you have to buy it, like at McDonald's its 50cents a packet. So, being able to have as much as you desired was very nice. Today, we went to class and spent the day walking around the city. Vienna is abs. beautiful with so much history and culture. Today however was rainy and cold. It is around 50 deg. F. now. I am freezing, I cant imagine what it will be like in a couple months. I regret ever bringing summer clothes, they are not necessary at all :) Oh well, that gives reason to shop!! This afternoon we made it to the grocery store a few blocks away and got fresh baked bread and crossants from the bakery as well freshly squezzed orange juice that you actually squezze yourself. I havent tried it yet, but it looks amazing. Well, I am going to go to bed, its 9 pm here and I'm super sick and just want to sleep before my wide awakening at 7 am! Love you all and thanks so much for reading this!!!!

Germany

So, I made it. I have been in Germany for the past week and will leave tomorrow for my new home of 4 months. I can not wait. I have had such an amazing time with my cousins, I am so blessed to have them here. The airplane trip was long and grueling. Marie and I felt as if it would never end. Our backpacks were so heavy and our suitcases overpacked. The London airport was such a wreck, very unorganized and crowded. We felt as if we would never reach our flight. Once we arrived in Munich, my cousin Axel was awaiting us. (very convienent:) I however realized that my purse was nowhere to be found. The most awful feeling settled in my stomach. Luckly, the flight attendents found it on the plane where I had left it. At the beg of the flight, I asked Marie to get out of my backpack and put my backpack away while I went to the bathroom. Well, when I returned my backpack was still sitting there so I figured it was still inside. So, not thinking I just grabbed my backpack and left. Both Marie and I had forgotten that I had asked her to take it out and her actually taking it out. Oh well, at least it is with me now and we caught it before the plane left.

We then went to downtown Munich, where Axel booked us a very nice room in a Novotel. Once we got into the room, a hot shower was the first thing on our mind. After we got cleaned up, we went down to the bar to have a glass of water. Once we had finished drinking our €3 bottles of water, we not knowing the recommended tipping percent, gave a tip of €3. Later we found out that tipping that high was not necessary, for 5% is the most that you should ever give.

Later that evening, Axel took us on a very long and elaborate walk around the city. We then stoped for a nice dinner at a biergarten, Pschorr, to rest our tired feet. Marie and I both had Rouladen and cold German bier :) We had a blast talking with Axel about German customs. It was so nice to have him there to ask him all the stupid questions. We then walked home. The air was crisp and clear, quite cold compared to Texas weather.

The next morning, we woke up very early. Marie and I both had an extremely hard time adjusting to the time change. We brushed our hair and teeth and walked down to the buffet, not thinking we needed to dress up. Well, we were quite wrong everyone looked so nice. They all could tell that we were Americans, and made that aware by stairing. O well, we were comfy. We then had a full meal, with omeletes, amazing bread, coffee, fresh sqeezed orange juice, waffels, salad, fruit, etc. To say the least we ate a lot. We then went up and got ready for the long day that awaited us. Axel met us downstairs and off again we were to see Nymphenberg castle, Maxamillin street, dinner in front of the Opera house, Hofbräuhaus biergarten, and Bavarian government buildings. Maxamillian street is like Rodeo drive for Germany. The best of the best were on this one road. We took pictures beside Dior and Channel. One thing we did notice was that everyone dresses very nice, and everything is very expensive. If only the dollar was not so weak. No one wears tennis shoes like we do, or adornes themselves with t-shirts or comfy clothing as we do. There is no litter on the streets or bums begging for money. Everyone drives nice Mercedes, BMW, and Volkswagons. It is very nice, I have not felt scared of someone stealing my purse. Everyone that we have been around has been very respectful.

It was so nice to have Axel with us. His English is excellent. It was fun practicing German with him as well as helping him with English. A few of the words we helped him understand were reclining chair, pond, dynasty, just to name a few. It has been fun, almost like playing the game Outburst or Sherades.

On Sunday, we left for Bamberg to see Katja and her family. It was a beautiful two hour drive, where I had the opportunity to rest my tired eyes. We had a time fitting all of our suitcases into Axel's Audi, but we managed thankfully. We finally arrived in Bamberg where everyone was awaiting us. Katja and Hansie made us a plum pie, chicken kabobs, amazing coffee, bier, wine, salad, bread, more bread, delicious veggies, and so much more. It was so nice to sit outside in their garden. They have such a beautiful yard. Marie had a good time practicing her German with Ana who is 10. Ana also showed us her amazing talent of riding a unicycle. Fritz, 5, and Eva, 7, also had a good time showing us their ability to ride their bikes. They all three are so cute and fun to be around. Monday, we woke up around 11 with the kids pulling off our covers and singing. It was quite an awakening. Axel then picked us up and took up to Onkel Ernst and Aunt Erika's house for lunch. Erika made wonderful Rouladen and ice cream dessert. It was so nice visiting with them and touring their beautiful home. We then went into the city to walk around. Axel showed us the rose garden and old churches, as well as places he would hang out as he was growing up. We then met Katja and her family at an ice cream bar. Later that night Hansie made a great ceasar salad. He is a great cook. That night Marie and I could not get to bed till 4 am. We were still not in rhythem with time scheduele.

It is August 14, 2007. I can't believe I will be leaving in two days. I feel as if this is a dream that is finally about to be reality. I look forward to telling you about what life brings. I love you all very much and thank you for your prayers.