Austria

i’ve been in austria for almost three weeks now, and i can’t begin to fully describe the experiences i’ve had here. in wien with friends we got lost at night and ended up wandering by u-bahn and tram across the city until we ended up at stephansdom, absolutely awestruck by the grandeur of vienna’s breathtaking cathedral.

i’ve missed europe more than i thought, and austria to me represents all of my childhood memories of europe wrapped into one country. here i’ve found the alps; here i’ve found twisting cobblestone streets, gorgeous old buildings in a multitude of pastel shades, and air that tastes fresh. here the atmosphere is relaxed; all of those uptight worrisome american fears have been left behind.

this place is intoxicatingly beautiful, and i don’t want to leave. i have over nine months left here, and i plan to savor them.

In a mere ten days, this country will be crossed off my list. I’m going there for a ten-month Rotary student exchange; I’m headed to Baden bei Wien, a suburb of Vienna. I can’t wait!