It seems crazy to think I’ve been in Europe for a week already. In the last few days, I’ve managed to cram in so many activities and while I’m exhausted, I’m beyond thrilled with how everything’s been going so far.
So far in Vienna, I’ve gotten to check out the natural history museum, Schonbrunn Schloss, the Schonbrunn Zoo, the Museum Quarter, city center, the Donauinsel, my school’s campus, and more that I can’t think of off the top of my head.
My flatmates and I also made the hour trip to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, for a one day gastronomic tour of the city. We tried authentic Slovak food like semolina porridge which was this weird and surprisingly god mixture of a sort of thick cream of wheat with fruit and chocolate, venison stew, and roast duck with potato pancakes. Everything there was so cheap compared to what I’m used to in the US. Since we’ve gotten quite close, we’re also planning future trips to hopefully Prague and Bucharest together.
The social aspect of the trip has been beyond belief. I have more whatsapp contacts than I know what to do with and my flatmates – two Swedes and an Argentinian, have been very supportive and kind. I’ve made so many Austrian, Dutch, Swedish, Spanish, Danish, Canadian and Irish friends and while I’ve been mostly avoiding Americans, there’s some really nice girls from Miami I’ve been hanging out with a bit.
Vienna is extremely easy to get around in with each subway line running every five minutes from early morning until midnight and above ground light rail running every which way. The city itself is insanely beautiful and so far has been an amazing time. I’m super excited for the cultural program activities which start Monday and include day trips two two other Austrian towns as well as a waltz class and visits to major Viennese landmarks and cultural sites. I’m also going to a Vienna Rapid football game with the squad on Sunday which should be fun.
Here’s the first set of travel photos!
AP 