So first day, February 3 2017 I flew out from the Dulles airport and arrived - after an extraordinarily-not-unpleasant flight - at the Heathrow airport in London. From that point until February 6 I stayed in a relaxing hotel somewhat removed from the city center, but not too far. Unfortunately, we weary wanderers were not destined for immediate, cozy beds after a sleepless 8 hours on a plane. No. Instead, we dropped our things off in the hotel and left because our rooms were not quite ready. Thus the first day of our "Abenteuer" had begun.
Some friends and I, in a sleepless swagger, stumbled about London for the greater part of the morning and afternoon, seeing the big sites: Big Ben, the parliament building, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, etc. I included one picture of London among the ones posted here; let's see if you can guess which one. I know it must be dreadfully difficult! Anyhow, our beds were eventually prepared, and my fellow travelers and I blissfully stole away into billowy, sheet-laden slumber. The next day, however, would prove to be my Tour de Force of London.
My eyes eased open in the bright hours of the early morning, trying to forget the time-zone change and hours of sleep lost; I jumped out of bed, brimming with the energy of a battery that refuses to believe it's been used up, which in some weird sort of paradox provides one with more power than battery-scientists would think possible. I felt giddy with the idea of my first time across the Atlantic, and I most certainly did NOT want to waste it! Therefore I rushed out and began the next, last, and most exciting day in London.
In order to spare the length of this first post, I will make this day more brief. After walking outside, I immediately set out to see the Royal Society and the monument to the Fire of 1666. Unfortunately, the Royal society was closed that day, so I was content to walk up the 350 or-so steps in the monument to make up. Being a loyal English major, I then set out to see the restored version of Shakespeare's Globe. The Globe was fantastic, but unfortunately I would not be able to see any plays that day, for I had already had my eyes on two concerts that I was hoping beyond hopes would work out. First, I saw a fabulous organ recital at Westminster Abbey, followed up by - and I got this one by the skin of my teeth - a performance by the London Philharmonic Orchestra focused on music from Steven Spielberg. Naturally, this was all fabulous, and I cannot possibly put to paper all of the experiences which I had in just a short 2-day visit of London.
And now we come to Austria. After the stay in London, we left early on the third morning with a flight to Munich (München). Once we had sorted out all the travel-shenanigans, we all were placed cozily into our housing in Austria. To my delight, I discovered that I would be staying with a local Austrian "Hausfrau" in her home with three other AIFS students. Her name is Frau Lindenthaler, and she definitely knows how to deal with study-abroad students. So far, Frau Lindenthaler has been one of the best aspects of my program. She is incredibly helpful, kind, and is never too harsh when you mess something up. And most of all, she speaks German to us, which has been very helpful in my studies here.
So I've already been writing for a while now, so I'll leave it here, but I will definitely post more in the future, most likely dealing with specific and awesome other little excursions and adventures that I've had, such as a hike in Gaisberg mountain, skiing in Flachau, and my most recent weekend trip to Vienna/ Wien. Enjoy the pictures!
For reference, the first picture of the food depicts the wonderful Austrian dish of Wiener Schnitzel, which is usually either veal or pork pounded very thin and breaded. It usually comes with some sort of potato dish on the side.
Next is one of my favorite pictures, showing rear-view of the cross from the Maria Plain chapel.
Below that is a picture of... you guessed it! London, complete with double-decker bus, Big Ben, and a slightly visible London Eye.
After that we have here Mr. Mozart himself, although not really, it's just a statue. But have no fear! he was born and raised here in Vienna before going out on his wild musical adventure.
Lastly I included a decent photo of the Salzach river at night. You can assume here that any building with a tall spire is a church, and the building with the red light in the background is the famous Festung/ Fortress Hohensalzburg.
Thanks for reading so far, and stay tuned!
