Finally in Vienna!

Hi, everyone! I am finally living my life in Vienna! How insane! Today was our second full day here and I can't believe that I haven't blogged sooner, but I want to update everyone. So, here is a fair warning that this might be a little long and full of too many pointless details. Thank you all for thinking of me and reading my blog! I miss being at home and seeing everyone I know and love, but I know that this is going to be an incredible experience!

Wednesday morning, my parents took me and Kaley to the airport. Once we were there, we met the rest of our group, well almost the rest of the group. Turns out, half of us were changed to a flight that left in less than an hour due to some weather or something, they never really explained the change, but we were all still going to meet in Charlotte. Anyways, saying goodbye to my parents was extremely hard for everyone, but I actually did not cry as much as I thought I would. I was so proud! ha! We finally made it to the Charlotte airport, got some food, and waited for our flight to Munich, Germany. As we were waiting, we just happened to look out the window by our plane and something was smoking very badly. It looked like one of those cars that transports luggage, so we all started to freak out that all of our belongings for the next three months weren't going to meet us in Vienna! It turned out that it was another airport car-type thing that had no luggage in it, but it was on fire so it was kinda creepy! Four firetrucks came and we could see big flames! Scary! Anways, they put the fire out, we got on our AMAZING plane and flew 8 hours to Europe! It was an interesting experience being able to see the sun set and rise again on one flight, but the food and movie selections were perfect, so it was overall a good time! Once in Munich, we didn't see much, just headed off to our final destination of the longest day/days of our life. Wednesday/Thursday was so long, I don't even know which day was which, but we were basically up for 30+ hours. fun stuff! Finally, we got to Vienna, the wheel broke off my suitcase, and we got to our apartments! I am going to love having an apartment this semester! Here is a picture of our little kitchen:

After a little unpacking, we walked around to get to know the city a little. We had our first meal, weiner schnitzel of course! Then, we went to our first palace, the Belvedere, had our first European ice cream, went to the grocery store, and finally we were allowed to sleep at about 10 pm on Thursday night! Ahh! Jet lag was definitely no fun, but it worked out very well the way that our instructors planned it and I have had very few issues.

On Friday, the first full day in Austria, there was a LOT planned! It was a struggle to get used to constantly being on the go, especially with jet lag, but it was so worth it for everything we have done or seen. We started by going to the room where we will have class at the American Institute and had a little debriefing session, filled out paperwork, and headed to the police station. We had to register to say that we are living in Vienna and we are kind of like citizens for the next couple of months. On the walk back from the police station, we got incredible pizza for real cheap and got to see this church, which we passed  on our way there as well.

It is called Stephansdom and it is amazing! I wish everyone could see this in person!
Next, we went on an open-top bus tour of the city. We had to wear the cutest headphones and learn all about the history of the city. Once we returned, we went to the art history museum, had some coffee in the cafe, and headed back to the apartments for a quick break. Later that night, we met the group at a place called Prater. It is basically an amusement park, but has slightly different things than any American carnival. But the one thing that is identical is all of the fried foods! Since you had to pay individually for each ride, I only went on one, but that is totally good with me. It was like the swings that you have seen in America, but it went soooooo high in the air! The highest point is as high to the highest steeple at Stephansdom! Wow! Anyways, I almost didn't go on this, but I ended up going and I am so glad that I did! We got to see the city in a whole new way and you could see as far as Vienna reached! Oh, and it was at sunset! It was just fantastic!

Later, we went to see Stephansdom at night, which might be even better than during the day. We went to a cafe, but me and Kaley hadn't had dinner, so we left with a couple other girls and grabbed actual food.

These days are all so long and tiring, but way worth all of that pain. I still don't even know if I am actually here. Please, someone pinch me.

Today, we went to the flea market. This was very cool, but kind of overwhelming with all the other people there. The only thing I bought was bread, but it just might be the best bread I have ever had! YUM!

Then, we split into our groups that we are working on a project with and we went off to explore the districts of the part of the city we were assigned. This was very fun to discover some things all on our own. We also had a great lunch in a place called Cafe Bistro in my group's district! We, then, went to Schonbronn palace and walked around for a little while. I got to sit with some of my friends on a bench as they napped! I watched their things, thought a little, and took in all the scenery around me! Look at them!

Dinner was amazing and this place we went is for sure a place that Nashville would eat up, literally! You stand in line, order your pasta and sauce, and they make it all there right in front of you...kind of like Genghis Grill, but maybe even better! After dinner, we went to Cafe Central, which is a very old cafe, but it is so beautiful for a coffee place! I loved it!

It is currently very late on Saturday night here in Vienna and we have church in the morning, so I should probably go to sleep! I hope you enjoy hearing about my first couple days in Europe and I apologize for the length and choppiness. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers! I can't wait to hear from people back home! I hope everyone is doing great! <3

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living..." - Miriam Beard