Vienna days

It is currently after dinner on Monday night and these past two days have been pretty great! Yesterday might be my favorite day since we have been here. It was a long day, but so much fun! We started the day by going to a Catholic mass. It was different for me than most of the other people in our group, because I am actually Catholic. I am the only one out of the group and most of the rest of them have never even been to mass. Although it was all in German, it was very neat to experience.

Since I have gone to mass my whole life, I kind of was able to understand what was going on, even though there were a lot of differences. One neat thing that we later found out, was that the priest talked a little about September 11th and they prayed for America. I did not know this during mass, but I was way impressed when I discovered this. One of the major differences is that here they use a LOT of incense, which is occasionally used at our church at home, but never this much. So, that was interesting and quite a few people asked me about that. Also, I think my favorite part was that I got to take communion from a nun! I am pretty sure this is the first time I have ever done that, so I was kind of excited. Overall, mass was very good. 

Next, we went to have lunch at a fall/Thanksgiving festival type thing that they had going on this past weekend. It was so neat to see a festival in another country! We had lunch in this huge tent and lunch was very good, but it was soooo hot!    

After this, we took the U-bahn (subway) to the end of the line, got on a bus, rode up to the top of a hill, and saw an incredible view of the city! I bought some incredible grapes, but the only weird thing is that they have seeds in, which I am not used to. I will be soon, though. We ended up walking down the hill/MOUNTAIN on this paved trail-like thing. We had a short worship as a group in the middle of a vineyard and then bought some amazing fruit from a lady on a random side street. 

Then, last night me and some of the group found a very cool pizza place close by and had a cheap, but good dinner! Yesterday was just a great day! 

Now, a short run-down on today! This morning was an early morning with class starting at 8am. But, we have to take the streetcar, so we have to leave by 7:15! Nothing like school at home where I can leave like 5 or 6 minutes before class! This will take a while to get used to! At school, we had German class with our amazing teacher who is actually an Austrian. She is so excited about life and makes learning fun, already! Then, we had humanities, which we have been having for a while before we left, so it was nothing new.... Later today, me and Kaley went  grocery shopping for the first time and that is a whole different experience. Maybe I will describe it another day when I haven't already typed so much! This is everything we bought! 

It sure looks like a lot more when you have to carry it back from the store! 

We had a calm day, for once, and I took a nap and then had our first dinner in the apartment! I made a tuna salad! MY FAVORITE! 

                      

                             

Anyways, that is wayyyy too much detail about my not-so-exciting life, so I apologize! I just couldn't resist sharing all the details and some fun pictures, so I hope you enjoy! Also, write me on facebook or email me if you want my address! I would LOVE to get little notes or messages while I am away! Miss and love you all!