Woa. It's been awhile...

Since I've last written I've been to Vienna, Rome, Florence, and Venice. I had such a blast. It was absolutely beautiful!

Vienna was wonderful.

On the way, we stopped at Mathausen Concentration Camp. It was harrowing.

I saw Mozart's Magic Flute (an opera). I have tons of pictures up on my webshots and on Facebook. We stayed at this place called Hotel Admiral. It was very near to everything. We also visited the Imperial Library. Think Beauty and the Beast library times a million! It was amazing. Since Vienna, I've become determined to have my own library.

We went to the Vienna UN Headquarters. Talk about a dream job!! We also went to the Military History Museum. They had Franz Ferdinand's uniform on the day he was assassinated. There was blood spread all over his uniform. Also, they had the car!! It was so surreal!

We went all over the city and went out to a bar called the Funky Monkey. We had tons of fun and got all dressed up. On the way back from Vienna, we went to the Melk Monastery. The Chapel was NOT a chapel at all! It was ridiculously ornate and looked more like a Basilica! We also stopped at Schonbrunn Palace. GORGEOUS!

Italy.

Italy was amazing. I've never had so many "stories" in one 4 day weekend. To start off the trip, the person in charge of the hostel reservations forgot the name of the hostel in Rome so with one day to spare we had to make new reservations. We had to split up into boys and girls. The girls ended up staying at Ivanhoe Hostel. It was a very social hostel and relatively safe. The train ride there was rather interesting. We (Lauren, Jenn, and me) sat with two Turkish 28yr olds on the way to Rome. They weren't fans of Bush and felt they needed to explain why. I really didn't care what they had to say. It's common opinion over here...

We got to Rome looking and feeling NOT like a million bucks. Instead, I felt NASTY! But we went all over Rome the first day. We climbed to the top of the St. Peter's Basilica. FABULOUS!! While we were waiting in line we saw Pope Benedict XVI!!!!! It was the most amazing experience! From the Vatican we went to the Pantheon and then to the Trevi Fountain. I threw in a few coins for good luck. All the sites in Rome were great!! It was REALLY hot and I had a 50 lb backpack anyway so it was a little miserable, but such is the life of a backpacker. We walked by the Roman Forum on our way to the Colosseum, which was SO COOL! I felt like it was right out of the movie The Gladiator. haha. Russell Crowe!! :)

The next day, after getting a great night's sleep, we booked it to the Vatican again to visit the Vatican Museum. What a great museum collection. The only thing that disappointed me was the Sistine Chapel. I felt like I was being herded into a large room. I also thought that The Last Judgement was larger, and I was misled. Everything else was amazing. After the museum I just explored Rome until we had to leave on the train station...

The train ride to Florence was rather harmless. We arrived in Florence at sunset. It was beautiful. We found Ostella Santa Monaca (our hostel) rather effortlessly and then proceeded to have a 3 course meal with house wine for 10 euro! We must have been at Club Paradiso for 3 hours. It was great!! On Saturday, we went to the Duomo and climbed the bell-tower. Great views of the city. We also went to the Gallerie Accademia and saw Michaelangelo's The David. It was so amazing! Man, I feel like I say amazing too much! We shopped along Ponte Vecchio for a few hours. It was great! I found some beautiful souvenirs...get excited, Gracie! :)

Before leaving Florence, we went to the wrong train station and with 15 minutes until departure we realized the former. We rushed in taxis to the outskirts of town and only made our train because it was delayed 15 minutes. We arrived in Venice at 845 and didn't get to our "hostel" until 11:45. Yeah. We missed the 1st bus, the 2nd bus (which came an hour later) dropped us off because he didn't want to take us to Fusina, and so we were marooned on the side of some road somewhere close to Venice for another hour. We finally got on another bus and went to Camping Fusina. A campground NOT on the island of Venice. I was supposedly sleeping in a "bungalow" which turned out to be an EXTREME EUPHEMISM for two mattresses and a shelf with a light. Oh, and lets not forget outdoor restrooms and showers. In the shower, I was surrounded by the great outdoors and had a NOT SO FUN experience with a bug. We hung out at the bar on the campsite for a little before turning in.

On Sunday, Katie and I got up really early and took the first boat to Venice. We arrived on the island at 8:30am and then found our way to San Marco Basilica for 9am Mass. Beautiful Basilica! After Mass, Katie, Lauren, Jenn, and I waited for the rest of the group. While we waited, we fed the pigeons. :) It sounds gross but it was really fun!

An hour and a half later, we went down the Venetian markets before Jenn, Lauren and I boarded a PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION boat to Murano, the glass island. More shopping ensued. After we returned, I decided to just roam the streets of Venice. What a romantic city! Every bridge was a perfect picture. The Grand Canal was great. So it's obvious that Venice and I entered into a love affair. I hope to return soon.

Boarding the train back to Salzburg, I had mixed feelings. I was MORE than ready to get rid of my backpack but I wanted to stay in Venice!! The train ride back we sat next to 20 year old Italians and we chit chatted until they got off. When they got off, stinky German speaking people got on. The lady kept touching me with her SMELLY feet. Oh, not to mention our train car didn't have air conditioning. It was anything but comfortable. Finally after reaching Villach (Austria) we got AC back. PHEW! I slept the whole rest of the way.

We pulled into the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof at 4:25am. Katie, Kelly, and I walked home as the town was waking up. Man, I love Salzburg!

Now, I'm home for a few days. I'm trying to escape to Innsbruck on Friday before leaving for Paris this weekend! I hope it all works out...

Well, I know this has been unbearably long, but it's been awhile!

Ciao!

Munich and Back

Phew! What a whirlwind of a weekend! Saturday morning we boarded a train to Munich. After two hours we arrived in the heart of a HUGE city. It was fabulous! We went to Dachau concentration camp, the Residenz, the market packed with exotic and German delicacies, the Fraukirche, St. Cajetalan (sp?) Church, the Olympic Park, the Allianz Football Stadium (soccer), and ALL AROUND Marianplatz (aka the Center of the City). I had a blast with my 4 other group mates. We boarded the train back to Salzburg around 7:45 pm. I came home and CRASHED straight into the matress.

Sunday, I went to Mass at St. Peter's Cathedral (aka the Salzburg Dom). There were 2 organs and many other instruments that serenaded the congregation along with a magnificent choir. This Mass was extra special because the Cardinal was in town! I didn't understand anything (as it was in German) but during Communion I worked my way to the front of the Church and received Communion from the Cardinal! How cool!

After Mass we boarded a tour bus to the EisCaves of outer Salzburg. After hiking for 40 minutes and taking a 3 min. Cable car ride, we reached the entrance of the cave. It was about 80 degrees outside but below freezing inside. I had lugged my coat and scarf all the way up this mountain and now I knew what for. I began my journey into the world's largest ice cave (41 km deep!). 1400 steps and the coolest natural ice sculptures ever later, we left the ice caves cold and tired.

After I got home, I slept. And slept. And slept.

Yesterday we went to Schloss Hellbrunn. It was kind of cloudy but nonetheless pretty. I sang "I am 16 going on 17" by the Sound of Music Gazebo and then Angie and I hiked our way to a Steintheater...aka Stone Theater. It was WAY cool. Look for pics soon on Fbook.

Today it's cold and rainy (44 degrees). I've got class all day and an excursion to the Salzburg Airport. We'll see how the day turns out...

Sadie, Hi! I'll be in Rome, Venice, and Florence before you are (June 6-10th).

I miss you all...
ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!!

So my birthday is over...but the fun never stops!

Hi All!

Yesterday was my birthday and it was great. I got two cakes, 5 serenades, and just an enjoyable day! I spent the afternoon sitting in the Mozartplatz and Residenz doings some school work. A man set up a baby grand piano and cranked out Mozart and American Jazz. An acordian player kicked in and then a guitarist joined in. It was very nice. I got some great sun and had a nice relaxing afternoon.

After a visit to the University of Salzburg Library, I went home for dinner and was greeted by 3 greeting cards, a cake made by my host family, and another Happy Birthday Serenade from my Host Brothers and Sister. I got it on tape because it was the cutest thing I've ever seen!

I got dressed in Gator Fashion and went to a pub. It was a blast. I'll write more about tonight after it happens...

Tschuss!

Yah. It's my birthday! I'm cool...

Hehe Just Kidding!

So a lot happened this weekend!

We went on a historical walking tour of the city of Salzburg. It was so beautiful!! I've posted some pictures up on facebook...Then on Sunday we went to the Salzkammergut Lake Region just outside of Salzburg. This place is a series of lakes (47 out of Austria's 60) that is nestled in between the Alps. I have never seen such a beautiful place. We visited Mondsee (where the Church that Maria vonTrapp gets married at in the Sound of Music) and took a boat to Sankt Wolfgang and then we went on to Hallstadt. These towns were VERY picturesque and so relaxing. The water was too chilly for me to dare to jump in although I thought about it.

Instead, I got some eis (ice cream, but more like sorbet) for the 100th time (I'm addicted to it) and sat by the lake and just relaxed. I understand why my Austrian host family is so relaxed all the time!! It's too beautiful to be mad!

Saturday evening we went to a concert in the Grosse Sale in the Mozarteum. They played Schubert and many other familiar pieces. It was AMAZING. Golden leaf room with classical/traditional music being played...Ahh! After that we got some more eis (haha) and went to an Irish pub where we stayed for a long while.

Sunday night there was a celebration for the Salzburg "football" team (aka soccer). They beat Vienna (a huge rivalry) for the National Championship Title. They re-showed the game in the Residenz and served really cheap beer (for once). The Austrians were crazy and singing songs and carrying on. It was a ton of fun. I loved every minute of it!!

I really am loving the Austrians. They're so nice!!

Yesterday was the first true day of class. I spent the afternoon at the Travel Bureau booking train tickets to Paris and Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice). I'm really excited for those!! After the travel bureau we just sat by the river before going to get some more eis (weird!).

We have really lucked out with the river. It's another beautiful day, which is great because as we know, it's my birthday! I'm not too sure what I will be doing for it, but it will be fun either way!

I miss everyone at home and I miss the English language although most people speak English. I've been trying to learn German and I've been mistaken many a time for a German speaker! You know I love that!!

Alright, well enjoy your days!

I made it!!

Hi everyone!!

I made it alright, sans the crying 11 month old, but she was cute anyway...The flights were long, but such is the life of travel. I arrived in Munich and took a bus to Salzburg. My family was waiting for me. They're so fun and relaxed, but I guess they have to be since they have three adorable children (ages 3 7 and 9). The kids don't speak English but they're so adorable!! I'm trying to learn to play with them and talk to them in German.

The temperature is around 60 degrees and sunny today. Yesterday it rained, but the first day it was beautiful as well. My host parents gave me a bike with a bike seat from Amsterdam, it's pretty cool. We went on a bike ride throughout the entire city. The buildings are so ancient and beautiful...

My house is about a 5 minute bike ride from the college. It's so great! The Austrians are nice people! We'll see how it goes for the next few weeks.

I've taken a FEW pictures but not enought to post yet... Well, take care everyone! Miss you all...

Tschuss!

To all who read this journal:

This is mainly for my friends and family who care to wish about my journeys throughout Europe this summer. I am studying abroad for 6 weeks in Salzburg, Austria. I am living with a host family within walking distance of Salzburg College (the institution where my classes will be held). This study-abroad experience is required by my minor: European Union Studies. My host family is supposedly young and speaks English well, which is a good thing seeing as my Deutsch is so broken, it's shattered. :) The parents have three children, ages 10, 7, and 4.

Well, happy reading!

Address:

Kristen Lunny

c/o Familie Gabath

Mörkweg 9

A-5020 Salzburg

Austria