Always Something There to Remind Me

"I don't think I'll ever stop missing Vienna. Everyday, there's always something there to remind me."

Side Note: Those words reminded me of this song. I can't stop singing it now. It was stuck in my head and soon it will be stuck in yours. You're welcome! Enjoy :D

Naked Eyes - Always Something There

Today I got to catch up with a dear friend of mine, my mentor/former supervisor at my old job, who was one of my biggest fans and encouragers in going to Vienna. Having had study abroad in undergrad and grad school, he was one of the biggest advocates for me to accept this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. While talking with him and sharing stories, memories, and my experiences from abroad; I couldn't help but smile. Reminiscing about my first winter, the chaos/adventure experienced in my 8-day backpack trip throughout Italy, highlights of Uni, and yada yada ya. Him having studied in Italy, it was nice to share similar experiences/memories in that beautiful country.  And when one, such as him, knows what you're talking about and is able to recognize/label the name to my poor descriptions of churches/parks/museums...it's refreshing.

After saying "adeau", on the drive home I just couldn't stop thinking about Vienna, evidently as you are reading this now. The conversations spurred many thoughts and memories in my head, positively re-stimulating my brain I suppose. I don't know why...I just thought that this would pass...and I eventually would get used to American life (getting there) and eventually forget about Vienna (not even close to being there). But I don't think that it so...for those, fellow study-abroaders/travelers, in my case as well. I don't think this is a switch one can turn on/off but it has left more like a permanent engraving in my brain. I conclude the following hypothesis: I am indeed a different and changed person from having studied abroad in Vienna. Thus it is highly difficult and impossible for me to resort back to my old nature.  To my dear and loving family and friends...bear with me.

In other news, (I don't like negativity but I have to get this off my chest) I find it rude and disappointing when sometimes some of your friends ask about trip but don't care to hear more than a sentence.  I find it incredibly hard and challenging to summarize five months of adventure, memories, stories, travels, and experiences into one sentence.  It urkes me to just settle with the standard..."It was amazinggg!'.  The lack of originality in that sentence has led to my desire to create the Reader's Digest version of my trip.  I'm still working on it, seeing I will probably be needing to repeat this story in job interviews, my ginormous family reunion, and et cetera.

In lieu of my never-ending nostalgia...lately, when I am unable to fall asleep, I begin to picture my old room, Mariahilferstraße, Schwedenplatz, Stephansdome, MQ, the streets around the city center, Uni, ubahns/busses, etc...hoping I will dream about it. That way I can still see Vienna once again....even if only it's just a dream. 

(PS. In case you forgot or didn't know, I am rather corny, pathetic, and sentimental. Lol. This entire blog post may seem a bit all-over the place, but bear with me. It's comprised of rather free-flowing thoughts, I apologize for the lack of a well-structured blog.)

I indeed I miss traveling awfully much.  There are not enough words I can use to express my excitement, joy, and zeal for returning to visit next Fall. Until then...whenever I hear this song, (link above), I will forever think of Vienna and my endless love for that beautiful city.  Vienna is not a city you forget or get over.  There will always be something that reminds me. Always.

The End in Vienna. Beginnings in Florida.

I never got to express or recap my last two weeks in Vienna for you all (to those few readers I have).  Wish I had made time for blogging but I guess part of me just wasn't ready to accept the truth.  The last month was rather a roller coaster, of high's/low's, as the goodbye's started and last explorations/travels took place.  Overcome by the reality of the trip ending and adjusting back to my home country has had my emotions working overtime.


The first goodbye was probably the hardest of all.  My dear friend Katie, also another American/UCF student from Florida, was the first to go.  Although I knew I would be seeing her when I got home, just the idea, the thought, and the reality of this experience/trip ending was becoming too hard to face.  Two of the Irish girls and I had taken her to the airport early in the morning.  I given Katie a letter I had written for her. Lately I've been resorting to writing a lot, to express my feelings. I shared/reminisced on funny memories, my valuing of our friendship, yada yada ya, and at last...the goodbye "see you later". Outside security, she broke down, the Irish girls followed, but I just couldn't come to terms with it. I didn't want to believe it.  I didn't want to believe she was leaving and this trip was ending.  It wasn't until after we had said goodbye and I was getting on the train back to the city that it hit me like a ton of bricks....she's gone.  Irish girls and I were a mess on the train back home. Just kept crying and crying, as we reflected on Katie.  We joked how we talked about her like as if she was dead.  The goodbye's didn't get too much easier but became more expectant and frequent as the days and weeks passed.  I hate goodbye's and I'm not good at them either.  It was just hard for me, at every last/final social event...to think this was the last time I would be seeing most of these people.  Many of which I had become really close to over the past 5 months.  Goodbye's suck...period/fullstop.


Despite the depressing woe's of goodbye's...there were still many good times to be had.  July was another celebration month.  With school over, the pool time, barbecues, and graduation parties kicked in.  Celebrating the 4th of July in Austria wasn't as large as in America but still fun.  With my dearest Mexican girls traveling, the Irish girls and I went all-american for dinner: cheeseburger and fro-yo (frozen yogurt).  Like the Sheen, we were winning.  Later that week, a dear friends of ours even threw us a legit goodbye barbecue, closing with a series of firework displays.  How cool is that?!  

Nothing says..Happy 4th of July!...like fro-yo :)

After the bbq (literally), my fellow American friend, Ellerbe and I caught the last bus to Bratislava and "slept" overnight at the airport, in lieu of our early morning flight that would begin our ultimate weekend trip: Amsterdam/London.  They always say, to have fun it doesn't matter where you go, but it's who you are with.  I couldn't agree more. Both of us being flexible, spontaneous, and hilarious I might add ;)...my lovely travel buddy and I proved to be quite the duo.  After a rather memorable, fun, and adventurous times in both cities, we concluded the following truths: Vienna is classical, Amsterdam is tolerant, London is charming, Berlin is expressive, Bratislava is cheap, Prague is beautiful, Salzburg is quaint, Rome is historic but crowded, Pisa is underrated, Florence is artsy, Milan is sophisticated/fashionable, and Venice is expensive and probably should be renamed the Bermuda Triangle.

Amsterdam. Aka the Venice of Northern Europe.

London Eye at night.

After the trip, time just decided to start flying away, before I was ready to take off.  The last month I had many dreams of me back home, premonitions of my time once I returned home.  Most involved me subconsciously speaking German and ending with sobbing when I realized I was back in America for good.  Thus...you could realize why I began to fear the worst reaction upon my return.  I guess the continual reminders and dreams were my bodies way of preparing me for the transition back home.  Either way, not wanting to dwell on it or come to terms with the reality, I just numbed the thoughts and the truth the dreams revealed, that this was almost over.


Surprisingly by the last week, my attitude towards coming home had brightened.  I began to look forward to it.  Dwelling on positive thoughts, the idea of being able to see my family, friends, the beach, and et cetera again kept me going.  The Mexican girls surprised us and returned home on the 15th of July to join in our final goodbye and celebration at  MU Graduation party.  Our uni had rented out the club for the night, equipped with free welcome drink, good music (compliments of MU student dj's), and good company, we had one of the last best nights of our life.  After more goodbye's, my attention the next few days were towards finishing packing up my room, and completing the list of things to see before leaving Vienna.  

Overall the two weeks went by like a blink of an eye.  Although the days were long, the weeks were short.  With plans to take my last trip in Europe, to Praha (aka Prague, Prag, etc.) with friends; my time to pack up my room would be cut short.   With arriving back to Vienna, the day before I would leave for America, I had to finish packing before Prague.  With my room pretty much packed, I felt accomplished and less stressed when leaving for Prague.  After closing my bank account and deregistering from Vienna, we hopped on the bus to Prague.  We had a blast living it up there. What a beautiful city!  We even played a challenging game of "Chubby Bunny" haha.  The Irish Girls, Rossana the Mexican, and Daniel the German, are a fun and entertaining group to travel with...anywhere!  That is a fact :)

Prague - Old Town Square

Upon my return home to Vienna, I finished the last minute souvenir shopping list for the family, and packed my last few things left remaining.  After gazing at my bare room for all too long, it was time to go.  Escorted by my dearest friends, we made our way to the airport.  Without them, I have no idea how I would have transported the luggage let alone make it to the airport safely and on-time.  With my 6am flight departure, we took the last bus at 2am and hungout at the McD's there, welcoming the morning with our 1 EUR Cappuccino.  Having them also just returned from Prague, exhausted with no nap, they were troopers during our all-knighter/airport adventure.  I'm truely blessed to have such great and nice friends.  As the final goodbye was soon coming to pass, I was trying to stay strong.  I don't relish nor am fond of crying at all, to tell you the truth.  I feel embarrassed when I do.  Fearing I would be a wreck, I tried to keep it together.  Not wanting to come to terms, we kept changing the subject.  Right as I gave the last hugs/goodbye's, as I was heading to the security checkpoint, it hit me like a ton of bricks again.  I lost it.  Like ripping off a band-aid, I knew I had to make the goodbye fast.  After walking through security, I was too emotional to look back.  Not wanting to be asked 20 q: by on-lookers, I tried to pull it together.  I was able to...but not for long.

Super Troopers

Unfortunately, they weren't my carry-ons.

Safely boarded on the plane and gazing out the window, my last sights of Vienna, the tears starting to drip from my eyes.  The truth was I fell in love with Vienna and didn't want to leave.  The lady in the seat next to me kept looking at me, she asked if I was okay, I nodded, although my face implied otherwise.  Leading my head against the window, I said goodbye, as Vienna soon disappeared, as we rose past the clouds, into the sky.  It was all too much and I literally cried myself to sleep.  I woke up and we had just landed in Paris.  After grabbing my luggage, I headed to check into my flight to America.  Emotional, tired, and stuck with the consequence of overpacking...proved to be a recipe for excitement.  Parts of the Charles DeGaulle Airport restricted luggage carts from passing, disabling me taking the easy route.  In boarding the tram to the terminal, it left as I was halfway finished with loading my luggage on the tram.  Exhausted, tired, and emotional...loosing my luggage in foreign country, moments before I was to board my flight, was not what I had planned.  I began to cry out of frustration.  There was nothing else I could do then but to wait for the next arriving trams, hoping it was still there and no one had stolen it.  Since there is no sense in crying over spilled milk, I had to calm myself down.  Nothing else to do but wait and devise a Plan B.  Thankfully I packed an emergency kit, a pair of clothes, toiletries, in my carry-on. just in case.  After the longest 45 minutes of my life...of checking every tram that had passed, finally the right one had arrived.  I have never been so happy to have seen my luggage.


Exhausted and all, after running on no sleep in the past 2 days, I made it to the check-in okay.  I was soon surprised with the "joy" that I had missed check-in by 15 minutes.  I.e. I couldn't get on the plane.  Although this situation could've been avoided had it not been for the luggage mishap, I had to deal it, such is life.  Hours later, with my flight rebooked (another story in and of itself) for the following morning, I was able to find a hotel for the night, just minutes away.  I never have been so happy nor appreciative to see a hotel room before, than I was then.  The comfy beds, coffee, tv, and other basic hotel amenities made me feel like I was staying in the Ritz after the my travels and experiences at hostels.  Exhausted, lost my voice, and beginning to feel sick, I enjoyed a hot cup of tea before immediately crashed on the bed.  I was even too tired to change into pajamas.  

Big. Comfy. Bed.  Yes Please.

After a good nights sleep, I woke up at 3am.  Showered, packed, and ready...I relished in watching French TV, although I understood nothing, awaiting my free(for me) breakfast at 6am.  After delicious and plentiful breakfast, I was eager to get to the aiport, not wanting to miss another flight.  Finally checked-in, I had time to relax in the business club lounge before my first-class flight home.  Elated by my free upgrade to first-class, compliments of horrible day but mostly the frequent flyer status.  Good things can come from bad situations.  


Once boarded the plane, I could finally breathe and unwind, knowing today...everything would go okay and go right.  All-situated in my large, comfy, and full-reclining seat, after the hotel, I was in Heaven again on the plane.  Too rested to sleep, I had some friendly and good conversations with my American "mother"-esque-loving passenger seated next to me, throughout the flight.  The remainder of the time, I relished in the fact I was rested, as a perfect justification to skip sleep and have a movie marathon.  My determination proved to be no match for the comfort of the chairs and wine in hand.  After the second movie, I was out like rock.  Awoken with my batteries recharged, I had time for just one more movie.  Delicious food and drinks, doubled with the environment, made this flight the most enjoyable and relaxing of them all.  Consequently renewed my love for flying.  

Long-haul flights? First Class with
AirFrance is the way to go.

 After arriving in Atlanta safely, the last flight to Melbourne was a breeze.  Having just traveled thousands and thousands of miles, I still couldn't believe my eyes, as we were descending into my hometown.  I always relate traveling long-distances to, the fictional, time-traveling.  The ability of traveling to worlds/countries so different, with ease, never ceases to astound me.  Walking off the plane, I felt like I was in another dream, having already dreamt about this day so many times before.  It just felt so surreal, to see normal and familiar sites again.  Walking down the ramp and seeing my family was such a reassuring, amazing, and surreal moment, all at the same time.  After the adventure, I was just glad and relieved to be home at last.

"Welcome Home" hugs are the best.

Time hasn't stop flying by since I got home.  Two days after I was home, we took a family vacation to Busch Gardens for two days.  Two or three days after that my Aunt and cousins came into town.  After their departure, I began packing and moving things back up to Orlando again. Still...all this has felt so surreal.  That is, all up until yesterday, when suddenly it hit me.  Yesterday marked two weeks from when I left Vienna and came back to the States. They usually say the "two week" mark is when the bliss fades and the (reverse) culture shock kicks in.  When you're tired of the foreign world and you just want something "normal" again.  You began to kick your heels, cry, and just want to go back to your home country.  For the past five and half months Vienna had become my home.  I got adjusted to the new norms, the culture, food, language, and etc.; all in all...I fell in love with Vienna.  



Being back in America has been surreal at times.  I just feel like I've been on holidays (vacation) for the past 2 weeks and now I'm ready to head back home. Relishing in the comforts of my home-culture, the American lifestyle, was refreshing, but part  most of me just wants to go home now. Vienna was my home and I miss it terribly. Although I must move on, it's just hard now to still deal with the fact that it's over.  Most days are easier than others. But it's just that one moment, when someone says something, and your mind goes back to memory lane.  You remember the good along with the bad, and just wish you could live it again, at least just once more.  It's during those times I find are the hardest.  I always have to remind myself of a great quote, one of my dearest friends shared with me, during our last times in Vienna.  "Don't cry because it's over.  Smile because it happened".  With that, it becomes easier to adjust back daily.  Although Vienna will always have a special place in my heart, I have to be excited and look forward to the future.  And just hope one day...I'll be reunited this lovely city I once called home.

Breathtaking view of Vienna from Modul University: city and vineyards.
The best in-class daily distractions. 

"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!"

It's been roughly 1.5 months since my last blog post.  Much has happened, much has changed.   I will try my best to catch you up, on the daily blogs this week, consider this "part 1" lol.

I didn't hope my blogging would be as scarce but my procrastination, combined with naturally accident prone-self, proved to be a deadly combination.

I unfortunately have been in loss of my new mac book pro, purchased prior to departure.  I cooked a really great dinner, so proud of myself, so I decided to take a picture (cheesy/pathetic...i know lol).  Since my laptop was up, thought it would be more convenient to use my webcam and save upload time as well.  Little did I know, the juices from the steak were dripping onto my laptop.  Epic fail.  Wish I had a better story, but that was the day my laptop went into a coma.  Since then, I've been without a computer from april to early may.  Unable to communicate to family and friends back home, do homework for school, and occupy those really boring moments.

On the other hand, it made me utilize my time well.  At the university, I had to get my homework done by that day, since I was unable to work from home.  I started reading books again, creating collages, redecorating my room....really touching into my creative and artistic roots.  Unwilling to bear no communication with my family and friends, during the remaining 2-3 months, I bought a new netbook while awaiting to bear the repair costs, until I'm back home (where $ works in my favor lol).

In true Jaimie fashion, take the good/leave the bad.  If you can't do anything about it, make a joke about it. Laughing is good medicine.  So my new laptop is Austrian by birth/purchase, so it has a german keyboard, but programmed in English.  A dear friend of mine suggested we should name it.  I wanted a name that would reflect strength and durability.  New to this "naming your stuff" lol, I asked for suggestions from the expert.  Then she said the wisest words of all...."Arnold".  Genius I thought....Arnold after the Schwarzenegger....after all it's Austrian and speaks English.  Genius.  And that's how my new netbook was named.

Arnold has help up nicely.  Been much of a lifesaver and aid to keep communication alive back home.  Yet, with doing homework at home, I keep procrastinating updating my blog, when distracted with the busy and exciting social life of an erasmus student, when school does not inflict.  Wish it wasn't so but here's to a fresh start, in documenting the rest of my travels and adventures, in a timely/daily manner.  Prost...a cheers to a successful future...in the small world of my blog. Haha.  (Yes, I'm pathetic and corny at times, I know lol.)

Mumble Jumble - Reflection of Social Culture.

In lieu of posting a much overdue post/update, I came across an old blog draft.  I wrote it one evening, after a long walk throughout the city, much in thought, I had to get my thoughts out.  Unfortunately, I didn't finish my it.  Although short and sweet, it bears much meaning.  At least to me. Ha.  Without further ado.....

--------------------------------
(March 31, 2011)

15 minutes have passed, and I don't know why but I'm having a hard time finding the right words to say, that would due my story justice...

What started out as a journey to explore a whole new world, it's cultures and norms, while discovering/learning more about myself,  has become something much more beautiful - the people.

I know it's only been 1 month and 9 days (but who's counting right? ha) but I found the people here to be one of the most transparent, real, hospitable, and welcoming cultures, that I have ever experienced so far.  At a glance at first, you just see stereotypical cold, snobby, seemingly expressionless Viennese people.  But when you get to know them and talk with them they are sooo much more than that.  People I have barely known have welcomed me into their world, shown/taken me the local sites, hotspots, and shown me absolute hospitality and genuine kindness.

I feel like with the people here, you get what you get; although cold, they are genuine.  Back home, we are nice but I would never go out of my way, nor I know anyone else, who would go out of their way to help a stranger (unless they're Mother Theresa).  My culture is very welcoming but fake at the same time.  I love my world, my country, and culture with all my heart, but sometimes just taking a step back, looking outward in with a new perspective, you are able to then able to see your world for what it is.

A World New World.

March 12th: 

• 
  

  "Sometimes it still hasn't hit me that I live here.  As the 'honeymoon esque' feeling begins to fade, reality let's in.  Somedays I think I'll just wake up and the dream will be over, I'll wake up and be be back home.  This was what it feels like, a dream.  The idea that it's reality is very warming to the heart.  That I have set a goal and living the dream right now. I am truely the luckiest girl." 

2nd Week of School Pic.  View of Vienna from the MUniv.

(Sided Note: I can't help but sing this song as I write this. http://youtu.be/-kl4hJ4j48s)

My eyes began to wonder, during my morning brisk walk to the bus.  As I crossed the bridge, Thursday morning, I couldn't help but to take in the beautiful city, my new home.  As I look deeper into familiar sights, I continually notice things, I haven't seen prior.  Each day is a new discovery.  As I still am settling into my new routine here, adapting to new norms, and et cetera, I can't help but smile.

For I am living the American dream, as I adapt and learn this lovely language called German.  I have set a goal for myself and achieved it.  It's one thing to visit a foreign country for a week or two, but to live and be independent in an entirely new world, is another thing.  I have always wanted to live in another Europe, for a period of my life, since I was a kid.  I believed in myself, knew I could do it, although the logistics was questionable and discouraging at times.  Naturally, when I heard this, I jumped at the opportunity. 

I won't lie, there are many times I do get home-sick.  It'd be only natural for me, to miss the only world, I have every known - not that Austria, nor europe, is a third-world country by any means.  It is reassuring though, living in another western world and recognizing many brands, stores, and restaurants from back home.  I was nervous when I hit the 2-week mark, having heard horror stories from friends and past travelers (i.e. panic attacks, endless crying, and filled with "I want to go home!"'s).  You can see why I was a bit relieved when my transition / culture shock was little to non-existant at times.  Considering Europe is a western as we are in the States, if not more advanced, was a major factor; providing little variance from my daily normal routine I was used to back home.

Interspar Markt - supermarket

Although I miss home, I will always miss home, it's only natural; yet I love every moment here.  I feel so alive, vibrant, thriving, and mentally-stimulating by all these experiences.  Everyday is a new discovery, a new memory, a new laugh, a new inside joke, a new story, a new picture, and etc that will last a lifetime.  


Back when I was  kid, when God put this desire in my heart, I had no idea, to what it would this passion would manifest into.  It is such a testament to his love for us, the perfect, and just plan he has for our lives.  Like Disney, it all began with a dream.  Being a dreamer like me, to see this come true, is the upmost satisfaction, no words can ever express.  I 

feel honored, proud, and blessed to be here, living where and I am, and studying here.  I am truely the luckiest girl in the world.

A Trip of A Lifetime Leads to Self-Discovery. Shocker. :)

Waking up this morning, I thought for a second, that I was back home, then looked out my window and smiled :)  It still hasn't set in that I'm am here.  It's very different from America, but in a good way.  I do miss somethings about home at times but I'm so happy to be here.  I love learning and I feel like I always am here:  new language, new culture, new social norms, a new university, and et cetera.  It's all very different but I love it.  It's interesting to think, how all over the world, how many people there are, how many languages they speak, how different we all live. and yet we all have the same desire for an authentic relationship with God.

Belvedere Palace

It's also been blowing my mind how beautiful and authentic this city is to me.  Coming from a young country, historic sites are few and far between and can probably count them on all 10 fingers (at most): Gettysburg, Philadelphia, Boston, Jamestown, New York, St. Augustine, Hoover Dam, Pearl Harbor, and more?  Here I feel like it's a living and breathing history book.  It's mind-blowing exploring sites of royalties, palaces, and just to imagine a lively existent many centuries prior, right where you are standing.  I am just so fascinated with it all: the culture, the languages, the differences, the norms, the way of living, and et cetera.

I believe this is the greatest time of my life, while young.  I have always wanted to meet people from around the world.  I have always wanted to travel.  Although the idea of traveling is far much more different from the reality of it or vacationing anyway.  To live somewhere foreign is challenging/out of your comfort zone but exhilarating all at the same time.  For the longest time, checking things off my bucket list would take centuries, so it felt like.  Being here I've already checked off more in three days than I have in the past couple years of life: live in another country, learn a new language, meet new friends from around the world, try something new (hiking trip in march!), and learn to love who I am/was made to be.  As cliche' "eat. pray. love." was and the phrase "i'm going away to find myself";  I honestly thing, it's corny/overplayed, but rather true and concrete.  Although I'm still finding out who I want to become (professionally), I am confident in saying I finally know who I am, what I believe, and how I want to live my life.  I believe this is the greatest achievement of all, yet the often underplayed.

I'm still in honeymoon-esque-stage-of-bliss with Vienna.  I do miss things from/about home in the States but I do not regret this for the world.  In fact, I'm dreading going back in 5 months, nor do not even want to think about it right now.  If I get this chance again, I would say "yes" in a heartbeat.  I'm excited for the future, of what's to come while here, and exploring things straight out of the history book.  Friends and those I meet along the way, experiences I will have, and adventures I will take, will continue to be an added part to who I am.  Since I've quit my hotel job and took this opportunity (polar opposite of self-empowerment) I'm the happiest I have ever been in a long time.  I am so blessed to be where I am, with the people I am, and to be doing what people only care to dream about.  It's truly an answer to prayer and an example of what an awesome God we serve.

When this chances come to you, it always does whether you are aware of it or not, may be coming or it may have already past; regardless you must take it, hold on it, and fight for it.  When you get a chance like this, you can't think twice, there's no room for doubt.  Fight for what you want and know it will come with sacrifices.  Just like when you first learned to swim and or ride a bike, you have to jump in,  even if you're scared, and know it's the best opportunity and step in your life.  Trust me in this.  When it comes, don't hesitate, you just say "YES!"

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Side Note:  The following may be grammatically incorrect, free/random free-flowing of thought but includes insightful information for when your travels will lead you to Austria:

Here are some cultural norms I've discovered, not bad, wrong, or right but interesting:  

1) Light switches - are squares (in US it's a vertical rectangle)

2) Flusing the toilet - you have to press a huge square above the toilet (about 10"x10" +/-)

3) Showering - The shower head isn't elevated/set above your head. Rather it's loose, with a hook existing covering mid-back/down.  It's smaller, the base/floor is square shaped, and mine's even elevated about 8" off the ground.

4) Entering/Leaving Trains/Busses - To open the doors on the train (to enter/leave) you have to press a circle button or life a handle.

5) Honor system - Although Viennese people are known to be very proud people, sometimes snotty, they seem to be rather trustful.  Even though you have to pay to use the wiener lienen (trains/busses)  - you don't have to show your pass when you get on, but they may check, rarely that is.  (i.e. if the states relied on the honor system of buying passes to use the transportation system, but would never check tickets, the system would fail). 

6) Safe and Barely Crime - Vienna is really safe city. Little kids ride the transportation system here (I've seen as young at 8yrs old) by themselves, sometimes even in groups.

7) Operation Hours of Stores/Banks/etc. - Everything closes earlier here. Austrians seem to believe in a work/life balance.  Not as obsessed and solely profit-minded as the American culture.  Banks close at 3pm and most stores by 6 pm.  They also seem to love and take pride in what they do.

8) Linguistic masters - Although europeans are well-educated, they don't like people to presume they speak English.  (I guess it's the same as in the states.  People in my hotel too, don't like for Spanish tourists to presume they speak Spanish, just because we're close to Miami, since it's common, and spoken in many communities, within the city of Orlando.)  European education system is legit. Generally.  Knowing 3-5 languages by the time your in HS/College, is smart.  Communication is everything; lack of it always leads to problems.

9) Toilet Water - The toilets generally doesn't fill up all the way with water, sometimes none. (possible method to conserve water?).  

10) Everywhere is Clean - Never use the seats on the busses/trains to rest your feet.  Austria, like Germany, is a really clean everywhere you go.  It's a sign of disrespect, since no one wants to sit on the dirt from your feet.  (same in the states but untolerated here).  Side Note (SN): You'll never, if not rarely, find trash, dirt, dust, or etc in the streets/anywhere.  When I moved in I started to clean my room, but couldn't find a speckle of dust or dirt.  Sweet :)

11) Organic is common - Most foods are naturally organic, almost a standard. (where in the states it's an extra cost / huge mrktg tool)

12) Bring a bag, or pay for one:  It's common to pay for your plastic bags at stores (i.e. like ikea in the states too)

13) Smaller Everything -  Everything is smaller (than the states): the houses, the cars, the people, the portion of food...except the cost of living that is! lol

14) Fast Drivers - They drive with a mission.  Fast / sometimes crazy like those in Boston....well not as crazy ha.

15) Coffee-aholics - they love their coffee and they do know how to make it right everytime.  There are even coffee (sn: cigarette ones too) vending machines in our dorm and everywhere! 

16) Value time -  With their coffee, reading the paper, eating, or whatever, they take their time and enjoy it.  In the states, it's not uncommon to see people eating/drinking while walking or driving. 

17) Men have style - One of the first things that stuck out to me was men's impeccable taste in fashion, matching, and etc.  It's not presumingly that you're gay (like in the states) but rather that you care about your appearance and grooming. I have yet to see a sloppy male.  I'm liking it the stats.

18) They are interested in American culture...just respect theirs as well - With fashion, music, and movies, they can tell you everything about America you want to know; where we reply with blank answers/faces about any culture and or country of choice, except ours.  They just ask that you respect theirs.  A majority of the music on the radios is american (i.e. usher, david guetta, black eyed peas, etc.)  As unique and different as they are, irritant towards Americans at times, part of them is interested in our culture, and does so.  They recognize sub-stereotypes within American culture (i.e. ghetto, cheerleaders vs social misfits, basketball men, etc.)  I used to think we got fashion from them, but I think that is true with the men, but with the girls, I see a lot of American influences regarding their fashion taste.  The women still put their own spins to our American fashion, revolutionizing it. So it's a tie.

(3rd day here, 18 things, that's it for now :) lol. )

Adios America. Hola Europa.

Bonjour!  

Greetings from Paris,

Paris - Charles de Galle Aiport

"It all began with a dream"

This past year has been in highspeed.  This time last year, I was applying for this trip of a lifetime.  During the six months of awaiting a response, I was sure I didn't get it, considering acceptances were announced late april / early may.  Those six months were the hardest part, waiting, waiting, and waiting.  Announcements, turned from late april, to late may/early june, to july.  It was getting tired of it after a while, preparing myself for the presuming dissapointment that would follow.  Not 'putting all my eggs in one basket'; I continued moving forward.  

I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason.  In the meantime, I took a leadership/supervision position at work, to continue my professional growth.  Ten minutes after I submitted my application, I got the call that I had been accepted in the study abroad program at MODUL University in Vienna, Austria.  Had I known about it earlier, I would not have challenged myself with the opportunity at work.  

The following six months, since August, has flown by fast.  Between work, school, and preparing for Vienna, I was rather busy and stressed, to be honest.  Looking back over the last year, I see God's hand working through everything.  "oh ye of little faith" I say to myself last summer, while waiting.  God has been awesome in making this a smooth process.

As I wait for my final flight to Vienna.  I can not help but be grateful, for the blessings and opportunities God has provided me.  Considering God knew us before we were even born, he knew already then, that one of my lifelong desires was to live abroad.  I wasn't sure how/where/when but he knew.  It's funny how our human nature thinks, such an opportunity was discovered by our own wits or even by chance.  Yet it was God who had planned it already in advance. Oh how he loves us!  What a great God we serve!

Anywho, going to go discover the rest of the airport, after I finish my pain au chocolat and cafe.  Till then, to God be the glory!  See you soon Vienna!

Best Regards,

Jaim