Trigeña in Österreich

2007-10-19T17:53:00.000+02:00

Hey, guys! I had some people come up to me and say that they were looking at my blog and wondered why I hadn't posted anything for while. I guess I did just disappear out of the face of the earth (as far as posting blogs go). Well, I'll give you an update about what's been going on in my life since Bogi.

I left Bogenhofen on June 6, Wednesday morning at about 2:30 and arrived to my parent's home at about 10 that night (same day, but remember the time difference from Austria to East Coast US). At home, I showed my family all pictures I took while I was abroad. I also started to work, helping my dad with his books and the publisher.

My dad has been writing several books for the last, maybe 8-10, years and he's been working on getting them published. So far, there hasn't been much luck; but with this publishing house, things are starting to look up. His book, "Dante Colvix, Part 1" is scheduled to be released around December 3, 2007 (just in time for the Christmas season)!

As for me, besides my unofficial summer job, I turned 21 (no, I don't drink: please, I'm bad enough sober!) and started my senior year at Southern Adventist University. This will be my last year, but I will not be graduating until December 2008 (hence, this is my last year; but I have 1 more semester after that). I will be graduating with a dual-emphasis in Archaeology (Near Eastern Studies and Classical Studies: Biblical archaeology is all that's offered at Southern) with minors in Biblical Languages, German (thanx Bogi!), and (hopefully) History after being in college for 4.5 years. Not bad, if I may say so myself.

As to my future plans, I really don't know. I would like to go to another language school ;-) . Call me weird, but I really would like to learn Arabic and Russian. What can I say? I have a thing for learning stuff that most people don't care about.

2007-05-27T20:03:00.000+02:00

Today (May 27,) we went to Großglockner (the tallest mountain in Austria--3798m). I heard that it was about 2 degrees Celcius (around 40 Fahrenheit--probably less). I loved it. Seriously, after how hot it's been in Bogi these last few weeks, a sudden feel of winter was warmly welcomed (no pun or contradiction intended). I miss winter and cold!

There's the mountain... somewhere behind this fog.

Yes, this is snow... in late May!

On our way back, we passed by the "Stille Nacht Kapelle" (Silent Night Chapel). This is where "Silent Night" was written.

"Silent Night, Holy Night"

Yep, that's the church. Funny how small things can store immense treasures.

Does it really surprise you to find this in this small town?

You can choose which language. Both say the same.

2007-05-20T12:03:00.000+02:00

I thought this was interesting, so I couldn't resist.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
0
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

2007-05-20T11:19:00.001+02:00

Hey guys, it's June 4, and this will probably be my last blog in Austria. I'm just about done packing my bags. I just wanted to show pictures from our last Sprachschul outing, the Ice Cave in Salzburg (which is also the largest in the world; even though there's only ice in the 1st kilometer, the other 41 km are too warm for ice).

The way to get up the ruggedest part of the mountain.

The last stretch to the cave.

From the cave, looking out.

I was experimenting with my camera.

The Cave's elevation.

Austria, if you only knew how much I'm gonna miss you!

Well, what else can I say? Today is Monday and I'm leaving very early Wednesday morning (6am flight). This is gonna be really hard for me. It is as though all these 9 months were one long, beautiful dream, and I'm about to wake up in my room in the States. I don't even call it "home" any more. That makes me question, "What is home? Where is my home?"

I guess I don't have a place where I call, "home". It appears to me, that "Home" is not a place; rather, its a feeling I get when I am around the people I love--whether it be in a mighty fortress, shielded from the rain; or on a solitary road, accompanied under a starry night. Sounds as if I'm confusing "Home" with "Family", but am I? I feel at home when I'm with my family--no matter if they're family-family or true friends--and to me, what is a home without family?

I guess I see "Home" and "Family" as completely relative terms.

I must come back to Bogi.

2007-05-20T09:45:00.000+02:00

It takes me 8 months and a week (approximately) to finally go to Neuschwanstein. It happened on May 17: it also rained the entire day, but it was still worth the trip.

One way to go up to Hohenschwangau (a minor castle in the area). I hiked up. It wasn't much of a hike, but I'm sure the carriage ride would've been fun.

Looking back at Hohenschwangau's exit. Not a bad view.
Neuschwanstein from Marienbrücke (a bridge right behind the castle). Well, the end is getting nearer. I have 2 weeks and 3 days til I fly home--or should I say, to where my family is. I don't want to leave my "Bogi Family", but I know I cannot stay. There are still many things that I have yet to accomplish--and I need to go back in order to do so.

I can honestly say that I have gained a 2nd family here, in Bogi. I don't feel as close to the people in Southern.

Then again, Southern is a large American university with 2,500+ people; while Bogi is just a little over 160. Also, I have been aware that I was gonna be here for only 1 academic year/9 months, while I still have at least 3 semesters left at Southern when I get back. I guess you tend to try to make the best of it when you have less time. Makes me think of the people who don't start to really live until they are about to die.

2007-05-01T16:18:00.000+02:00

Alright! Classes are almost over and the break is just around the corner... for most of you. I don't get out 'til June 2. Yeah guys... just rub it in, why don't you.

Well, that's not what I wanted to say. On April 30, most of us Sprachschuler went to Mauthausen. That was a concentration camp in Austria. It was mostly for political prisoners--anyone against the Nazis--than Jews, although there were Jews sent there. There were also Russians and Homosexuals. It was one of the last concentration camps to be liberated.

I couldn't take very many pictures there 'cause it was so horrible to be where so many people were killed that I just couldn't get my camera out.

The entrance to Mauthausen.

You all have probably seen enough pictures to know what this is.

Right in front of the entrance are several memorials from different countries. Each one had someone who died here. I couldn't get all of them, but here are a few.

Bulgaria

Poland

Spain

Luxembourg

Russia

I didn't see the country's name.

Greece

British (I know, that's not a country!)

Slovenia

Ukraine

2007-04-24T16:20:00.000+02:00

Day 8.

It has been a week since we left. Today, we journeyed to Prague, in the Czech Republic. Below is a picture of the place we went to eat. According to what I've heard from others, Country Life is a popular Adventist restaurant. This was the first time I've ever heard of it, much less been to one. I have to be honest: it was the worst-tasting meal I've ever had. It would have tasted worse if I wasn't hungry.

An astronomical clock on the side of a church.

I find it interesting how the new surrounds--and in a way, protects--the old.

One of many Synagogues in Prague.

That night, we went to see a ballet, "Schwanensee" (Swan Lake). It was the first ballet I've ever been to. I can now see why there are people who want to go into ballet.

Damen und Herren, Schwanensee (Ladies and gentlemen, Swan Lake)

Day 9.

The final day of the Reise (trip). The photo below is from crossing one of Prague's many bridges.

A trio of street performers. They were really good. I wish I had their CD.

I really don't know what this is called, but we saw the changing of the guards in it's courtyard.

All I could get of the Dom in Prague (considering the place was covered with people and that we left shortly after this picture was taken).

2007-04-24T15:59:00.000+02:00

Day 7, Sabbath

After church and lunch, we went to "Sächsische Schweiz" (the Switzerland of Sachsen, Germany). This was absolutely beautiful. I'm gonna try to not put all 40 pictures I took in here, but I do think that I need a seperate post for this day.

The picture of me above was taken on the tower in the picture below.

Some of the guys having fun as we wait to leave.

2007-04-24T13:04:00.000+02:00

Day 4.

The park in front of Schloss Sansouci in Potsdam. I do not know who the old guy facing the camera in the picture is.

Me and what little bit of Schloss Sansouci you can see.

We had a free afternoon, so I went with 2 girls to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin. This memorial takes up just about an entire city block. The museum underneath was breathtaking and sobering.

I didn't know this, but a friend and I passed by this. It's a plaque saying how in this bulding there lived the world's first female Rabbi. This was on some small street that was more of an alley than a street. There're no markers or anything pointing to this. Just goes to see the things you can discover when you travel off the beaten path. Only one thing: she was one of the victims in Auschwitz.

Day 5.

We leave Berlin and go down to Wittenberg. This below is a picture of the inside of the Stadtkirche (city church) where Luther nailed the 95 Thesis.

A copy of the 95 Thesis.

The Hundertwasserschule. It's a school designed by an architect who's last name was Hundertwasser.

As we arrive in Dresden, the Meissner Porcelain Factory is the first place we get to. We saw how porcelain was made. It made me miss my Ceramics class!

This is one of the most expensive works in the gift shop. The price is in Euros. Needless to say, I felt somewhat uncomfortable in there. I felt like I needed to be sure that I did not touch anything.

Day 6.

We get a tour of Dresden by a lady who's been giving Bogi's Sprachschuler tours of Dresden for a while. She's was nice. The tour would have been nice if it wasn't so windy and cold that day.

In the afternoon, we went to the VW manufacture. I wish I could tell you what our guide told us, but I was really tuned out to what she was saying. I could barely hear her for one, I was anxious to keep on moving, and was tired. Those are my excuses.

2007-04-24T11:59:00.000+02:00

I just got back from Berlinreise (the ACA trip to Berlin) last night. We went to Berlin, Potsdam, Wittenburg, Dresden, and Prague.

Day 1.

No, this is not the Parthenon and yes, this is in Germany. It was on our way up and we stopped there to see it. It's called Walhalla. Inside, the walls are decorated with busts of famous Germans who have made a major contribution to Germany--and the world. This is how the inside looks like.
That night, we went to see the Berliner Philharmonic. This is how the amphitheater looked from my angle.
Day 2.

The Brandeburger Tor.
This is a dome on top of Reichstag (kind of like Parlament). You can go up the dome and see all of Berin. Only one thing, the higher you go, the hotter it gets.
Later, we had a nice boat ride through the middle of Berlin and got to see just about all of Berlin.
Day 3.

We went to see where the Berlin Wall was and got to see the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. In it, I read several stories and you could see how the people escaped from East Berlin. You would be surprised with the creativity the people had and used to get out.
Back when Berlin was occupied by the Soviets, French, Americans, and the British.
You better believe it!
The Ishtar Gate from Babylon (not the original)!
Can you say, "excited archaeologist"?
A model of how it was.
The replica to give you an idea of how it was.

A model of the Berliner Dom as we were inside it. This thing is HUGE!

Stairs to go up to the top and get another good view of Berlin.

The Fernsehturm. It was like the one in Wien (Vienna), but it didn't rotate and the cafe was closed for a private reservation or something that day.

A view from the Fernsehturm. The large church in the very center of the picture is the Berliner Dom.

2007-04-09T18:14:00.000+02:00

Fröhe Ostern! Happy Easter! I know that was yesterday, but hey better late than never, right? Well, for Easter Sunday, I decided to go and check out Altötting--a town in Bayern, Deutschland. What's so special about this town? Well, there are quite a bit of Catholic pilgrimages that are made to this quaint little town. Okay, so John Paul II was here in 1980 and there are more churches here than I've ever seen in a regular European town; but yeah, I'm an American Protestant--I guess I wouldn't understand.

First picture. This was at town called Mühldorf. I had over an hour to wait for my next train that would eventually take me to Altötting, so I explored a little. I saw this sign and I absolutely loved it. For those who are not too sure, it's for contact lenses.

My 1st stop in Altötting: the Panorama. It wasn't bad. It had a 360 degree portrait with Jerusalem, Rome, the crucifixtion scene and other stuff like that.

This is--from what I understand--the largest shrine dedicated to Virgin Mary in Europe. All over the walls, once you step inside, you see all these portraits, engravings, etc. that say how Mary appeared and helped people.

Get the picture? Sorry, no pun intended. This is how it is ALL AROUND the Virgin Mary Shrine.
A statue of Pope John Paul II.
I believe it's quite self-explanatory of who this is dedicated to.
A Basilica.

There's even a bike trail dedicated to the current pope.

There are like 3 churches (maybe more) in this picture of the center of Altötting.

Okay, I was walking back to the train station. Since I was hungry, I thought I would check out what this Döner-Kebab place had to offer. This is what I saw.

Apparently, it was the Döner-Kebab owner's son who was throwing little pieces of bread at the ducks; I mean, uh, "customers". I guess I can understand why they have that sign that literally says, "Dogs must stay outside".

2007-04-08T21:57:00.000+02:00

Graz Pictures, Part 4.

I'm pretty sure this will be the last of it. So yeah, this guy is familiar, right?

Okay, I went to Schloss Eggenberg to check out the castle: what's the first thing I see? Peacocks! Don't get me wrong, I love peacocks, I just didn't expect to see them here.

A white peacock: now I know I'm among royalty.

C'mon, c'mon, open up those feathers!

Oh yeah, here's the Schloss. It's so interesting. Whoever made it was obsessed with symbols for time. This schloss has 4 towers for the seasons, 12 gates for the months, and 365 windows for the days. I wonder if it has a secret window that appears every 4 years.

You walk straight in through the entrance and at the end there's this foutain. All this white stuff you see are sea shells. I guess it comes from the Mur River, since that's the only body of water I know that's around there: but I can always be wrong.

I love the architecture in this Schloss.
I was lucky to get this pigeon when I did.
HUH? What are you doing here? Seriously, they think they own the place! For all I know, they probably do.
Yours truly reporting from Schloss Eggenberg.

2007-04-08T21:35:00.000+02:00

Ready,... Aim,...

This cannon is inside this Garison Museum (and unloaded).

Der Uhrturm (The Clock Tower).

Going to Graz and not seeing Der Uhrturm is like going to New York City and not going to the Statue of Liberty, or Paris and not the Eiffel Tower, San Francisco and not the Golden Gate Bridge, etc.

They DO exist!

This was on Good Friday. According to Austrian tradition, people make Striezel; a kind of "Easter bread". I had the opportunity to make, well more like braid, a few. The one with the egg and the double braided one beside it are mine.

Basilica Mariatrost. Don't know what's so special. I didn't have a lot of time because this was the day I was supposed to leave and I still had other places that I wanted to go see.

Not Austria's Lady Liberty, but Light Sword". Ask the artist.

The Opera house. "Light Sword" is right beside this building.

Well, well, well...

2007-04-08T20:11:00.000+02:00

Graz Pictures, Part 2
The Mausoleum and Dom (Cathedral)

They call this "Der Burg". This is a double-spiral staircase. It was erected around 1438. It was so much fun going up and down these stairs!

This is the tower where the stairs were in.

This is the Carillon. At 11, 15, and 18 or 19, the bells chime and this wooden couple comes out to dance (actually, just spin) to 3 melodies.

The Schlossbergbahn. I guess you can see that this train is somewhat slanted (61 degrees to be exact). This train takes you to the top of a hill that is in the center of Graz. Up there is the Uhrturm (Clock tower) and a complete and breathtking view of Graz.

Me inside the Schlossbergbahn.

These city compass things were all over the place!

Those of you who know me should not be surprised.

...and yet another one. Hey, I like them.

Behold, I give you Graz.

2007-04-08T18:25:00.000+02:00

Hallo everyone. I actually did something! Wednesday (April 4), I went to check out Graz, Austria for 2 days. It was awesome! I love Graz! I love Graz almost as much as Vienna... almost. Here are a few pictures that I took while I was there. This will probably take a few posts.

First stop, the Murinsel. This is a shell-shaped "island" that was constructed in time for Graz getting the title of Culture Capital of Europe 2003.

This is once you're inside.

A nice little cafe inside the "shell".

The auditorium.

A model of the Murinsel.

Der Landhaus

Der Zeughaus (Armory). This was outstanding! It houses 32,000 historical arms and military equipment on 4 (or was it really 5?) floors. They say that this museum is the most outstanding historical weapons collection in the WORLD. There was even a random man that came up to me and told me to go to this museum (after I did) because it is one of the things that Graz is proud to have. What does that tell you? Oh yeah, they don't allow pictures to be taken.

Der Rathaus (City Hall) on Haupstadt Platz.

This was interesting. This is just some Turk that was place on this house called Palais Saurau as a decoration. I don't know anything about the house, but I do remember this Turk.

Der Hofbäckerei (court bakery). Just look at it's elaborate exterior!

2007-03-25T12:15:00.000+02:00

Hey guys. Whoa, I did not realize how much time has gone by since I last posted anything on my blog. Well, I am alive and I've obviously been busy. But that's not totally true. I wanted to use this blog to put up pictures of places I've been to and of cool and interesting things I've seen. This last 4 weeks or so, I haven't done much of anything worth mentioning (as far as I can remember). Let's put it this way: my camara has been enjoying a very peaceful break--that is, til Thursday, March 22.

There was a group from Andrews Academy who were having their European tour (or whatever) and they stayed a few days in Bogi while they toured around some nearby places. On the 22nd, they were going to Salzburg and the Sprachschule was invited to go along. Most of us (Sprachschule) have been to Salzburg before, but we've never had a tour, so we all went--that is, all the Americans--and enjoyed a day in Salzburg.

This was at the bridge that separates the New city from the Old city. I thought the "Salzburg 2014, Candidate City" for the Olympics flag was interesting. I wonder how they would manage havig so many people at once.

Our 1st stop, Der Salzburger Dom.

Inside the Dom.
Try to imagine that you're here. My neck was hurting a little, but it was worth it.

Just look at the detail here!

The Schloss. I found it interesting how there was a tram up to it. The tracks are to the right. It was probably expensive, but since we walked up and we didn't get to check prices, I wouldn't know.

An airplane leaving the Salzburg Airport.

A view of Salzburg from the Schloss. Oh, Salzburg!

Some of the mountains surrounding Salzburg.

What? An Egyptian shop in Salzburg, Austria? Okay. Just goes to show that you never know what you may find.

2007-02-12T15:16:00.000+01:00

This weekend (February 9-11), I went with a youth group to Kärten. Kärten is a state in southern Austria. It borders Slovenia and some of Italy. We stayed in the home of one of the youth group leader's parents (wow, what a mouthful!) in the suburbs of the capital city, Klagenfurt. For Sabbath, we went to church in Klagenfurt and spent the day with the local youth group. In the evening, the local youth group took us out to the sights of Klagenfurt (I believe it was a grand total of 5 statues). We just about walked all downtown in about an hour. On Sunday morning, those who woke up for breakfast climbed a mountain (I think we were told it was the only mountain directly north of Klagenfurt). Since the house we were staying in was on the same mountain, we didn't have to climb too much. The view was great; too bad it was a hazy morning.

This was from our little Klagenfurt tour. It was somewhere downtown.

This was Sabbath afternoon when we took a hike up a hill. What you see behind me is Klagenfurt.

Some of the view from the top of the mountain we hiked up on Sunday morning.

The view taken from a window of the room I was staying at.

2007-02-12T14:26:00.000+01:00

From January 28 til February 2, was Skiwoche (ski week) for the Sprachschule. We went to a small town named Schwarzenberg just south of the Bodensee (a huge lake at the border of Southcentral Germany, Northeastern Switzerland, and Northwestern Austria). It was just the Sprachschulers, the ski instructor, the snowboard instructor, and the cook. Oh, it was heaven!

This was taken at Lindau, Germany. Those mountains in the background are the Swiss Alps.

This was at Schwarzenberg on our way to the bunny hill.

Now, I must give credit where credit is due. The following pictures are not mine, but of a Sprachschulerin who is an amazing photographer (and generous with her pictures).

Yes, I actually tried snowboarding, but I had several problems. I guess that to start off with the fact that the only winter sport I ever tried was ice skating and the 1st (and only time) that I tried it was the week before... maybe it's safe to say that I was in some sort of disadvantage. That's right, I've never skied and I tried snowboarding. I heard several people saying, "snowboarding is easier than skiing" and others saying vice versa. So I thought I would just try one, whichever it would be. This experience has confirmed that I have a talent for learning/trying/experiencing the harder before the easier. I still can't snowboard, but I tried. Well, when I have help, I've come to the point where I hardly fall; but I can't do it alone. I am indebted to the snowboard instructor. He had soooo much patience with me, I still don't know how to thank him.

I've got quite a few stories to tell, like how I almost twisted/sprained my right knee a few times.

The group on the last day before we started. Only the ski instructor is missing 'cause she had to leave early.

2007-02-12T14:00:00.000+01:00

Oh boy, I almost for got about when the Sprachschule went Eislaufen (ice skating) on January 24. This was the 1st time I've had the chance to go ice skating: I kid you not. It was okay. From the 2 hours we were there, I only fell 3 times (and no, I wasn't only at the edge holding on to the wall. I was, but not for the entire time. Maybe 30 minutes TOTAL).

Here I am trying to save myself.

Four of us "just chillin'".

"All for One, One for all!"

The Sprachschule plus 1 teacher and her husband.

2007-02-12T13:47:00.000+01:00

Here are some pictures that were on Bogi's website from the guy's open house. These were taken in that room where I spent the most time and played the German Christian who wants to be a millionare.

One of the "Biblionaer"-s. Those who reached the Million Euro question and succeded recieved a prize from Eugen (the guy who's shaking the winner's hand). It was always something that wasn't exactly on everyone's wish list. To give you an idea, among the prizes were a license plate border from Amazing Facts, a newspaper from the Sheraton Hotel he stayed in when he went to Youth General Conference in Baltimore (I know this 'cause the Sheraton Hotel sticker was still on the newspaper), etc. It was a lot of fun.

2007-02-12T12:51:00.000+01:00

On January 27, the Burschenheim (guy's dorm) had their Offen Tuer (open house).

This was from the top of the stairs in the guy's dorm. I thought it was interesting. Oh, our beloved Swiss! This says something about the Swiss corner in "Swiss-Dutch".
This was by far the most interesting room. The two guys in this room really outdid themselves. They had you crawl in through the bottom left corner and you could feel that you were entering the wet floor of their bathroom (everything was clean and kosher, no worries) and you get to the actual room. They would either give you something to taste, feel, see, or smell and you had to guess what it was. Hence the name, "The World of Sense".
This was in another room where I stayed in the most. This girl is playing a Bible trivia game in the format of "Who wants to be a Millionare?". I forgot how exactly its called, but it's something like "Wer war Biblionaer?". Naturally, it was in German; but I got addicted. I played it about 6 or 7 times and the furthest I got was to 125,000 Euros. Since I'm just learning German and there were questions based on Catholic traditions, I think I did pretty good.

2007-01-23T20:28:00.000+01:00

Guess what? On January 23, 2007... we actually got snow! This is the 1st day Bogi got snow this year! How crazy is that? Needless to say, we were all excited--ah, fianlly; a snowball fight!

Fire!

I made a snow angel and here's a friend of mine writting my name beside my snow angel.

The final product.

2007-01-23T19:51:00.000+01:00

On Thursday, January 18, there was a huge wind storm. I am not exactly sure what it was, but it was HUGE!!! I heard people say it was the biggest storm Europe has seen in 30 years. The next day in class, we heard in the radio that about 34 people died (10 from Germany, 10 from Poland and 4 from--are you ready--England). Here are a few pictures I took that afternoon before we had to go back to our dorms and stay there til further notice.

To see pictures of what the storm left behind, go to www.bogenhofen.at

Then, go to "Weblog" on the left of the screen (under "Aktuelles").

Pick "Bogi und das Sturmtief " and click the link "mehr...".

You can see the pictures larger by clicking on them.

This was in front of the guys' dorm. There was a group trying to see if they could fly a kite. It worked... til the kite broke about 5 seconds after it was airborne.

I let my hair down. You can see the result of the wind.

Two friends of mine (who also happen to be roommates) as we were coming in to the girls' dorm. Can you see the leaves flying in sky?

2007-01-23T19:27:00.000+01:00

Sabbath, January 13, Ruth, her roommate Nicoletta and I went out for a walk after Mittagessen (lunch). This was just off the campus. Nothing special, just that I remembered to bring my camera along!

Blue Hills

I can almost reach it!

Behold, here am I!

Soaking up the Sun.

2007-01-23T19:07:00.001+01:00

Januar ist fast beendet (January is almost over) and I still haven't published my pictures of the fireworks from New Year's! Well, they're not all that good (this was the 1st time I ever tried to take pictures of fireworks) and I'm only showing the 3 I consider to be the least pitiful.

You could see fireworks everywhere... even Germany! It's not that hard, the Inn River--which separates Austria from Germany--is a short walk from the campus. From the campus, you can see Germany with no problem whatsoever.

On campus, there was a man who was setting off fireworks by the teachers' houses behind the girls' dorm. It was fun (and COLD!) to be standing out there watching the fireworks...and almost getting hit by one! Yeah, it was all good.

2007-01-06T18:47:00.000+01:00

It's 007! Hooray, a new year to do more stuff and travel to more places... may the explorations continue. Well, I've realized that I forgot to post my day trip to Linz on Dec. 22, 2006. Hey, better late than never, right?

Below is the Linz Hauptbahnhof (main train station). I like how a certain person put it; "The Linz Hauptbahnhof is like a mall... oh yeah, and by the way, we have a few trains..."

The debatable 2nd largest cathedral in Austria (1st in Vienna, the other 2nd, not sure where). The Mariendom. Let's go inside, shall we?

I love taking pictures of old churches. If you've been following my blog, then you probably know that by now.

This was interesting. It was basically an extremely heavy stone that anyone can move.

Here's the information about the stone... in German.

They were having a Weihnachtsmarkt and in random places, they had these displays of different well-known stories. There were probably more, but I couldn't stay to find out.

2006-12-30T23:25:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday (Dec. 27), I set out to go to Eisenstadt and explore it. Eisenstadt is the capital city of Burgenland--which is 1 of Austria's 9 states (or provinces, which ever you prefer). Burgenland is in eastern Austria and borders Hungary. Why Eisenstadt? For those of you who know me, my answer of "Why not?" should not surprise you. Anyway, I was able to get there by night and look around a little, but I had to get back to my hostel. Below is a church in the center of the city (it was a foggy night).

Same church by day--yes, with fog.

As soon as you walk inside, this is what you see. It's nice, just a little modern.

All right! Auf Deutsch (in German)!

This was right outside the church. Just thought how interesting it was. I guess you can tell what the artist was trying to communicate.

I really appreciated these tourist signs. I would've appreciated even more if these places were open.

A walk behind the Esterhazy Schloss and you come to this. It is a really nice park for walking with paths that go in every direction and up and down hills. The lovely scenery is a bit of a given.

Schloss Esterhazy. I would've paid the 5 Euros to go inside, but I had to get back that day and I had a 6-7 hour trip ahead of me (the trains stop going by Bogi by around 21:00). I must return. Hoprfully, everything else will be open by then.

Well, apparently this will be my last blog entry for 2006. Ich hoffe ihr alles gut in dem Neue Jahr! Espero que todos tengan un prospero año nuevo! I hope you all have a Happy New Year! Hope you all come back and check how I'm doing in 2007!

2006-12-21T14:44:00.000+01:00

Hey guys, last night (Dec. 20) was Weihnachtsfest. That is an annual Christmas banquet in Bogi. Ever since Thanksgiving ended, a lot of people have had this Weihnachtsfest fever or something. Every year, either the guys or the girls have to ask. This year, the guys had to ask the girls out.

How it was done was that one night, the guys had to sign up for a girl he wanted to ask out (I've heard). Then, for the next 2 weeks or something, the guys had to leave or pass clues to the girl he wanted to ask out so that she would figure out who was asking her out.

There were several interesting things that the girls had to do, and that the guys had to do get his answer. Example, one girl was directed to run somewhere and fell straight into a mud puddle--about an hour before the banquet. Four guys had to get together, wear women's clothes, and go to the Mensa (Cafe) during the rush hour of lunch. There are several more stories.

Anyway, the night came and here are some pictures. Oh yeah, I wasn't asked out by anyone; though I did go with a group of 3 other girls and we were escorted by a really nice SM from Berlin. I had a nice time.

A picture of my dress (Southern choir dress from freshman year). The group.

This was absolutely hilarious! We all did the "secret santa" thing, and this guy got a huge triangular box. He took the wrapping paper off, and you get the large box he's holding. Inside the box was the small Toblerone chocolate bar he's holding under the box. Es war Preislos!

2006-12-19T21:02:00.000+01:00

Fröhlich Weihnachten! Talking about Christmas, Friday night was Bogi's Weihnachtskonzert and here are a few pictures of it taken from Bogi's Weblog. Weihnachtskonzert must be a big thing in Bogi--you should have seen all the people who were there! The church was packed! It was nice and I had fun singing and playing in the Glockenchor (last picture). The orchestra was not as pitiful as I have heard some of the orchestra members say (especially since there were more in the performance than the practices. Interesting). The people really enjoyed it. Always good to know, right?

2006-12-11T15:59:00.000+01:00

Guess what, yet another Weinachtsmarkt. The difference? It was in the middle of some woods about 10 km or so from Burghausen--other than that, I have no idea of where it was.

I thought this was interesting: a little thing with Peruvian boats... in Austria.

Mai, esto es para ti. A puras penas que lo vi', pense en ti. Tienes hambre?

Hey, I was freezing. Don't you think this would be a beautiful sight if you were an inch away from frostbite?

I'm not sure he was too happy about getting his picture taken without getting money in return.

2006-12-11T15:28:00.000+01:00

Since December 8 was a holiday in Austria, I thought I would take the day to see how Simbach and Braunau were decorated for Christmas. Here are some that I saw in Simbach, Germany.

Now we leave Simbach, Germany behind and return to Braunau, Austria (I still can't believe you can walk back and forth!) and check out the small Weinachtsmarkt in the stadtplatz (town center).

2006-12-10T14:45:00.000+01:00

On December 6, the Sprachschuler students went to a Weinachtsmarkt in Salzburg. It's basically a really nice Christmas fleemarket, only they are in department store prices. It was really nice. What I really like is that Christmas shopping isn't overemphasized here as it is in USA.

Some of the stuff that was being sold.

Around 18:45 or something, we went to a concert. It was traditional Austrian Christmas music. I liked it, but I was a bit tired. If it wasn't for the whip, I would have slept through some of it. I didn't know they used the whip as a musical instrument. Well, now I do.

2006-12-04T14:05:00.000+01:00

Hallo, sorry for the delay, but obviously I was busy. My following 3 pictures are of my 1st Bell (Chime) Choir performance. I have never had the opportunity in being in a Bell choir (as a matter of fact, I was never in a school big enought to have a bell choir)! Thank you Chris for the pictures!

Wow. I didn't know how serious-looking I was.

Imagine the sighs of relief as we walk off stage.

Hello.

2006-11-27T19:53:00.000+01:00

Hello and hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving. Bogi actually had the American Sprachschulers put on a Thanksgiving program to explain why we celebrate Thanksgiving. It was quite a bit of work, but we all had a blast and everyone enjoyed it. We had 2 funny skits (a modern-day family skit and a historical Pilgrim-&-Indian skit). The Thanksgiving dinner was right after the historical skit and before the 2nd part of the modern-day skit. Below is a picture of yours truly with other American Sprachschulers during the (not to insult your intelligence) historical skit. Bogi has some really good photographers, don't you think?

2006-11-20T16:35:00.000+01:00

This past weekend (Nov. 17-19), two friends and I went to Munich for the weekend, just to get out of campus for a little while. Another thing was that one was going to leave in a few weeks, so it was also like a "one last adventure" kind of thing. These are the doors of the youth hostel we stayed at.

Wilkommen in Muenchen!
A pair of Munich's infamous lions. I just couldn't resist when I saw that they were painted in honor of two Football (International Football, aka American Soccor) players.
Me looking up what I labeled as "The Two Towers".
An ancient cathedral in the center of Munich.
A statue dedicated to Mary. There is an angel at each corner slaying a different creature that represented some sort of evil.
My two traveling companions.

2006-11-20T15:29:00.000+01:00

Hey guys, sorry for not updating for a while; I had some computer troubles and other stuff came up. Anyway, I'm gonna fill ya in on some stuff that's happened.

First, on Sabbath (November 11) the girl's dorm had open house. We all had to decorate our rooms for our guests and have stuff for them to eat. Here's what I served. I apologize if you're hungry now.

I bought this traditional Austrian dress a while back. It's a little big, but I love it. I just figured I would wear it for this event. Why not?

Oh yeah, the official Bogi photographer caught me making a pose when I was hyper and posted it on Bogi's page. Hey, it can always be worse!

The next big event was Crazy Hair Day on November 14. The 1st two pictures were taken at the girl's dorm where a few of us were trying to get each other's hair ready for Crazy Hair Day the next morning. This guy was great. I just thought I'd let you see his tough and "sweet" side.

The 4 of us on Crazy Hair Day. I did the cornrows (which didn't turn out too good) and a tiny briad on the guy (it's that little bit of hair on his forehead). For my hair--since it's naturally crazy--I just unleashed it.

This was the next day. We were a bit bored in our class break. But is this guy a good model or what?

2006-11-06T17:07:00.000+01:00

On November 1-5, we had a "holiday" and I took advantage of it to go to a tiny country between Austria and Switzerland called Liechtenstein. I stayed in Feldkirch, Austria (which is right by the border) with a very kind and generous family. The picture below is of me with one of the girls and the parents. The girl in the picture went to Bogi. The girl's dean told me about her and made the arrrangements for me. I love my dean.

One of my 1st stops, the Liechtenstein National Museum. It's huge!--unlike the country (Liechtenstein takes up a grand total of 160 km sq. / 99.36 miles sq.)

One of the many sculptures scattered in downtown Vaduz--the capital.

The view of the Alps from the nearest bus stop to where I was staying.

One morning, I rode the bus from Feldkirch, Austria to Trubbach, Switzerland (which took no more than 1.5 hours) and walked back to Liechtenstein for the heck of it.

Something that caught my attention in Vaduz.

The Austria-Liechtehstein border.

Mountians in the clouds in a Liechtehstein "-ish" sky.

A couple of parrots in Birka's Bird Paradise in Mauren, Liechtenstein.

Me at the ruins of an old fortress in Schellenberg, Liechtenstein.

I've got so many pictures and stories to tell, if you would like to know some of them, please, feel free to ask.

2006-10-29T10:39:00.000+01:00

Wien, part 2. This was taken at what we call "The Rotating Cafe". I am serious. This cafe is about 170 meters. from the ground and it spins. It makes a complete revolution in about 10 minutes. It was so great. Here are two friends I went with, enjoying what the cafe has to offer. You can see what each of us ordered. I'll let you imagine how good they were and which one was the best.

This was in the Jewish section of Wien. This is a monument dedicated to the Jews who were killed during the Holocaust. The walls are filled with books (not literally, this entire thing is made of cement) that in turn are filled with the names of Jews who were killed during the Holocaust. Makes you wonder, doesn't it.

Return to Childhood.

We got back on Thursday night, but we were still in "Wien mode"; and since we didn't have classes on Friday, my two friends from Andrew's Academy and I decided to spend a day in Salzburg. I'll let you guess what this building is.

Later, we went to see the Catacombs at St. Peter's Church. There wasn't much to see, but we did enjoy it and tke lots of pictures up there.

And here we be.

Did Mozart think I was off?

Ah, Salzburg.

2006-10-29T10:01:00.000+01:00

Guten Tag to all! From Sunday (Okt. 22) til Thursday (Okt. 26) Der Sprachschule has been touring Wien (Vienna). Boy do I have pictures to show all you guys! There's too much so I'll show you some of them (warning: a few may reveal a crazy side to me some of you may not know or remember).

This first picture was taken in front of Stephansdome, a major church in the center of Wien.

A statute of Mozart.

Oh, caught red-handed tasting one of Austria's major delicacies: Sacher cake. It's basically dark chocolate cake. There's other stuff in it, but what stands out the most is the chocolate.

In front of the Parliment building.

A friend and I posing on the fountain with Athena in front of the Parliment building.

2006-10-20T16:14:00.000+02:00

Well, I've been to Simbach once and I went with a friend of mine and we walked all over Simbach. We entered a few shops and looked around. The picture below was taken at an ethnic shop we stopped at. It had a lot of really nice stuff, but the price and the weight was too much. Besides, I'm not a compulsive shopper.

I didn't take too many pictures, but I did have my friend take some of me (de nada, Mai). This was taken at the other side of the Inn River. The sign behind me should be simple enough to understand.

Whoa! Well what do you know? I've done it! I'm caught up! I have been showing you all pictures from September and a few recent ones. I have been trying to get up to date so that I can tell you (and show you pictures) about places I've been on the day I've been there. And just in time for the Vienna trip I'll leave for--with the rest of the Sprachschule (Language School)--this Sunday morning.

2006-10-19T17:09:00.000+02:00

Here are 2 more pictures of Burghausen that I couldn't fit in my previous blog. The first one is inside the fortress. Remember the interesting sculptures I mentioned?
Well, let's leave Burghausen and enter Braunau. If anyone wants/needs to go and get something, Braunau is the place to go. It's 6 km away, but only 4 minutes by train. Chances are, if you're looking for it, you'll find it in Braunau. This was in front of the district building.
Inside a major Catholic church. Too bad the picture is blurry.
How silly of me to think I left McDonald's in the States.
I don't believe I need to tell you the name of this river. But you know what is the coolest thing? That piece of land you see in the picture beyond the river is Simbach, Germany. That's right; Germany. From Braunau you can walk over to Germany like how you can go from state to state. Is Europe great or what?
Next stop: Simbach, Germany.

2006-10-19T16:15:00.000+02:00

Now, I'll take you all to Burghausen. We went there on October 11 (so this is more recent than the other stuff I've been showing you). Just in case you didn't know, Burghausen is the longest fortress in Europe (and it is 20 km from Bogi). This is just some of it. I need to get some more pictures from everyone.

This was at a museum that you can go all the way to the top and get a great view of the fortress. Only one problem: we had heavy fog.

Another part of the fortress (we didn't go on that side; we didn't have enough time).

An old church in the center of town just down hill of the fortress.

Inside. I apologize for the quality (or lack thereof).

I just thought this was cool.

Some flowers at Burghausen.

An interesting statue in the center of town, just across from where we ate. This town had a lot of these kinds of sculptures and statues.

2006-10-19T15:26:00.000+02:00

Como hoy es el cumpleaños de mi Mai, voy a enseñar varios fotos de mi. Te quiero y siempre pienso en ti, Mai!

On September 14 (I believe), all of Bogi went to St. Gilden am Wolfgangsee to climb a mountain. I confess: I didn't make it to the top. This hike/climb was more than I expected and was ready for. It just showed how out of shape I was. Oh well, I did have fun overall. This picture was taken right around the beginning of the hike.

That mug is full of water. Seriously. I would hope that you all know me well enough to know that I wouldn't drink alcohol. I was just about dehydrated. I brought water, but not enough for the hike and lunch (shame, shame, shame). This was taken at a nice little cottage/stop that I call, "A God-send".

What little view I could get of the lake from where I was (since I didn't go to the top).

This was a tempting idea... until I heard the price.

Those of us who didn't make it half-way (sad, yet true), decided to go ahead and go down to the town. Everyone was going to go there anyway.

In a church we went to. I couldn't capture everything. I was almost lying on the floor to get this much. But seriously, this picture does not do the painting justice.

Just 'cause I'm an "adult" doesn't mean that I have to be serious all the time.

Five of us rented a boat and went out on the lake. It was quite relaxing.

While we were waiting for everyone to be back and start heading back to the buses, it got kind of boring. At least I had something elegant to look at.

2006-10-18T16:26:00.000+02:00

This is the same fountain that's in front of the church. Anyone thirsty?

Now let's go inside. As soon as you walk inside, this is what you see.

If you look behind, you'll see this organ. Every time I see an organ, Southern comes to mind. Hmmm... wonder why.

Got milk?

Kind of random, but the red leaves on this pole made me think of a chili pepper.

Another flower that caught my attention.

Same flower.

Well, these are not all my pictures from Mining, but I think it is time to leave Mining and take you all to another place.

2006-10-17T17:07:00.000+02:00

So... what's going on in Mining?

Some of the flowers that was under the sign.

Some more flowers on someone's yard. I don't remember ever seeing this kind before.

The church. What really caught my attention was that the church was in the center of the town. What does that make you think of?

Fountains catch my attention.

I didn't know all it said, but just by looking at the dates, I already knew.

2006-10-15T19:41:00.000+02:00

Wait a moment, isn't this Austria? Why do we have Stop signs in English? I almost forget that I'm not in the good ol' US of A. But look at the sign under the Stop sign, and you'll remember where you are.

Someone once said that we should take time to stop and smell the flowers. I wonder if that person ever had an idea that some people (like yours truly), would take that a step further and take pictures of the flowers.

Next destination: Mining. This town is 4 kilometers northwest (I believe) of Bogenhofen. I walked there on Sabbath, September 30 (it took me about 40 minutes to walk it), and started to explore this nice quite town.

A couple of the local businesses. Do you know what they are?

Not to be nosy, but this caught my attention.

2006-10-15T10:30:00.000+02:00

This is the continuation of the random pictures I took in Hagenau (up til now).
This was actually at a church in Bogenhofen. Oh well. Check out the "tiger of the jungle" hardly working.
I thought this was interesting. Just reminds me that I'm in a predominately catholic country.
Well, that's all I have to show you about Hagenau. If you look at the picture below, you can see the guy's dorm at the left of the sign.
Where shall I take you next?

2006-10-13T16:59:00.000+02:00

Now, for the agricultural side of Hagenau. This stable is in front of Schloss Hagenau. Don't worry; there's a street separating the stable from the Schloss.

Anybody home?
Here is something you see a lot in Austria: apple trees...
and pear trees.
This is a close up of the previous pear tree.
Ah, more pear trees.
Another thing you see a lot in Austria; flowers. I guess gardening is a popular hobby among many Austrians. I'm not so very into flowers (I can count on one hand the different kinds of flowers I can name), but I do love to take pictures of their colors and forms. Warning, I am an ametuer.

2006-10-13T16:17:00.000+02:00

Let's change horizons a bit and go next door to Hagenau. These 2 pictures were taken on one of the many times I walked to Hagenau. Hagenau is about a 5 minute walk from Bogi. It's that close (and small).

This is about the only attraction in Hagenau. It's the Schloss Hagenau. I really don't know how old it is, but they have lots of events there several times a year. I've been told that there's a Baroness who lives there. I love to take pictures of this castle (as you will see).

2006-10-11T19:59:00.000+02:00

Well, let's leave Bogi for a while (this is how you know you're leaving a town in Austria)...

This Sabbath (Oktober 7), I went with three friends of mine to an Adventist Church in Linz. This is a German speaking church, but there is a group of Africans--mostly from Ghana--who meet in a room in the basement every week and the language they use is English (imagine my relief!). It's a nice group, but I was told that there were a lot less people that Sabbath than before. It was still nice. Two of my friends with whom I went are the pastor of the church and his wife. The other friend was giving the sermon and she asked me to come with them.

This is a group performing special music in their native tongue. It sounded great. They sung some more during the service. I was so ticked that I couldn't record them singing. The man sitting on the right is my pastor friend and the part-face I got at the very right is my friend who preached.

After the service ended, we had lunch and left to go visit a missing member who just had a baby. Oh my, there was no way that more people could fit in that apartment because just about the entire church went to visit! But, a really awesome thing was that the men who sang at church sang some more in the apartment. I was so happy to hear them sing again (I love to hear men sing--especially base), but upset that I couldn't record them singing. Besides, there literally wasn't much space to even turn around (I'm serious)! But, at least I was able to get a picture of my pastor friend and his wife. He's from Benin and I think she's from Sweden. Aren't they a lovely couple?

2006-10-09T20:35:00.000+02:00

Okay, here are a few recent pictures. The 1st one I took in my room. This was a rose given to all the girls in the dorm. We got 2, but my 1st one died because I didn't have a bottle or anything to put the rose (and water) in. I was surprised that it actually bloomed and didn't die at once.

This is a tree that's right outside Die Alte Kapelle (Old Chapel) where the language students have our classes. This tree is in my direct view and I love to see the contrast of its red leaves with that of the blue sky, white clouds, and surrounding green trees. This picture just doesn't capture it too well.

Friday night (Oktober 6), there was this huge moon out! I just had to take picture of it. I took 3, and non of them are good, but I'd like your opinion on the one that looks the least worst.

2006-10-08T16:41:00.000+02:00

Now, for all of you cat lovers and haters, let me introduce you to Bogi's cat, Amadeus. He is very friendly. This must be the first cat (or one of the few cats) I've met that is content with being petted. I just petted him once--get this, I didn't have food--and he comes to me anytime he sees me. I feel loved.

Here, Amadeus is soaking in the attention. He's on my lap and one of the Andrew's Academy girls is petting him.

Oh, yeah.

Please, can I have some more?

2006-10-08T15:42:00.000+02:00

This is a picture I took from the other side of the pond. I really don't know why they came out so flourescent; it wasn't that bright in the camera's display screen.

Some more of the pond.

The main inhabitants of the pond (at least at the surface).

And the other inhabitants! Can you believe that so many fish live here? The really cool thing is that every so often, they jump out of the water. I've seen some record breaking jumps, but I still haven't caught a good picture or footage of it.

A closer look at the fish.

This is just a stream that's behind the girl's dorm. There's a nice bridge that goes across it. You can see a tiny bit of the rail at the bottom right-hand corner.

2006-10-08T14:43:00.000+02:00

So, can you tell me what each of these mean? I don't think you'll have too much trouble with Mensa.

You know what? While I'm it, why don't I just post all of the pictures I took around the campus?

This is the Willow tree right beside the Schloss and the pond (aka. Bogi Tank). The picture below is of the same tree, only looking up.

A view of the Bogi Tank from the road. I found out (not by 1st hand) that it is a custom to throw first year students into the Bogi Tank. Occasionally, you hear girls screaming as they're thrown in and people laughing when a victim is thrown in. I haven't been thrown in... yet.

2006-10-08T14:29:00.000+02:00

This is a picture of the Schloss taken from the road. I have no idea what that air balloon is of, but it caught my attention and just happened to be in the picture. The sundial usually works. I say “usually” because the trees are shading it most of the time. Go figure.

A picture I took of the sundial from a different angle. You can kind of see the Roman Numerals. I think the red flowers are a great accent to the sundial and this picture over all. I think you can see a person trying to tightrope walk on a rope that’s tied from one tree to another just behind the sundial, to your left.

Here’s a panoramic scene I captured of the sundial from yet another angle (with some Kodak editing).

Here’s an older Bogi sign right in front of the Schloss and the sundial. I take it that a good while back, this was the main entrance to Bogi. I find it rather charming with a nice old-fashioned flair.

2006-10-06T16:37:00.000+02:00

Let me show you around.

Behold, my home for the next 8-9 months; Die Mädchenheim (aka. Girl's Dorm). The rules here are kind of different from the dorm rules I've been living with for 2 years in Southern. For example, since I am 20 years old, I don't have a curfew. You Southern students or anyone who lives with the same or strickter rules than Southern may say, "That's great! I wish I didn't have a curfew!" Well, yeah. The idea is nice, although there's really not that much to do at night besides study.

A view of outside from the 2nd floor of die Mädchenheim. The path leads directly to Der Burschenheim (aka. Guy's Dorm). Many have found this path beneficial. I don't believe it's necessary to explain.

Everyone's salvation 3 times a day (twice on Sabbaths): Die Mensa (aka, the Caf)! So, how's the food? Most of the time, I like it. All you Southerners, this Caf is smaller than our cafe, but there always seems to be more space (in some odd yet beneficial way). They don't serve a lot of food, but you can't really complain. Not too long ago, the Mensa served spaghetti, and it was the best spaghetti I've ever had (and I am not a spaghetti fan by any stretch of the imagination).

Ah, the infamous Schloss at Bogi. Isn't it a fotogenic building? Of course, my picture doesn't do it justice. At the first floor is the computer lab, the second floor has the classrooms of the Gymnasium (aka. Academy) and some of the teachers' offices, and the third floor has guestrooms where most of the Student Missionaries live.

2006-10-06T15:58:00.000+02:00

Okay. I've been trying to load more pictures, but it wasn't working right then. Well, anywho, I've got some more pictures to post up for you; mainly about my school, Seminar Schloss Bogenhofen.

You would think that this was the sign I saw when I first arrived to "Bogi". Actually I arrived at this street, but not from this view. At this view, I came from behind the sign, not in front of it. I took this picture within a week of my arrival.

Now this, I did see upon my arrival. Just to save space, I'll say that all of these pictures were taken after my arrival (at least the day after). You can see the national flag in the middle, the school's flag to your right, and I'm not sure about the one to the left. I can barely make out the sign of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

This was taken from in front of the New Church (right beside the entrance sign in the previous picture) facing the entrance/exit. These flags represent the various countries where some of Bogi's students come from. There're not in numerical order (at least I don't think so). There are the following: Austria (duh), Germany, Switzerland, USA, Italy, Kenya, Benin, Brazil, Belarus, Kyrgykistan, Albania, South Korea, Ukrane, Russia, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, and Romania. I believe that's it.

2006-10-03T19:22:00.000+02:00

This is what view I could capture from the aisle seat in the plane heading to Salzburg. I arrived about 17:30, 17:55, somewhere around there.

I took this as I was entering the airport. I just thought this looked really cool. One thing you'll learn about me (if you haven't already) is that many things catch my attention.

Exhibt A: This Bust of Mozart

Mai, I tried. There was no one else around and this was the best I could do.

I remember an hour long car trip west from Salzburg until I found myself seeing buildings and images that I have seen before through advertisements and research. For just about all that week and the next, I was walking around campus with my camera taking pictures of everything.

2006-10-02T20:41:00.000+02:00

Well, what do you know; I've got a blog. Now I can join the many hundreds of thousands of people who do this all the time. Okay. I'm not doing this for that reason. I am an American university student taking a year off from the States to learn German in Austria. I figure there are a few people out there who might want to know how I'm doing and if I'm still alive. I'm really bad at keeping contact with people I know, so take this as a step in the right direction: as long as I keep on updating it...
Well, for those of you who know me, keep on coming back to see some of my pictures, read my stories, and have an idea of how I'm doing overall.