Filou

Meet Filou, our host family's dog. Filou is a french word that means skirt chaser. I love little Filou, especially when she snuggles next to my feet every morning at breakfast.

Österreich vs. USA

We went to the Austria vs. USA soccer game on Tuesday night. We had a heck of a good time cheering like real Americans even though we lost. Thanks for painting our faces, Claire. Go USA. 

Burg Neuberg

Yesterday for our Art History class, we went to an old Baroque castle called Burg Neuberg. We had a  tour guide who took us through the castle telling us the stories behind the beautiful architecture and stained glass windows. At the end of our tour, we went into a room with a high ceiling covered in frescos. The acoustics in there were amazing so our favorite Austrian teacher, Professor Kröll, suggested that we sing some songs. We thought it was weird at first, but we decided to sing some church hymns. We sang Come Thou Font, The Spirit of God, and Nearer My God to Thee, which are some of my favorites. As we sung those hymns chills went up and down my spine. The power of music is amazing.

The U-Bahn in Black and White

One of my many daily trips through the U-Bahn. The Vienna public transportation system is pretty awesome.

Puchberg am Schneeberg

(Photo taken by Monika Ottehenning)

About two weekends ago, some people in my group decided to go to Bratislava, Slovakia for a day and I opted out. I hadn't been feeling myself  and I needed some time to be on my own for a little while. I wondered around rainy Vienna for hours getting completely lost and finding my way again. Walking around Vienna alone was therapeutic and helped me a lot despite the stormy weather, but by the end of the day I was still feeling a little off. The next day I joined my friends again and took the train for two hours to Puchberg am Schneeberg to hike to a waterfall. As soon as we started hiking, I had this overwhelming feeling that caused a huge smile to form on my face. I was so happy. Being in nature and breathing in fresh air was exactly what I needed. I love the city, but taking a break from the crowds of people and clouds of cigarette smoke was exhilarating. I miss my Utah mountains guys, I really do. They better be covered in that pretty white stuff when I get home.

I am Alive, I Swear

After our art history class on Tuesday, which was at an art museum in Vienna, we had a two hour lunch break. A couple of us decided to grab some sandwiches at the closest Billa and head over the park. The weather was perfect and it was great to enjoy some good conversation with amazing people.
P.S.
Sorry mom for not posting as much as I should, but I have just been having way too much fun living in the moment and just haven't felt like documenting. I know I am going to hate myself for it later.