Hello, world! It's been ages - nearly 1.5 months - since I updated. I apologize.
Anyway, a lot has been happening around here. Had my awesome Post New Year's New Year's Party - smashing success (weekend of 15th); beer festival, Avatar and all-nighters weekend in Graz (the weekend of the 23rd); the Nacht Slalom (night races) in Schladming - crazy Austrian style partying (Tuesday the 26th); a weekend visit from a friend - always a blast (weekend of 30th); and my epic 22nd birthday weekend in Wien the weekend before my birthday. Needless to say, Jänner was full of partying. And my liver and body can testify to that!
But, this past week was my Semesterferien (semester break). It was much needed... (ha, who am I kidding? I barely work more than 9 hours per week). The exciting part was, however, that my Dad and Grandma O'B came to visit! After spending the Valentine's Day weekend with Frankie in Schladming, I took off for München, to meet my relatives. We spent Monday and Faschingdienstag in the city and had a great time. Although the Fasching (Germany/Austria's equivalent to Mardi Gras) wasn't TOO bumpin' in München, the Hofbräuhaus was crazy on Tuesday and Dad loved it! From there, we took the night train to Vienna, and spent 1 day (Wednesday) there. I took Dad to the Aussie bar :). We woke up and traveled to Salzburg (Thursday), where we walked around for the day and ate at die Weisse, which has delicious Hungarian goulash. After that, we trained it back to Bad Aussee for the night and I got to sleep in my own bed!
But not for long.... Friday morning, we awoke and headed to Tauplitz for a day of skiing. It's the first time I've been in Austria, so I was really nervous at first. But, as my dad says, "it's like riding a bike." Sooo, I just went for it, feet first. And, of course, my daddy was right! It came back really fast and I was just as good as I was 5 years ago (which is not very good at all). And I only fell twice!! Definitely one of the coolest things about skiing in Austria is their concept of drinking during skiing. There are bars that dot the mountain, and we stopped at one halfway down to refuel with a beer (and Kaiserschmarren). Could anything be more perfect?! The weather was great, the sun was sort of shining and it wasn't even too cold! Such a fun day. Dad and I ended it by playing gin (a new and awesome card game I've learned) in the bar with some beers.
The next day (Saturday), we went back to Bad Aussee and I brought Dad around town. It was pretty fun showing off my place - I felt very proud :). We hung around and relaxed all day, watched some How I Met Your Mother and Olympics (saw Vonn get pushed down to bronze.... BUT BY AN AUSTRIAN! yeeeah!) and then went to bed early.
Dad and Grandma left this morning at 11:43, and I'm sad. It's nice to be alone again, but I already miss having people around. Oh well. Soon enough it'll be the weekend and I'll be able to do something fun again!
Anyway, our Easter Break plans fell through. We were going to go to Spain as a big group, but the interest really waned, and it was a bit of money anyway. Now we might go to Russia? I don't know, I haven't looked into the visa situation, but apparently, it only takes 3 days? Hmm, we'll see.
But, on the topic of traveling, I am getting some itchy feet. I'm just now considering I might take off for the weekend by myself to go somewhere new and exciting. Who knows where, but that's part of the excitement, I guess!
Not too much else going on here, just living my über-exciting life :P. Much love to all and miss you all!
Cheers,
Alaina
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Rock and roll never forgets
Hmm... I only posted twice in December. Wow, I'm getting a little bad at this haha. Anyway!...
Since the last time I posted, I spent a weekend in Leoben and have been to the US for 3 weeks and am back again! After I went to Graz, I visited Joy in Leoben for my last weekend in Austria. She had a Maturaball that weekend, so she invited me down. Leoben is a really nice town, a lot bigger than Bad Aussee, (but then agan, nearly everything is, ha). We enjoyed the Christmas market (and rode the ferris wheel!) and did a little bit of shopping (they have a huge mall), which was nice. The Maturaball was the best I've been to. Wes joined up with us, and I got to meet a lot of their students. We managed to stay until the DJ stopped playing his music! Good times. It was a great way to end my first "semester" in Austria.
The day I left for München, (where I flew from), Nichol came round and we had some drinks before I left her with my keys and we parted ways. The journey to the airport hotel was long and confusing and very difficult with all of my luggage, but I made it! The flight went smoothly and after a total 32 hours of traveling, I was greeted by my amazing family and wonderful best friends. :) We immediately went out for Mexican food and margs, as that was what I was craving most. And boy, was it great! The rest of break was relaxing and very American. I went to Ann Arbor twice to hit the bars and see old friends, visited with my family, watched nearly all 5 seasons of The Office with my mom, and explored my hometown in a way only a 21 year old can! Oh, I must mention that I and two of my best friends, Hilary and Emily, did blowjob shots at Gus O'Connor's with my mom and her best friend - their treat! That was definitely a highlight. It was so strange, though, because everything was EXACLTY the same! It felt like I hadn't even been gone for 6.5 months... And, of course, I miss it already, but my dad and grandma will be here in February, so yaayyy!
Now, after 18 hours of traveling Friday-Saturday, I'm back, safe, in Austria...but missing one suitcase. Supposedly, it will be returned to me on Wednesday, but we'll see. It's the one with all of my clothes, so I better get it soon! The trip was only filled with some minor delays, but it was a lot easier than the trip TO the US. Frankie and Nichol greeted me in Bad Aussee and we had an awesome reunion.
Last night, I couldn't sleep at all. It was horrible. Hopefully my sleeping pattern will be back on track now, because I can't stand another night of tossing and turning.
Aaand school started back up today. Pheww. Luckily, I didn't have to be here until 9:55, but I have to stay until 2:45. Ugh. But Friday is pay day, so I can't really complain! :)
This weekend, is my "post New Year's New Year's Party" and I'm really excited to have everyone over again! The actual New Year's is on Saturday, and the theme is "dress as your drink." Should be hilarious. I have my drink, Red Hot Lover, and outfit all picked out, can't wait to take photos! Everyone is coming round Friday, though, so it'll be a fun-filled weekend.
Ahh, I guess that's about it for now. I still have to do a post about some differences between America-Germany-Austria and "Bad Aussee-tucky," but I'll get to that later this week, hopefully. But for now, I'm about to start class...and I'll be outta here soonish.
Love to all!
Cheers,
Alaina
ps, Ummm... I turn 22 in less than a month! What the heck, I'm getting old...
Since the last time I posted, I spent a weekend in Leoben and have been to the US for 3 weeks and am back again! After I went to Graz, I visited Joy in Leoben for my last weekend in Austria. She had a Maturaball that weekend, so she invited me down. Leoben is a really nice town, a lot bigger than Bad Aussee, (but then agan, nearly everything is, ha). We enjoyed the Christmas market (and rode the ferris wheel!) and did a little bit of shopping (they have a huge mall), which was nice. The Maturaball was the best I've been to. Wes joined up with us, and I got to meet a lot of their students. We managed to stay until the DJ stopped playing his music! Good times. It was a great way to end my first "semester" in Austria.
The day I left for München, (where I flew from), Nichol came round and we had some drinks before I left her with my keys and we parted ways. The journey to the airport hotel was long and confusing and very difficult with all of my luggage, but I made it! The flight went smoothly and after a total 32 hours of traveling, I was greeted by my amazing family and wonderful best friends. :) We immediately went out for Mexican food and margs, as that was what I was craving most. And boy, was it great! The rest of break was relaxing and very American. I went to Ann Arbor twice to hit the bars and see old friends, visited with my family, watched nearly all 5 seasons of The Office with my mom, and explored my hometown in a way only a 21 year old can! Oh, I must mention that I and two of my best friends, Hilary and Emily, did blowjob shots at Gus O'Connor's with my mom and her best friend - their treat! That was definitely a highlight. It was so strange, though, because everything was EXACLTY the same! It felt like I hadn't even been gone for 6.5 months... And, of course, I miss it already, but my dad and grandma will be here in February, so yaayyy!
Now, after 18 hours of traveling Friday-Saturday, I'm back, safe, in Austria...but missing one suitcase. Supposedly, it will be returned to me on Wednesday, but we'll see. It's the one with all of my clothes, so I better get it soon! The trip was only filled with some minor delays, but it was a lot easier than the trip TO the US. Frankie and Nichol greeted me in Bad Aussee and we had an awesome reunion.
Last night, I couldn't sleep at all. It was horrible. Hopefully my sleeping pattern will be back on track now, because I can't stand another night of tossing and turning.
Aaand school started back up today. Pheww. Luckily, I didn't have to be here until 9:55, but I have to stay until 2:45. Ugh. But Friday is pay day, so I can't really complain! :)
This weekend, is my "post New Year's New Year's Party" and I'm really excited to have everyone over again! The actual New Year's is on Saturday, and the theme is "dress as your drink." Should be hilarious. I have my drink, Red Hot Lover, and outfit all picked out, can't wait to take photos! Everyone is coming round Friday, though, so it'll be a fun-filled weekend.
Ahh, I guess that's about it for now. I still have to do a post about some differences between America-Germany-Austria and "Bad Aussee-tucky," but I'll get to that later this week, hopefully. But for now, I'm about to start class...and I'll be outta here soonish.
Love to all!
Cheers,
Alaina
ps, Ummm... I turn 22 in less than a month! What the heck, I'm getting old...
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
We were born before the wind, also younger than the sun
So, I'm really not sure how I get paid for this job. Obviously, this is the perfect job for a lazy person such as myself, ha! This is what I mean: I just had a lovely 5-day weekend, rolled out of bed for my one lesson today which began at 12:30 only to find out that it was the ONLY lesson I have this week. Therefore, I now have a 4-day weekend in front of me! Ahhh, this is the life!! And now I only have 3 days of work in front of until I leave for the United States! But, the one weekend I have no plans for of course ends up being a surprise 4-day weekend! I might go skiing or go to a Maturaball, but I don't know. I had originally thought I'd go to Vienna this weekend, but plans changed a bit...but now I want to go! We'll see...
Anyway, my weekend in Graz was a blast. I drove down with a teacher, which was awesome and saved me €15 and I got to speak German the whole time haha. I stayed with my friend Justin who lives in the same building as my friend Peter, and Dan stayed with Peter, so the four of us hung out the entire weekend. I love those guys. We went out every night with other assistants and Dan and I went shopping on Saturday. Saturday night was a party at an assistant's place, and we played all of the traditional American drinking games - Beer Pong (somehow we had real Solo cups!), Kings and, my fave, Flip Cup. Twas great! And we also spent a lot of time drinking Glühwein and eating roasted chestnuts at the Christmas market, which is an amazing tradition and really put me in the Christmas mood. Imagine: standing outside around a table with five good friends, drinking a hot drink, peeling chestnuts, hearing a Christmas choir or a band in the background of your conversation, Christmas lights everywhere, people everywhere, everyone bundled up. Couldn't be more perfect, if you ask me. Also, I got to eat delicious Chinese food, too! Needless to say, I was quite happy.
So, I'm more convinced than ever that I need to get out of Bad Aussee next year and into a big city. There is a good number of assistants in Graz and they go out together everyday! I want to be able to go out to lunch or have a drink with friends whenever I want. I got back to Bad Aussee Monday evening, and Tuesday was the most horribly boring day I've had here, mostly because I knew what I was missing in Graz (and I'm getting quite anxious and excited to be home). So, I surveyed the assistants in Graz and at least two are for sure staying there next year. Cross your fingers I can get placed there as well! I'm starting to work on my application today, but it's not too intense, just have to write a paragraph in German about why I want to stay/transfer. Should be quite simple.
Other than that, I'm starting to train for a half-marathon... not sure I mentioned it. It's happening on April 18th in Vienna and two other girls (assistants, too) are doing it. Some may laugh (I would at myself for dreaming of running a half-marathon), but I have 18ish weeks and I found a simple training plan, so I should be able to do it! I'm pretty pumped! Just gotta get over my laziness...but now that I have a goal, I think I'll be able to motivate myself, ha!
Alright, that's about it for now! Can't wait to see all you stuck in America VERY SOON!!!
Cheers,
Alaina
Anyway, my weekend in Graz was a blast. I drove down with a teacher, which was awesome and saved me €15 and I got to speak German the whole time haha. I stayed with my friend Justin who lives in the same building as my friend Peter, and Dan stayed with Peter, so the four of us hung out the entire weekend. I love those guys. We went out every night with other assistants and Dan and I went shopping on Saturday. Saturday night was a party at an assistant's place, and we played all of the traditional American drinking games - Beer Pong (somehow we had real Solo cups!), Kings and, my fave, Flip Cup. Twas great! And we also spent a lot of time drinking Glühwein and eating roasted chestnuts at the Christmas market, which is an amazing tradition and really put me in the Christmas mood. Imagine: standing outside around a table with five good friends, drinking a hot drink, peeling chestnuts, hearing a Christmas choir or a band in the background of your conversation, Christmas lights everywhere, people everywhere, everyone bundled up. Couldn't be more perfect, if you ask me. Also, I got to eat delicious Chinese food, too! Needless to say, I was quite happy.
So, I'm more convinced than ever that I need to get out of Bad Aussee next year and into a big city. There is a good number of assistants in Graz and they go out together everyday! I want to be able to go out to lunch or have a drink with friends whenever I want. I got back to Bad Aussee Monday evening, and Tuesday was the most horribly boring day I've had here, mostly because I knew what I was missing in Graz (and I'm getting quite anxious and excited to be home). So, I surveyed the assistants in Graz and at least two are for sure staying there next year. Cross your fingers I can get placed there as well! I'm starting to work on my application today, but it's not too intense, just have to write a paragraph in German about why I want to stay/transfer. Should be quite simple.
Other than that, I'm starting to train for a half-marathon... not sure I mentioned it. It's happening on April 18th in Vienna and two other girls (assistants, too) are doing it. Some may laugh (I would at myself for dreaming of running a half-marathon), but I have 18ish weeks and I found a simple training plan, so I should be able to do it! I'm pretty pumped! Just gotta get over my laziness...but now that I have a goal, I think I'll be able to motivate myself, ha!
Alright, that's about it for now! Can't wait to see all you stuck in America VERY SOON!!!
Cheers,
Alaina
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
My mind's racing from chasin pirates
So my first time hosting Thanksgiving went perfectly! I was so happy to have all of my best friends in Austria at my house and spreading the Thanksgiving love. The entire group was 9 people, including myself. 2 boys, 7 ladies, 4 American and 5 Brits! The Brits really loved our holiday and totally got into it. Especially Nichol, who cooked the entire dinner by herself! I tried to help, really, but she continually shooed me out of the kitchen. I did mash the potatoes though, of course!
After dinner, we went out to the "Krampusumzug." Krampus is an Alpine Christmas tradition in which the men of the town (I believe) dress up at these insanely scary devil characters and run around with leather and wooden whips. Now, I had heard that they whip the women and children, but I didn't actually think they would WHIP you. Boooy, was I wrong! After the parade (they all marched into town), the barriers were suddenly gone and the monsters were everywhere! I was just standing, watching one walk up to me, and then he just whipped me right on my legs with a wooden whip (looked like a broom)! I screamed, and we went home right after that. I still have the marks to prove it...
And I must include that we played an INSANE game of American vs. British charades. It was the most intense charades game I've ever played. Twas awesome.
It's been a good week so far. The class that I hate still never listens to a word I say, but I think they like me anyway. We joked a lot today in class, which is a good sign. I've had to be at school at 8 am for Monday and Tuesday and the same tomorrow. I don't usually have to be there at 8 am everyday, so I'm a bit tired. But, my favorite teacher gave me such a nice compliment today saying that she loves what I'm doing and she's pleased with me and such. It made me happy :). The teachers usually say thanks and stuff, but I'm not sure they actually mean it.
Anyway! I found out yesterday that I have a 5-day weekend coming up! Needless to say, I'm excited. I'm going on Friday to Graz to visit some other assistants and I'm driving down with a teacher! I think she's continuing on to Wien, though, and I considered doing that as well, but I think I'll take the train back on Sunday instead. I want to go to Salzburg on Monday and I think I'll go skiing for the first time on Tuesday in Schladming! Frankie invited me, so if there is snow- why not! It'll be cool to go skiing at least once before I got home.
Speaking of HOME, 2 weeks and 2 days! I bought my train ticket to Munich today- leaving on Wednesday the 16th at 16:17 and arriving at 20:34. Then spending the night in Munich and flying off Thursday morning at 10 am! And landing at 7:42 pm in Detroit (after a layover in HOT-lanta)!!! Woooooo! Soooo excited! I'm getting quite anxious to get home. Can't wait to see everyone and everything!
Well not too much else to say: life's good and can't wait to go home. That's about it!
Until next time...
Cheers,
Alaina
After dinner, we went out to the "Krampusumzug." Krampus is an Alpine Christmas tradition in which the men of the town (I believe) dress up at these insanely scary devil characters and run around with leather and wooden whips. Now, I had heard that they whip the women and children, but I didn't actually think they would WHIP you. Boooy, was I wrong! After the parade (they all marched into town), the barriers were suddenly gone and the monsters were everywhere! I was just standing, watching one walk up to me, and then he just whipped me right on my legs with a wooden whip (looked like a broom)! I screamed, and we went home right after that. I still have the marks to prove it...
And I must include that we played an INSANE game of American vs. British charades. It was the most intense charades game I've ever played. Twas awesome.
It's been a good week so far. The class that I hate still never listens to a word I say, but I think they like me anyway. We joked a lot today in class, which is a good sign. I've had to be at school at 8 am for Monday and Tuesday and the same tomorrow. I don't usually have to be there at 8 am everyday, so I'm a bit tired. But, my favorite teacher gave me such a nice compliment today saying that she loves what I'm doing and she's pleased with me and such. It made me happy :). The teachers usually say thanks and stuff, but I'm not sure they actually mean it.
Anyway! I found out yesterday that I have a 5-day weekend coming up! Needless to say, I'm excited. I'm going on Friday to Graz to visit some other assistants and I'm driving down with a teacher! I think she's continuing on to Wien, though, and I considered doing that as well, but I think I'll take the train back on Sunday instead. I want to go to Salzburg on Monday and I think I'll go skiing for the first time on Tuesday in Schladming! Frankie invited me, so if there is snow- why not! It'll be cool to go skiing at least once before I got home.
Speaking of HOME, 2 weeks and 2 days! I bought my train ticket to Munich today- leaving on Wednesday the 16th at 16:17 and arriving at 20:34. Then spending the night in Munich and flying off Thursday morning at 10 am! And landing at 7:42 pm in Detroit (after a layover in HOT-lanta)!!! Woooooo! Soooo excited! I'm getting quite anxious to get home. Can't wait to see everyone and everything!
Well not too much else to say: life's good and can't wait to go home. That's about it!
Until next time...
Cheers,
Alaina
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Come away with me, and we'll kiss, on a mountaintop...
Slowly, slowly, slowly I've been getting used to my "new" (in quotes because it's not so new anymore) life. This week, and especially today, I've felt more at home and comfortable here than ever before. I feel like the teachers have officially accepted me - I was told "wir sind sehr zufrieden mit dir" --> we are very happy/pleased/satisfied with you - and I finally got my first invite to go out with students. I don't know if it was me, or the "townsfolk," that has made feeling at home take so long, but I think that may be just how small-town life is: slow.
So, I feel like the students are truly warming up to me. It's hard because I only see each class once a week, it's been nearly impossible for me to learn their names, and they see me as just the "assistant." But, they like me, I think, and I started today to make a true effort to learn their names. I told all my classes today to keep an eye out for me at Salzhaus, the only, local disco, this weekend, which they all found hilarious. Once I buy them all a round, I think they'll really like me!
For some reason, I've seen more students outside of class this week than in the whole time I've been here. And it's quite amazing how many students I see just when I'm grocery shopping! I went to Liezen, which is 40 minutes away, yesterday with Frankie to shop (it was much needed!) and I saw 2 students there!
Anyway, it turns out one of my teachers in the BORG, Barbara, is going to be sick until Christmas. I feel quite bad for her, but this has turned out kind of cool for me. First of all, I got to meet Sandra, the teaching assistant from TEN YEARS AGO, who is from Minnesota and has inzwischen settled down in Bad Aussee with a hubby and a child and she teaches at the Hauptschule in BA. She's taking over the 7th and 8th form classes that Barbara had, so I'm sad I won't get to see them, but I'm essentially taking over the 6th form class! I'm quite excited for that, as they are pretty cool. And I will go with Anita, the other English teacher in BORG, to her classes. So this is cool because: I'm going to get to know an old assistant and I'm almost taking over an entire class! Neat!!
All of this is helping to convince me to stay in Bad Aussee for another year. I know I want to stay in Austria for anothe ryear, but I'm not sure if I want to change location or not. Colin, a friend in Vienna, told me that I should switch to a bigger city, but... I'm feeling really good here right about now and I only think it could get better. We'll see!
Ahh well, so it's been a great last couple of weeks! And this weekend, Saturday to be exact, is the day I'm celebrating Thanksgiving with some American and British friends! I'm so excited! I can't wait to host my first dinner :). I'm making the turkey (with Nichol's help!), mashed potatoes (of course!!), corn and stuffing. I have 9 other people coming: 2 boys, 4 Americans, 6 Brits, and somehow we're all going to fit in my apartment! Everyone is bringing or making a dish! Should be awesome! Nichol, Dan and Jordan are arriving tomorrow late-ish and then we're going out for the traditional pre-Thanksgiving drink fest :).
And this Saturday night starts Krampus, which is this crazy Alpine Christmastime festival during which the men, and boys, of the town, dress up like really scary devils and whip (not REALLY whip, but, ya) children and women in the town. So, we're of course checking that out after dinner. Should be pretty interesting!
OK, that's about it for now. Still have that post in mind about differences between Austria/Germany/United States. As a friend posted in her blog, there is a silent, and sometimes-not-so-silent, war between the two German speaking countries. It's kind of amazing sometimes how adamant the Austrians are that they are different than Germans.
And, btw, check out this Austrian commercial. It's an excellent example of shockvertising and my heart stops everytime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiBjWaYs5cw. I realize it's in German, but you'll be able to understand what's going on.
Love to all! And Happy Thanksgiving!!
Cheers,
Alaina
So, I feel like the students are truly warming up to me. It's hard because I only see each class once a week, it's been nearly impossible for me to learn their names, and they see me as just the "assistant." But, they like me, I think, and I started today to make a true effort to learn their names. I told all my classes today to keep an eye out for me at Salzhaus, the only, local disco, this weekend, which they all found hilarious. Once I buy them all a round, I think they'll really like me!
For some reason, I've seen more students outside of class this week than in the whole time I've been here. And it's quite amazing how many students I see just when I'm grocery shopping! I went to Liezen, which is 40 minutes away, yesterday with Frankie to shop (it was much needed!) and I saw 2 students there!
Anyway, it turns out one of my teachers in the BORG, Barbara, is going to be sick until Christmas. I feel quite bad for her, but this has turned out kind of cool for me. First of all, I got to meet Sandra, the teaching assistant from TEN YEARS AGO, who is from Minnesota and has inzwischen settled down in Bad Aussee with a hubby and a child and she teaches at the Hauptschule in BA. She's taking over the 7th and 8th form classes that Barbara had, so I'm sad I won't get to see them, but I'm essentially taking over the 6th form class! I'm quite excited for that, as they are pretty cool. And I will go with Anita, the other English teacher in BORG, to her classes. So this is cool because: I'm going to get to know an old assistant and I'm almost taking over an entire class! Neat!!
All of this is helping to convince me to stay in Bad Aussee for another year. I know I want to stay in Austria for anothe ryear, but I'm not sure if I want to change location or not. Colin, a friend in Vienna, told me that I should switch to a bigger city, but... I'm feeling really good here right about now and I only think it could get better. We'll see!
Ahh well, so it's been a great last couple of weeks! And this weekend, Saturday to be exact, is the day I'm celebrating Thanksgiving with some American and British friends! I'm so excited! I can't wait to host my first dinner :). I'm making the turkey (with Nichol's help!), mashed potatoes (of course!!), corn and stuffing. I have 9 other people coming: 2 boys, 4 Americans, 6 Brits, and somehow we're all going to fit in my apartment! Everyone is bringing or making a dish! Should be awesome! Nichol, Dan and Jordan are arriving tomorrow late-ish and then we're going out for the traditional pre-Thanksgiving drink fest :).
And this Saturday night starts Krampus, which is this crazy Alpine Christmastime festival during which the men, and boys, of the town, dress up like really scary devils and whip (not REALLY whip, but, ya) children and women in the town. So, we're of course checking that out after dinner. Should be pretty interesting!
OK, that's about it for now. Still have that post in mind about differences between Austria/Germany/United States. As a friend posted in her blog, there is a silent, and sometimes-not-so-silent, war between the two German speaking countries. It's kind of amazing sometimes how adamant the Austrians are that they are different than Germans.
And, btw, check out this Austrian commercial. It's an excellent example of shockvertising and my heart stops everytime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiBjWaYs5cw. I realize it's in German, but you'll be able to understand what's going on.
Love to all! And Happy Thanksgiving!!
Cheers,
Alaina
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Schmeiß die Hände in die Luft!
So, the last few weeks in which I haven't posted have included many adventures in the Land of Party and Jäger Bombs. Let's see, I spent the weekend of October 24th traveling around Austria with some Brits (Dan, Rich, Nichol) - we went to Bruck an der Mur (for Emilie's birthday party), came back to Bad Aussee (for my HLW Maturaball!) and then went to Mürzzuschlag (where Rich lives). The weekend of October 31st, I was in Schladming with Frankie. It was Halloween, but nothing cool was going on in Schladming, sadly. I really missed Halloween this year! Then, the weekend of the 7th, I was in Vienna for Nichol's birthday. We all had a great time in the capital - Nichol, Ollie (Nichol's bf), Frankie, Jordan, Peter, Corrie and I had an awesome time on the town Saturday night. The city is absolutely gorgeous - I'm in love! I got a Starbuck's Latte and it was heeeaven! Only 10 Starbuck's in Austria, and they are ALL in Vienna! And finally this past weekend, I was in Schladming again for Frankie's Maturaball and general rabble-rousing. We raved in a cave. Enough said. :)
I have plans for the rest of my weekends before I go home. This Thursday, I'm taking the night train to Neuchâtel to visit Maude, the weekend after that I'm having a Thanksgiving bash at my apartment (which will be interesting...not sure how the food is all going to turn out haha), the first weekend in November, I'm going to Graz for "Fallstival," during which we'll be commemorating a Pagan holiday haha, then I think I'm going to go to Vienna to hit up the Christmas markets and, of course, buy many souveniors....then I'm flying home on Thursday the 17th!!!! And I even have plans that weekend to hit Ann Arbor hard :)!
Anyway, though the weekends are awesome here, the weeks are a bit boring here in Bad Aussee, but that's just how it is in small-town Austria. And I'm really enjoying my job (getting the hang of it and all) and even the really annoying classes are getting on my good side! Also, the good classes just keep getting better! It's cool. I was told by my main teacher that I'm a natural teacher, although I feel like I'm shit, so that made me happy! And my principal said I speak German really well, so that was awesome! I've had some really awesome lessons, such as the Ku Klux Klan, "schockvertising," legalizing marijuana and so on.
So I have some things/differences between Austria/America/Germany that I'm going to write about in my next post (can't be bothered right now....a bit lazy), so keep an eye out for that!
Miss and love you all!
Cheers,
Alaina
ps, "schmeiß die Hände in die Luft" is my favorite part of an awesome German party song "Das geht ab" - the quote translates to "throw the hands in the air!" :)
I have plans for the rest of my weekends before I go home. This Thursday, I'm taking the night train to Neuchâtel to visit Maude, the weekend after that I'm having a Thanksgiving bash at my apartment (which will be interesting...not sure how the food is all going to turn out haha), the first weekend in November, I'm going to Graz for "Fallstival," during which we'll be commemorating a Pagan holiday haha, then I think I'm going to go to Vienna to hit up the Christmas markets and, of course, buy many souveniors....then I'm flying home on Thursday the 17th!!!! And I even have plans that weekend to hit Ann Arbor hard :)!
Anyway, though the weekends are awesome here, the weeks are a bit boring here in Bad Aussee, but that's just how it is in small-town Austria. And I'm really enjoying my job (getting the hang of it and all) and even the really annoying classes are getting on my good side! Also, the good classes just keep getting better! It's cool. I was told by my main teacher that I'm a natural teacher, although I feel like I'm shit, so that made me happy! And my principal said I speak German really well, so that was awesome! I've had some really awesome lessons, such as the Ku Klux Klan, "schockvertising," legalizing marijuana and so on.
So I have some things/differences between Austria/America/Germany that I'm going to write about in my next post (can't be bothered right now....a bit lazy), so keep an eye out for that!
Miss and love you all!
Cheers,
Alaina
ps, "schmeiß die Hände in die Luft" is my favorite part of an awesome German party song "Das geht ab" - the quote translates to "throw the hands in the air!" :)
Monday, November 9, 2009
I, I can remember standing by the Wall...
Today is the 20 year anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Being in Austria, another German speaking country, I thought there'd be a little more celebration, or at least someone talking about it. However, in school, not a word was mentioned. Even the news coverage here has been scarce. Granted, I've been watching ORF all night and they just play American TV series on Monday night, but there wasn't much even on the news. I guess it really just highlights and reiterates that they are two very different countires.
I just so wish I had been in Berlin today. I bet it felt really good in that city today. I'm going in January, but it doesn't feel soon enough...
By the way, the song "Heroes" by David Bowie, which I have used in my subject line, is a love story about two people who met at the Wall.
Well, I know I haven't updated in a while. But I will later this week.
Sending my love to all!
Cheers,
Alaina
I just so wish I had been in Berlin today. I bet it felt really good in that city today. I'm going in January, but it doesn't feel soon enough...
By the way, the song "Heroes" by David Bowie, which I have used in my subject line, is a love story about two people who met at the Wall.
Well, I know I haven't updated in a while. But I will later this week.
Sending my love to all!
Cheers,
Alaina
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
It's the 21st century....
I swear I will update this SOON. I even started a post, there is just way too much to fit in now to write it in one sitting, let alone read it. I feel bad for all of you who will try to!....
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