Traveling to Bologna

Well last weekend I went to Bologna. It was the first trip that I went on my own without someone there to help me find bus stations and hostels.

What a great experience. I managed to get a ride to the airport in Bratislava with Trezia a girl I am going to school with. She lives Prague. She is a really cool girl and helpful. We arrived at the airport at about 0600, and Trezia tells me she has never flown before. So of course I have experence in the industry and told her all the do's and don'ts of traveling. She was off to Bari somewhere in Italy as well.

We had a lovely breakfast in the airport and the meal was good and inexpensive. Trezia flight left 3 hours before mine, so I took her to the security check point and seen her off.

At this time, I went outside because the sun was shining and amazing enough there was a lovely place to sit on the grass. I sat on the grass for a few hours reading my book "Northanger Abbey" by Jane Austen.

I then headed to security and boarded my flight to Bologna. This is a small little place in Italy. The flight was only about an hour long and I managed to find the bus stop to get to the shopping mall that I was suppose to go to. The man from the hostel emailed me with the bus number and the stop, but no directions as to how to get to the hostel from there. I met a girl at the bus stop who could only speak Italian,French and some broken English. So I grabbed a cab for 7 euros and went on my marry way to the hostel.

Tuns out the the hostel was in the country, but only a little ways away from the main road and shopping centre. Once, I got through the lock gated doors the man checked me in, and then asked if I needed a ride somewhere. Well were do you go when you don't know where you are going and what there is to do? "Shopping." He took me in his van, and showed me the way to get to the shopping centre which has a huge grocery store and a few little shops. This was perfect because the food in Italy is so expensive,so finding a food store is like finding a needle in a hay stack..quite helpful.

After a few hours of shopping I decided to head back to the hostel and get some sleeps. The walk back was lovely, but I tell you the drivers are not really concerned with you as a pedestrian. I almost got hit by a car when the green walk light was on. Not to self, be careful. Really scared me. Took me off guard, and made me realize that I am in a different country and should pay attention to the cultural difference that applies to the road rules.

Anyways, I got back to the hostel, and got into bed and slept like a baby. I woke up early and went down for breakfast. There were 2 men staying at the hostel from France, and couldn't speak English. So I decided now would be a good time to read my book and eat breakfast. These 2 guys left and another man came into the breakfast room and sat down to eat. He said hello and could speak really good English. After we finished eating he asked me if I wanted a ride to the centre. So how could I refuse. This was my chance to talk to someone who knows where everything is in Bologna, and get a ride. So anyways, David who lives in Milano and works in Bologna proceeds to give me a ride to the centre when he tells me he will be late for work and would it be okay to drop me off at the bus. Scared to death, I said "yes" I had no idea where this bus was going or where it would end up. So as I go to get out of the car he asks me "would you accompany me to dinner tonight." Again, how could I refuse. So we made the plans and I got out of the car. For my next adventure.

I get on the 39bus and it is full of people. Early morning rush hour gets the best of me. I don't know how to get a ticket or how much it was. So I didn't bother paying I just rode around like a local. My stomach was sick and I was so out of my comfort zone. I ended up in the small communities or Bologna, and then headed back to the main part of the city. It was so beautiful. Lost but not without an amazing site of city dwellers trying to get to work, artist setting up booths, and of course shopping.

It was starting to get late, and I realized that I need to find the bus number 13 and find my way back to this hair saloon because I made an appointment the day before to get my hair cut. I was sitting on the bus and not really paying attention when I looked over across the street and there was a bus stop for the number 13. So I jumped off the bus almost did a nose dive and then hit a puddle of water. Not to worry there was a nice little coffee shop right there and I walked in and order a coffee. Yep only 1 euro. How cool is that when it's almost 5 euro for coffee in Vienna. So I drank my coffee dried off a bit and headed in well a direction I didn't know if it was right or wrong. I got on the number 13 bus, and it was the wrong way, but I did go past authentic Italian shoe store this was my chance to go look at the greatest shoes on earth. Well maybe not the greatest but come on. The Italians know how to make shoes, and I was not letting this chance go by. Off I went to the shoe store, and found a pair of hand made shoes that fit like a glove. So this was my purchase of the day, and off I went to try to find the hair saloon.

Finally, at the hair saloon I realized that these ladies can not speak English and I don't speak Italian. Great what was I going to do. I showed them a few pictures and then a lady came in who spoke English and translated for us. I am not sure if I like the hair cut, but hey I needed it done. Why not in Italy.

The last day I got a ride with the owner of the hostel, and headed back to Vienna. This was my big trip alone. I am now ready to go and do more things on my own. I think I am over the fear of being lost. Because in Europe one is always lost!

The party

Last night I went to a party with some people my own age. Considering, I have been in Vienna for just over 7 weeks, and have working with students that are between the ages of 18-25 it was nice to meet some people around my age group.

I met a girl at school last week. and we were put in the same group. Her name is Geraldine, and although, she is a few years younger than me we hit it off like old school friends. She invited me to a mustache party here in Austria and said we will be going on Saturday night via U-bhan. She told me it was a friend of her's birthday, and that her friend is a artist and that the art director would be there along with a variety of other people. I was so excited to me going to a party with so many types of people especially in my age group.

The party was fantastic, the food outstanding,the people interesting and cheerful. We mingled in the party for about two hours eating, drinking and enjoy the conversation of many who are well educated and successful in their business. We talked about work, children and of course cultural difference. We danced til the wee hours of the morning until it was time to leave.

My friend Geraldine invited me to stay at here place and I accepted. We got to her flat and it was a amazing. She has decorated this fine small place by painting the wall red and purple and displaying modern art. What I like the most about this place was it was a comfortable atmosphere that made me feel like I was at home. We talked until 4:30 in the morning laughing and telling stories about our colourful lives. I feel like I have found a friend I lost many years ago. We just get along and enjoy each others company. Really a precious gift called friendship.

Naschmarkt Vienna

The Naschmarkt in Vienna was created in 1898 when the city decided to cover up its Vienna River. The area that the market now operates on is the city's largest market. It is colorful and has hundreds of stalls. Many people employee themselves this way and sell their weekly finds to tourist and locals. The are people who sell everything from antiques to second-hand clothing on Saturday, to local farmers who bring in everything from fresh produce, vegetables, flowers, meat and fish, adding a nice selection of spices that famous chefs here in Vienna come and purchase for their master piece cooking between Monday and Friday.

Apparently, the market opens at 6:00 am. However I arrived at 9:30 and the sun was shining, and the vendors were what seemed like waiting for me. As I moved down the main street of the market and started looking at items I noticed that people were bartering with the vendors. I can across a beautiful brooch, and the man said "12 Euros" and I said 5. We bickered back and forth and finally he agreed to give me the brooch for 5.00 Euros. A steal for me I am sure. Anyways, I spent hours looking around and buying items for gifts. I was delighted that I found this market, and can share it with my friends when they come to visit me in Vienna.

Over the culture shock

Well I have been in Vienna for six weeks now, and I am finally over the culture shock. It has been quite the change. I wasn't so sure I was going to make it. I have discovered so many things about myself. First that, I miss my mother. This has come as quite a shock to me because I haven't really felt this before. I realize that my mother is probably the most important person in my life right now. Secondly, that I miss Mandi, but have learned to detach from her. She is growing up and really is a fine young woman, and I am very proud of her. I also miss my extended family.

Now this maybe something that everyone might think is strange, but for me it is a real eye opening experience. I have always want to move to Europe and really get away from home. Every since I was young I want to move to the other side of the world and be independent. Which in my opinion meant being away from my family. This is a perception that is no longer part of my desire. It took moving here to learn that my family is very important to me and that I really need them in my life. I appreciate my family so much and didn't realize how much until I moved to Europe.

Living in Vienna is great don't get me wrong. I love the city. It is such a beautiful place to be, but I wouldn't want to live here. Everyday is a new opportunity and a new experience, and I enjoy the challenges that go along with adapting to a new culture. However that was not the case until just recently. I wanted to come home everyday for the first month.

The sun is starting to shine and spring is here. This has changed everything for me. The first month was cloudy everyday and gloomy. So with the sun shinning, I feel like doing more things, and inspired to learn more about the city. I went down on one of the busy shopping streets today, and just enjoyed the people. Everything seems different when the sun is shining.

I have also made some new friends, and hope that these relationship will bloom like the flower in spring. I have been to many places and seen many things. I will post all of that when I have the time, but for now I just wanted to post something and get back into writing everyday. So this is the beginning of trying to post something on a regular bases so I can look back at it when I get home.

First day of school – February 8

Today is cold and brisk in Vienna. It is time to go meet the gang over at FH-Wien. The subway is getting easier as I figured out that each line is color coded and the end station is the direction.

Getting to school was an easy, but we were late so we made a grand entrance. We sat through orientation, and then we had a short meet and greet with the other students. We meet a girl named Jordon who also goes to MRU and is living in the same flat as us. After the orientation, we had a break so we heading home for the afternoon. At 6:00 pm we had a welcome event and we learn how to dance Vienna style. It was so much fun. I danced with a guy from Argentina and he was a really good dancer. The evening was pleasant and a lot of fun. I am feeling a little out of place because I am older from most students, but most students don’t seem to care.

The University itself is new and quite contemporary. The building is a state of the art design. It is very different from the buildings at home. It is very edgy and has a lot of large white columns with shiny marble flooring.

It was a late night and getting home felt nice. The weather is too cold for me and I feel like I am always cold. A nice warm cup of tea should warm me right up. At about 11:30 pm, I noticed someone sleeping on the couch outside my door, and it was a girl from the Ukraine. She locked her key in her room and was going to sleep in the common area. Estella and I decided we should let her sleep in our flat for the night. Needless to say, we both didn’t sleep well, and I am feeling it today.

February 8

Today is the day we do our campus and city tour. I am only going to the campus tour. It’s too cold to be wondering around the city streets for 2 hours. Next time I am going to bring a fur hat as it would be very useful here. I am sitting in my flat writing this blog and a lady walks in who is the internet chick. Anyways, we had a good laugh because the connection in the room next door has 2 connection ports and is a one person flat, and this room has a 1 connection and it’s a 2 person flat.

So we decided it was a man who designed these rooms, and somehow we will find a solution. It’s really strange talking to someone who only speaks a little bit of English and then tries to explain the rest in German. I am so glad I am taking a German class that should make things easier for all of us.

February 5, 2010 Adventure

A recap of yesterday: One of us had to stay in the flat today because an internet technician was supposed to come and install another connection for us. As it stands, only one of us can plug in our computer to use the internet. Anyways he did not show up. After taking turns going to the grocery store and bakery (only me) we decided to leave the building together, and guess what? We forgot our key inside. Anyways we meet a girl from France, who has been staying here for months and knew some people who knew someone else who knew the house master. Okay this is crazy because, people who work in administration jobs in Austria only work until about 4 pm, and we could have been locked out all weekend. So Sebastian and Christen who are both from Germany and very good looking decided to make it their mission to help us get into our flat. They called and face booked people all over the world to find this phone number. And after about an hour of looking, found the phone number. So 45 minutes later the house master showed up with the key, charged us 30 Euros and left. Thank god we got into our flat. If we didn’t I don’t know what the weekend would have looked like.
So the plan for today...February 6, 2010.We decide to take on the challenge of riding the subway, tram trains and buses. We are going to find a meeting for me of the U-Bahn 4 and then we will be off to the Museum fur Angewandte Kunst (MAK). The Austrian museum of Applied Arts. My roommate is sleeping so I am signing off for now..but I’ll be back.
Today was a great day, we didn’t find a meeting but we did make our way around Vienna via U-Bahn train. We ended up going to the MAK Applied Arts Museum. I was so happy to be there. I learned a lot about certain things that were there. When we first got there we found out it was free on Saturdays. The MAK is a place of art that past and present meet. Contemporary artist have created an unparallel interaction between artistic heritage and contemporary art. Set up in 1863 as a “model collection of all kinds’, the Mak Collection has always been and still is seen internationally as an extraordinary crossover between applied art, design, contemporary art and architecture.
The first thing I saw was beautiful lace displayed from different countries in Europe. The first piece was from Italy 16 century and was called a “cushion insert” an outstanding piece of lace to say the least. The next piece I saw was from the 17 century and was called “lady’s portrait in a frame of lace work” over the top classy. Thirdly was a piece from France and was called “border” a needlepoint lace that was probably the most amazing pieces of lace I have ever seen. I know this is probably not too important to you, but I really loved it.
The 17 century furniture was so exquisite that, I am not sure I can explain it how I saw it but I’ll try. The cabinet designed by David Roentegen was brown maple, rosewood, myrtle wood, with various stained woods and gilt-bronzed mounts is an achievement that cabinetmaker would be inspired to copy. The tabernacle cabinets, library tables and other items in this area could have kept me there for hours. I think I may have to re-visit this museum and to truly capture everything that is there.
After we left the museum, we headed home and ended up talking for 2 hours about our day, our lives and how we are getting use to be and living in Vienna.

Day 2 Encouragement

Day 2 Encouragement


It is 6:00 am and the whole building is asleep. This is a nice time to be sitting in the lounging area and writing my blog. It is very quiet here in the morning. Although I’ve already gone to the grocery store, and it doesn’t open until 7:30 am. I am inspired to do something creative until it does open. I should go take some pictures. The hours of operation are very different in Vienna, stores open between 7:00-7:30 am and close at 7:00 pm, and most people stop to get their lunch for work in the morning.
Yesterday we went to do our administration business like getting our residence and transportation passes. We did go into a fashion district, and I was in my glory. Although we were not there to shop, I had my eye on a few things. I am interested in a new pair of boots and possibly a new bag. Looks like lots of sales going on in the district, and I think I need some shopping therapy.
I also got to talk to my family which was really refreshing. My mom figured out how to use Skype and was quite proud of her self and she should be. My daughter Mandi also found me, and we talked for about 10 minutes. I was happy to talk to my family.
Well it’s early, and I am not sure what I am going to do today. We have an issue with our internet cables and electricity outlets, so a technician should be coming today to fix that. We are also plan to jump on the subway and find our way to the University. We definitely have to get groceries and at some point, and I want to head to the shopping district and browse.
Okay well I am off to start my day, and see what it brings. I will check back in later tonight to end of my day with a reflection of lucky I am to have this opportunity.
Crazy day...check out tomorrow’s blog for details.

Day 1 Vienna

Good morning Vienna,
We are all set up in our flat in Vienna. We arrived at the airport last night at 6:30 pm and Sonja was waiting for us with a welcome sign. It took about 30 minutes to get to our flat. We unpacked and found our way around the flat, which isn’t very big. We have a small kitchen with a coffee pot, toaster, fridge and microwave. The bathroom is really small. My daughter would gasp at how small it is. The common area is just a desk with room for 2 computers and 2 beds. We have a television with maybe 2 channels. Estella is trying to figure out the channels and sub-titles as we I write.
Today the weather is chilly and there is overcast. We are going to get groceries, and some necessities that we will need to clean our flat. We are off to adventure around our flat and find whatever we need to get started. Estella and I are going to get an international calling card, and call home to let our loved ones know we are here safe. Neither one of my maps has our address on it, so we will have to write down where we are in order to get back here. I am feeling a bit out of sorts and lonely, but I am excited to be here. I am ready to go and see what we have around us and find a good cup of coffee.
Listening to Joss Stone, she says “my mistakes will make me strong.” Yes that is how I am feeling right now. Wings to fly where I need to be....
Well we are back from wondering around the streets of Vienna, and I am impressed with the availability of groceries, coffee shops and internet cafe. We spent 30 Euros to get set up with supplies as well as food. We are good now for a few days. Back in our room replenishing from the jet lag and time change. Nap time.
Tomorrow Sonja is coming to get us around 10:30 to get our administration stuff done. We have to register here in Vienna as residence.

Pre trip

Oh my gosh, there is so much to do before I leave for Vienna. Today I meet with my good friend Aileen who prayed with me and gave me a bible. I was never a person who thought I could read the bible, but Aileen who has worked with me for the last 3 years has been instrumental in guiding me to spirituality. I am very grateful that she's in my life. After leaving MRU, I went to get my international student card and drivers licence. I really think I should rent a car at least once. I have decided to take some of my paints with me so I can get creative and maybe paint a picture from a new perspective. I am feeling nervous and anxious about leaving, but excited to learn and grow as a person. I still have to pack and tie up some loose ends, but everything will work out.

My list is getting smaller of things to do and each day brings a new perspective that I am leaving to go to school in Vienna. There is a sadness that I am leaving, but a new happiness that my world is going to change. The phrase "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." ~Wayne Dyer.

Janurary 24

Today is Sunday January 24, 2010, and I am leaving to go to school in Vienna Austria in 8 days. I am feeling excited and fearful. I guess what I will miss the most is my family and friends. My hope is to find out a little more about Michelle. Last year was a great year, but what I found out is that I really only knew myself as a mother, daughter and friend. I did not really know who I was independent of those roles.

So my new life begins now. I am off for the adventure of my life. As I look at it, the world is a paradox so big yet so small. I have meet people all over the world from my small city only to find out they were just like me. Finding out who they are independent of those roles they love. I to love my roles, but now I need to find out who I am.

I am excited to write about my experience and learn about new cultures as well as about myself. I feel very bless that I have the opportunity to travel and go to school in another country. The the journey begin.