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.