Because I can't wait for Halloween to come. Or as the Viennese call it: Hallo Wien.

It's so weird and amazing to come back and visit these places that I went to as a kid. It's an amazing trip down memory lane and is the greatest feeling in the world. Who doesn't like being reminded of being a child again? It's also so fun to see all these places with a new perspective and more understanding. That big building on the hillside isn't just a big building, but a fortress meant to withstand a siege. Those gardens once belonged to a noble family and have a history to them.
It's a good feeling to realize how much you've grown up and how much you still have to grow.

Of course, we had to go to Mirabell Gardens, where several scenes of the Sound of Music were filmed.

I also got to go in Mozarts Geburtshaus! As a kid we would walk past that tall yellow building and I would want to go in so badly every time. I'm sure there was a good reason why we never went in (at least I'm hoping there is, mom and dad...), but I was always a little bit bummed when we kept on walking. But all is well because I finally went in! And I got to see Mozart's hair, his itty bitty baby violin, and many other things that would make a musician go all googly-eyed.

To make it even more perfect, Brother Minert helped me on my quest to find and eat Schnitzel afterwards, and together (and by together I mean he lead and I followed) we were successful! And oh how delicious it was. I'm salivating right now just thinking about it...

After my last entry I felt like I was ruining the party a little bit (because it's always a party on this here blog!). In a good way. But now it's time for the fun. Ya'll ready fer this?! 

Introducing: Hellbrunn Palace.

There is no. escape. Unless you are smart like Professor Minert, and bring an umbrella. But it is fun and I think the tour guide takes a lot of enjoyment out of seeing girls squeal as they run away and boys trying to pretend they're not bothered about getting soaking wet. 

I suppose you all are wondering what I've been up to lately (there I go with the "you all" thing again....).Well, just in case anyone was wondering I've been up to quite a lot. Thanks for asking, by the way. In fact, last Wednesday we went on our first group trip to Salzburg, Munich, and a few other locations. And it ranked pretty highly in the most-entertaining-and-enlightening-trips-I've-been-on category.

The saddest thing of all, is that this kind of hatred still exists. It didn't die with Hitler, or Lenin, or Stalin, or Hussein, or Bin Laden.

Hopefully there will always be good and faithful people to stand in their way.

We returned from our five day trip to Salzburg/Munich/a few other locations yesterday. Oh boy. I am exhausted. I wish I was a speed photo editor and could share everything with you RIGHT NOW. But I'm not. So I'll wait (don't worry, I'm fully aware that I'm the only one excited about this blog and therefore am in fact referring to myself when I say "you." Some sweet form of a brain teaser/ weird psychology right there.)

 I just have to decide which are my favorite from the.... over 800 photos that I took. If I make the font smaller, that makes the number less intimidating. Correct.

Best get to work.

Oh yes, and one of these I need to take photos of my apartment/street/school/etc. here. I will do this. At some point in the next two and a half months.

I can make no promises.

This weekend we went to Budapest. I was excited about this for several reasons:

1) the fact that my sister has one less country on me now. We might be even. I'm not sure.

2) the food. You all are shocked by this statement I am sure of it.

3) BUDAPEST. I need not say more.

Can I just say, Budapest was amazing. It really was. And although we were only there for two days, I think we covered it pretty well. I'm beginning to realize that by the time I leave this program, I will be in the best shape I've been in my life due to the excessive amount of walking that is going down. Which leads me to my next point. I have discovered the most amazing new use for chapstick. So you are walking for several hours, when suddenly the beginnings of a nasty blister begin to creep upon you, unawares, and in a most stealth-like fashion. Oh what to do, what to do?! Enter: Chapstick! Lickity split you best be rubbin' that chappy stick all over yo' feet. Or just on the area where it's starting to rub raw. Like magic presto all your blister woes will disappear.

For genuine.

While you're still reeling from this miraculous revelation, I will provide some photos for your viewing pleasure.