Sick

            This week I was sick, and it was not too much fun. Babsi (my host mom) picked me up from school on Tuesday morning and from then until Thursday night I spent most of my time lying in bed. I was fascinated by the several remedies I was offered, including a never ending supply of tea, nose drops, ear drops, 3 different kinds of throat lozenges, a silk scarf that I HAD to wear around my neck at all times, special socks, Asprin vitamin C that dissolved in my water (kind of like Emergen-C but not so tasty), and warm milk with honey. Needless to say I was well taken care of. But the whole experience was not a very fun one. Not only was I feeling awful, but I had a lot of time to sit around and think, check up on my friends, and ultimately become a little homesick. Exchange is full of new experiences and adaptations. Observing how your host family conducts breakfast in the morning. And then learning to follow suit. Watching how a classroom environment interacts, and trying to fit in. So 8 weeks in to my journey, I figured these moments of observation and adaptation are becoming rarer. But being sick happened to be one of those instances and I had to figure out how it works in my household. I love being an exchange student and I am totally up to accepting the challenge of adaptation, but being sick, it was really the last thing I wanted to do. So I was a little grouchy and tried to sleep as much as possible to avoid social interaction, but in the end, everything was fine. Now I just had to shrug off that homesickness…

            I finally went back to school on Friday, and it was nice to see all my classmates again. I can finally have short conversations with most of them, and at the end of the day I got a kiss on the cheek (this is a common greeting and departure sign of friendship in Austria) so I pretty much let that signify that I have friends! Later that night I went out with Lauren, another exchange student in Vienna, and we went to the movies. Since it was our first German movie, we decided to make it easy on ourselves and watch Step Up, a dancing movie. It was perfect because there wasn’t a complicated plot for us to follow and half the time there was dancing rather than dialog. We had a great time and felt pretty accomplished afterwards.

Lauren and I rocking some super classy 3D glasses

 

 

           We finished the night with pizza and sitting on our usual fountain doing a little tourist watching on a Friday night. As I was walking home I looked up at the sky and saw the beautiful full moon. It hit me in that moment that even though some days can be hard, this journey is totally 100% worth all of the bad times. Because here I was, sitting in Austria, looking at the full moon, and feeling proud that I had made it through 8 weeks here, and excited for the many more to come! I know it’s the hard days that make me grow and I know I just have to embrace them as they come! So I’m planning on enjoying every second I can, and love the little moments that truly make my experience abroad so wonderful!

 

 

Ruth Weiss

On Friday morning, my class took a trip to go visit Ruth Weiss. There had been talk about this all week, and from what I could understand, everyone was just excited to miss an entire school day… even if it meant listening to some old lady talk for a few hours. So we bundled up and headed into the windy morning together (I’m definitely starting to feel a little more comfortable in the chillier weather!). My German teacher guided us through a maze of cobblestone streets until we finally reached our destination. A green canopy blocked most of the sunlight in a room which I don’t know the English word for. These rooms are quite common in Austria, and my host mom loves them, so I’ve seen my fair share of them. They are basically an outdoor room in the center of a building complex that usually has a beautiful garden or fountain. This one was by far the biggest I have seen, and had sort of a magical feeling due to the natural ceiling overhead.

A young woman told us to take our seats, and she gave us a slight introduction, which I actually understood (amazing I know)! I learned the ‘old woman’ that would be speaking to us lived in Vienna at the beginning of World War II as a Jew. Suddenly I knew that this was going to be a cool experience, even if my peers didn’t seem too interested. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a man of about 70 followed by a short old lady with green hair. They both looked pretty haggard and carried large bags, and I automatically assumed they were two of Vienna’s countless homeless citizens. So you can imagine my shock when the pair came straight to center stage and took their places in front of the microphones. WHAT was going on? Maybe I didn’t understand as well as I thought I did. The sound of ruffled papers filled the room as poem after poem was handed to each of us. The poems were in English and carried some heavy images from the Holocaust. I looked at this frail old woman in the front of the room, blue fingernails and all, and had a whole new appreciation for her. Ever since I arrived in Vienna, I have been judging. Should I wear shoes like hers? Is that jacket in fashion? Jessie, you should probably avoid the strange looking couple with blue mouths…. But I learned a whole new lesson that day. Making assumptions about all the people I see in this city is simply unfair. I have no way of knowing what these people have endured, and it is certainly not my place to judge them for it. I came to discover that Ruth’s hair was dyed green to signify her protest against war. She took the idea from a movie about a war orphan she had seen as a child.

Ruth proceeded to read her poems to us with her partner keeping beat with a drum made from a hollowed tree. The scene had a beat nick vibe to it, and I immediately thought about Ben McLaughlin, my art teacher always talking about how during this time period, people snapped instead of clapped. And sure enough, we were asked to snap at the end of her performance rather than clap. I grew to learn Ruth is a quite famous poet for her time, and I enjoyed listening to her life story. She spoke in English and I felt I could connect with her stories about being the new kid, in a new country, trying to figure out a new language.

After we finished class discussion, Ruth discovered I was from the States and she immediately came up to talk to me. We sat and discussed several aspects of life, and her anti-war, all mother nature, loving vibes reminded me of some of my favorite hippies back home. The entire conversation her frail hands desperately grasped mine. I looked down at those hands that had seen 84 years of life, and I wanted to hear all the stories she had to tell. Unfortunately time could never allow me to hear all the stories, so she left me with a big hug and some words of wisdom. “Don’t give up yet kid.”

Tauplitz Weekend

This weekend I packed up my rucksack and headed to the mountains with 100 other exchange students for a Rotary meeting in Tauplitz. I met my oldies (kids who have been here since January) in Vienna and took a complicated system of westbound trains. We got really cheap tickets, but changing trains four times was the challenging outcome of that! We were in the train station in Linz when I started recognizing faces! Exchange students starting filling the train and before I could say all my hellos, it was a full on party. There were roughly 80 exchange students on one train, and we were thrilled to see each other.  The air filled with greetings and laughter, and suddenly time flew by. I met so many new faces and became overwhelmed at the roaring sound of students. A few of my closest friends from language camp were not on this train and I was very anxious to see them! So you can imagine my disappointment when the train came to a stop. The automatic brake kept turning on as soon as we reached a high speed, so we ended up literally inching along the rest of the way. I snuck back to the rear of the train, and found a quiet solitude away from the chaos among some close friends (Simon from Canada and Jackson fromMontana). As we crept forward, snow capped peaks came into view. The conversation immediately turned to skiing, and from then on, the trip went quickly.

 

 

We FINALLY arrived at the Tauplitz train station, and I sprinted off the train to greet Crash and Lucas. It was so comforting to see them again, and I could not stop smiling. Not to mention, I was back in the mountains, and this time, they had snow! All 100 of us loaded up onto tour busses and climbed further up into the Alps. The weather was slightly overcast, and an eerie fog was beginning to settle over the valley. The bus was full of chatter as many students experienced snow for the first time. Immediately after exiting the bus, a full on snow ball fight broke out, and I laughed at comments from my friends like "Hey look there's snow on the cars too!" or, "Wait now my hand is cold..." I loved seeing the excitement on everyone's faces, and breathing in the crisp mountain air.

Lauren and I getting some snow action

 

 

We slept in a 'mountain hut' which was really more of a lodge at the base of the mountain. Hot water for showering cost one euro, and we entertained ourselves with conversations and card games. It truly was a mountain experience.

         On Saturday morning we layered up, and headed out into the dense fog. It rained and snowed and the trail was one large mud pit. But we made an adventure out of it, and I thoroughly enjoyed being out in the Alps with some of my favorite people. The fog cleared a bit and we stopped for a beautiful picnic spot by the lake. Unfortunately, the weather and a twisted ankle kept the group from continuing on, but we were all pretty relieved to be out of the rain and back safe in our mountain refuge. 

Crash and I

 

Julien, Jackson, Crash and I

It was a foggy day

 

That night, we bundled up, grabbed a torch, and created a massive light parade down the mountain. It reminded me of the torchlight parade back home. We ended up at a yurt-turned-disco, and as the lights went down, the dancing commenced.

Dance Partaaaay

Torches lighting up the night

 

 I ended up wandering outside and found four of my closest friends (Crash, Lucas, Lauren and Johnny) huddled around a fire. Crash happens to be an outstanding dancer, and we asked him to show us some moves. He started slow, and he had us all dancing around the fire by the end of the night. The laughs and smiles filled a moment I will forever cherish, and in that moment I embraced how fortunate and blessed I really am. I have made life long friends, who I dance with in the Alps. I could finally see the stars again, and I wasn't stuck in what seems I be a never ending succession of awkward and embarrassing moments. I was at peace, I was at home.  And in that moment I felt I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

              The next morning, the clouds had lifted and the stunning landscape finally emerged. Breathtaking views encircled us, and every time the fog shifted, a new landscape was discovered. I took far too many pictures and truly couldn't wipe the smile off my face. But, the air slowly filled with a bittersweet mood, because in a few short hours, the inevitable goodbyes awaited.

Crash, Lucas, and Jackson

 

               We were shuttled down the mountain and dumped at a train station where we were supposed to just sit around and wait. But, having such incredible friends, Crash, Jackson, Lucas, Lauren and I headed towards the forest. We followed a little path towards the sound of water, and found just that. We found a resting spot atop a modest bridge over the bubbling brook. Sun rays flowing through the leaves created a simple serenity. Here was another moment spent with the people I love most, feeling so right about the here and now. I didn’t belong anywhere else. I can’t help but feel so fortunate for the opportunities that find their way to me everyday. It’s the simple moments like those that I will cherish forever.

Hiking the Alps

            One night when we were walking back from dinner, my host dad asked me what I missed about Colorado. And the answer was real simple for me. The mountains. I never really thought I would miss just seeing a hunk of rock, but it has been such a huge adaptation for me. Instead of seeing a natural slate rock every morning, now I see blocks upon blocks of concrete. So, because my host family is absolutely incredible, they took me to the mountains! On Sunday, we drove to the closest mountain near Vienna. It was about an hour long drive to get to Rax, but as soon as I stepped out of the car, I felt closer to home. The air was crisp and clear out there. I could smell fall in the air, and I knew it must be getting that way back home. We took a gondola up the mountain to get a good start before attempting to climb the Alps. Again, I was immediately reminded of home, when I would ride the lift up the mountain to collect raspberries with my family. When we got to the top, the air was crisp and windy, and for the first time during my stay in Austria, I actually was cold. So we layered up, and headed up the mountain.

My host sister Theresa, me, and Valerie off the gondola

 

            At first, the path was wide and a gradual uphill climb. I took it slowly and enjoyed the views, feeling so in my element. Before I knew it, we rounded a corner and found a breathtaking view of the entire valley encircled with mountains. There, we found an opening in the trees, and ate lunch.

 

My host mom Babsi and I

Our lunch spot

 

              I looked up to the ridge line in front of me, and saw a little hut on the top. I asked if we could go up there. And while my host father was all about it, the others didn’t seem too excited! So we began a more technical hike up the steep slope. One by one, the others dropped like flies, and only my host father and I made it to the hut. Once we got there, I saw another bigger hut, and we decided to go for it. It kind of reminded me of the Lord of the Rings when they set off fire signals from ridge to ridge. There was a mountain hut on every ridge. So getting over to the new hut was different then what I was expecting. In Crested Butte, each mountain is its own individual peak, and when you get to the top you are done. But here, all the peaks are connected, so once you get to the top, you can easily reach a new peak by simply walking through a vast green field. I literally felt like I was in ‘The Sound of Music’. The hills were certainly alive, as knee-high green grass blew from side to side in the wind. We walked like this for about an hour. Then we came to a new ridge, where the views were even more spectacular.

A cool place to have a house!

My first sight of Austrian snow!!

 

             I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, because I just felt so at home! Being an exchange student, I have felt completely out of place, totally lost, and so uncomfortable in so many daily situations. But being back up in the mountains, where thinking is easy and my head is clear, I finally felt like myself again. Needless to say, I had such an amazing day. We finally made it to the last mountain hut, on the very edge of the ridge, where we had a soda and some Manner (candy), took some photos, and headed back. By the end of the day, I was completely exhausted, but sat there with a grin on my face all night. I really enjoyed getting to know my host father more, and I was super proud that I was able to tell stories from back home in German! All in all, I had an awesome day, and look forward to more Austrian adventures!

Sights of Vienna

            Vienna is such a beautiful city, and I am so fortunate to be living in the middle of such a culturally enriched city. Every day I see people of different shapes and sizes clothes from rags to shoes studded with diamonds. Coming from such a small town with so little diversity, simple people watching in Vienna has been a total experience for me. My ears take in so many different languages and my eyes interpret all the culture around me. My mind fills with thoughts and new inspirations for dance, music, art and writing. I know this city is going to rub off on me, and I am so excited about it!

            I still am amazed every time I leave the house, and look up. Literally every building (and there’s a lot of them!) tells a story. It is weird to lean against a wall, and suddenly realize it is older than your country. I often wonder how many people have leaned on that exact same wall. Were they simply tourists? Or a homeless man struggling to survive the winter night? Or perhaps one of history’s greatest thinkers leaned against this very same wall to do some philosophical thinking. Almost every building gets tens times cooler when you look up. The roofs are usually decorated with statues, or designs that are incredibly detailed and intricate. It literally makes my head hurt thinking about how much work must have been put into just one building. And every single building has something special about it! This city is literally overflowing with art.

            I have a soft spot for the street musicians in Vienna. Most likely just because I am a musician myself. But I find it incredibly brave to stand in such a crowded street and fill the air with music. Typically though, these people don’t have any other choice. Most play in hopes of receiving loose change from passersby. My host mom told me I shouldn’t stare at them too long or give any money, because they could be used as a distraction while someone else tries to pick pocket me. But I just can’t help it. I usually dish out 20 cents to every street musician I see. And I stop to listen. I clutch my bag tight, and I let my ears soak up all the notes. I think as a musician, it is important to listen and learn from others. Even if that means learning from the mistakes of this man on the street who can barely carry a tune. And I think it shows a sign of respect, and grace. I like to let the musician know there is at least one person out there on the chaotic streets who cares.

            Anyway, I thought I would share a few sights of Vienna and its outstanding architecture! For my one month mark in Austria, my host family took me out to a restaurant on a rooftop and some of these shots are from the breathtaking birds eye view! I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful family who cares for me like I’m their own daughter. I truly feel blessed!

The view of Vienna from a tower in St. Stephen's Cathedral

Typical Austrian Countryside House

Stork nest on the rooftop with cathedral in the background

Crazy sculpture in Vienna that lights up and plays music

My favorite fountain in Vienna (it's 10 degrees colder by it)

Beautiful sunset silhouetting statues atop Mueseum's Quartier

Cathedral from rooftop view

One of my favorites... the inside is unreal

Typical Austrian girl playing games with me through the window

My favorite accordian man! He was SO happy I stopped to listen

 

First Days of School

            Yesterday was my first day of school in Austria. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, and I didn’t want to get too nervous, so I really didn’t think about it much. When I first arrived in Austria, I met some girls that were going to be in my class. So yesterday when I walked in, I had a few friends. But that didn’t really matter. Everyone looked at me and for the most part seemed afraid to talk to me. I think everyone assumed they had to speak to me in English, and they were intimidated by that. So, the beginning was kind of hard. But eventually, people started helping me translate what the teacher had said and I began to feel more comfortable around my peers.

            The school system in Austria is very different compared to back home. I was told that we should call all of the teachers professor, and so I assumed the classroom was an environment full of respect. As soon as class started, I realized I probably should have chosen a seat in the back of the room so that I could watch everyone else and mimic their actions (this is a technique I have used often while I’ve been abroad). But instead I sat front and center, and I suddenly felt that everyone’s eyes were on me. Those feelings of discomfort were affirmed when the teacher walked into the room, and everyone stood, and I sort of missed the whole standing thing. I figured it out of course, just a few seconds too late. Now I knew everyone had seen the foreigner mess up yet again! But my teacher didn’t seem to mind, and we were asked to sit shortly after. So then this very nice professor proceeded to conduct an entire class in German. I was proud when I could pick out words! There is a huge difference between understanding my host family when they speak slowly and clearly to me, and a teacher who speaks very quickly, and just happens to spit all over my desk when she speaks! The first thing I noticed about my new class is how loud they were. I knew it was the first day of school, and everyone was excited to see one another, but this was just upright rude. The poor professor just stood in the front of the class and continued to talk to anyone who chose to listen to her. The girl sitting next to me just pulled out her phone and started texting right there. She didn’t even try to hide her phone under the desk! People basically just tune out the entire hour. At this moment, (despite the pool of spit piling up on my desk) I was glad I sat up front, because then I could at least hear what the teacher was saying! Another difference is that there really is no set schedule for the first three weeks of school. Half the teachers and students go to either Canada or the States for the first three weeks of school, and the schedule is literally all over the place! Most teachers come to our classroom, which is fortunate for me so that I am not left to fend for myself in this maze of a school! But with the crazy schedule, I can’t even tell you all the classes I will be taking, or even what classes I will have tomorrow! But, for the first week, school goes until 12 pm at the latest, so I have no complaints about that!

            Today as I was sitting in German class, it really hit me that I am going to be here for a whole year. And I would spend a majority of that year right there in the same wooden chair. Hopefully though, by the end of that year I will finally be able to understand what my teacher is trying to say to me! So for now I am just hanging in there, forever grateful to be on such an incredible journey!