Reflecting On a Semester in Vienna

Living in Vienna, Austria for a semester is a part of my life that I will never forget. I was able to travel around Europe, learn new languages, experience different cultures, and learn how to be around the same 12 people 24/7 for a semester.

My favorite part about studying abroad was being able to learn about paintings, statues, or historical information on a country and actually be there to really visualize these things. We recently went to Prague, which is the capital of the Czech Republic. Before we left we watched movies and talked about communism, then actually went to a country where this actually existed. We visited a museum on communism and had a tour around the city where major events occured, and actually being able to be there made a major impact on my learning experience. I was able to skype with my mom and tell her everything I learned, such as how we stood on the spot where a teenager actually burned himself to death to make a statement. It is a much better learning experience abroad because you just don't read something out of a book and get tested on it, but you visually see it.

I was able to go to Rome, Venice, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich, Paris, Athens, and some Eastern European countries that weren't really planned. Speaking different languages and eating different food was a lot of fun. Traveling with different people is always interesting because someone might want to visit somewhere that I never even thought of going.

I have made many new friends here in Austria that I hope to keep in touch with, even one from England. Everyone has been really nice when we travel or get lost. For example, when we went to Athens for spring break we had to find our apartment. Not speaking any Greek, we took out our map and tried to figure it out, but a couple came up to us immediately and showed us the right way, and even spoke English. People in Europe may say they don't like Americans, but for the most part they are excited to have visitors and show us their culture.

With only a week left, I look back on my entire experience of being here and I feel great about it. I hardly travel when I am in America and to think of how much I traveled here makes me happy. I never thought that the 5 years of French I took, would actually come in handy, where I can actually communicate with people who speak that language. I will miss living here in Vienna, Austria, and I am excited to say that this experience has really helped me mature. I will never forget it!!

Meeting New People

On this past week's trip, I met alot of nice people at the bars. I had a good converstation with this guy Christian, who I met in Munich after we attended the Hafbrau Haus. He was with a bunch of his friends, and they are all from Germany. Chirssy, me, and his friends went to a bar where we sat upstairs and talked for awhile. There was no music playing upstairs so I decided to take out my phone and play some music. I asked him what he like to listen to and out of my playlist he only liked the song by MIA because it was in the movie Slumdog Millionaire. He said that was one of his favorite movies, and the music he listens to isn't played in America.

I have also met some really cool people in Vienna. When we go to karaoke on Thursday nights at Four Belles, we always hang out with them. I have learned that after high school many of the guys go into the military or train to become pilots. They know many American songs, and love to sing the song Pretty Fly For a White Guy. They also asked if we wanted to play soccer with them. William is the name of one of the guys and we discussed sports and the different people we know on teams. He likes the Patriots and all the soccer teams. It was funny to listen to how they pronounce their last names. I also learned that the Austrians don't like the Germans and vice versa.

Salzburg, Innsbruck, Venice, Munich

This past week I was able to visit Salzburg, Innsbruck, Venice and Munich. After arriving at Salzburg I was speechless at the view of the beautiful mountains. We did an awesome walking tour and were able to visit a fortress at night and view the city from up there. We went on a tour of The Sound of Music, which was fun to see where everything was filmed, with a very funny tour guide. We also got to go to a really awesome salt mine in Salzburg and actually eat salt just chiseled from the mine. The suits and slides were a lot of fun.

Innsbruck was fun because we were able to meet up with other Franklin Pierce students and go out on St. Patrick's Day. We also went up a tower with a ton of steps to see a great view of The Alps and an area where they had the Olympics one year. I was also able to get a drawing of Britney Spears on the street for 5 euro!

There was a day trip offered to go to Venice, Italy along with the other FPU students which was amazing. This was such a great day. We took a bus there and then had to take a taxi boat to the land. It was awesome to think that this place had all streets covered in water. Gondolas were everywhere and all the buildings were beautiful! When we first arrived we went to a glass blowing place, which was really cool. Brooke, Alison, Chelsea, and I went shopping all day and found some cool masks and t-shirts. Chelsea and I fed the pigeons and ate some great gelato. We all went on a gondola ride and had an awesome tour guide. She was probably Alison's favorite part of the Venice trip. I love Italy and the food is amazing!

Then it was off to Munich, which was also a blast. My favorite part there was going to the Hofbrau Haus. We were able to experience real German culture and customs, by eating their food and viewing their drinking habits. We also visited a really cool museum filled with modern art, which was interesting to look at.

Even though the traveling from hostel to hostel was tiring, this past week trip was worth it! Being able to see four different places and do so many activites was great!

Visting Rome, Italy

This past weekend I was able to go to Rome, Italy. I was really excited to go because I am Italian and it was nice to see where my family came from. The train rides were long and tiring, but after arriving there was so much to do and see. I stayed in a hostel for the first time, which wasn't great, but it was a place to sleep. I went with Alison, Brooke, and Matt.

Luckily we all get along very well so we were able to visit everything we all wanted to. I think of one of my favorite things I saw was the Coliseum. We had a great time taking pictures and experimenting with our cameras. It was especially funny when the Chinese tourists started asking Brooke to take pictures with them.

The first night we had all decided to get gelato and eat it by the Trevi Fountain, but we ended up going on a pub crawl. It was a ton of fun and a great way to explore the city. The weather was wonderful so we were able to have no jackets and eat outside at all the cafes. The food was amazing and we even tried a Burger King. I think we all decided we love gelato too.

Rome is full of cool ruins and exciting places to visit. We did a ton of walking, and due to that my feet are still recooperating, but it was very worth it. I am so glad that I was able to visit Rome. Not everyone can say that they played cards games in the middle of the grass in front of the Roman Baths. I can't wait to visit Italy again! I am looking forward to traveling!

One Week Down in Vienna

I have officially been here for a week in Vienna. I was so nervous about getting really homesick, but so far it has almost been like a vacation to me. The flights getting here were long and nauseating due to the horrible turrbulance. I thought that the weather would be warmer, but it has been snowing alot, and very cold.

After arriving at the school, we had to travel up what seemed like 20 flights of stairs, and of course I had suitcases that both felt like they weighed 100lbs. each. I immediately unpacked and took a shower, which made me feel much better. Then it was off to dinner.

The food is very different here. They eat so fast, and very small portions. Sometimes I have to just tell myself to try everything, and we like the mysterious meats. We went to a pizza place which was amazing, and the people here are somewhat nice. Luckily they know how to speak English. We do try to speak German when going out, just to let them know that we are trying. There are a lot of cafes, museums, and cool places to go.

The students at the Theresianum are not too friendly, but we have managed to make some friends. Unlike us, they don't like to smile or wave to people.

I have had a lot of fun so far, except for being sick with what seemed like to be the flu. Everyone in the group seems to be getting along and I am looking forward to traveling.

10 Words That Describe Me

1. Starstruck- I am obsessed with Hollywood and celebrities. Music is a huge passion of mine, and because of that I have been to about 40 concerts. I have met many celebrities such as Richard Gere, Taylor Swift, Mario Lopez, Kelly Ripa, Regis Philbin, etc. I love going to NYC and being on television shows! My dream is to someday work with these artists whether its touring with them or picking out their next single.



2. Shy- When I am put in an awkward situation, I won't be the person to speak up. I tend to shy down in front of large crowds. I hate public speaking.

3. Procrastinator- When I have do to something that I'm not that interested in, it's hard for me to get it done right away, for example assigned reading. I try to prioritize, but sometimes it doesn't work out too well.

4. Funny- I can make my friends laugh. We can all sit downstairs and just be talking about nothing, and randomly I will do something funny and everyone will laugh. I try to be comical, but not overdo it.



5. Athletic- I have played soccer since I was about 4 years old until I was a senior in high school. I now play intramurals at FPU and I also play Women's Rugby. I used to dance, do gymnastics, horseback ride, and be able to play almost any sport when hanging out with people. One of my favorite classes in high school was gym.

6. Smart- When I try hard and study, I find myself to be smart. I used to be in some honor classes in high school. I make good decisions when put in a situation.



7. Determined- When I figure out that I won't to do something, I am determined to get it done. If I want to go to an event, travel somewhere, or do well on a test, I will do my best to make sure that it happens.

8. Friendly- Once I know someone I am one of the friendliest people. I am always the person making the plans for my friends. I have to be friendly in order to be a waitress and make good tips haha.

9. Animal lover- I have never not had an animal living in my house. For community service we had to do at FPU I did the greyhound rescue for the full year. I have a dog and a cat right now, and a kitten at my grandmothers which will eventually become mine. I can't watch movies where the animals are treated badly or end up dying, it's just too sad.



10. Daughter- I have my mother and father that love me a lot. They will do anything for me if it comes to that. I love coming home and telling my mom about everything I did that day and what is going on with my friends. I also have a younger sister. My family is a major part of my life.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Communication

"My friend Nicole and I on New Years Eve 08'"

For this assignment I decided to interview my mom and one of my best friends Nicole. I have known Nicole for six years now, and my mom my whole life. I knew that these two people would be best to interview because they would be completely honest with me.

When I asked them about my strengths they both said that once I feel comfortable around people I am able to communicate well in different situations, such as group projects. I do really well communicating through technology, like texting or the internet, rather than face to face. I am also great at my job, which is waitressing. They both think that I am great talking to strangers because I know I will most likely not see them again, and you have to be good at communicating with the customers if you want a good tip.

For weaknesses they both said that I need to speak up. For example, if I have a question I tend to be nervous and shy to ask it, but I think I am getting better at that. They also said that public speaking was a weakness as I get very nervous for some reason. If I improve in those two areas I think I would be not as stressed.

I expected them to both say this. I have been trying to communicate with others better, but I feel like I am like my dad and get nervous. I am shy, until I feel comfortable, which isn't always good when it comes to being independent and meeting new people.

In the next few weeks I plan to speak up, and get to know the other students I am with so I will feel comfortable with them. I am glad that I already know a couple people going, but I will work hard to be able to communicate with everyone.