I’ve successfully made it with all fingers and toes in tact, and both suitcases in tow. Miracle? I think so! After a 3-day orientation located in Mariazell in the Austrian Alps, I have been fortunate enough to meet many new people within my program and indulge in a rather explicit game of Cards Against Humanity among many other things. It is truly amazing how the art of conversation with someone who is initially a stranger can lead to a great friendship. You may have things in common that you never would have anticipated. I’ve already met a friend who shares my appreciation for Game of Thrones! Could it get any better honestly? 😉I can already predict that this semester will be full of great tales.
Although I have visited other European countries on two separate occasions, there are always things one must get used to when in a new country. I must share with you that ice is by far one of the greatest amenities on this planet. Its purpose is extremely relevant in my life and I always struggle with its lack thereof in Europe. The language barrier is much more significant in Austria, as I do not know a lick of German. I expect to be fully fluent by the time of my departure, obviously. Intially, I anticipated walking into this trip with pure excitement and curiosity and I did not anticipate feeling slightly melancholy from time to time. In fact, my other friends from Wake Forest also shared this sense of uneasiness. It is truly difficult to adjust quickly to a 6+ hour time difference, as well as not having the ability to contact loved ones in the US. Talk about going from 100 to 0 within a matter of hours. For some, it has taken an unfortunate toll on our sleeping and eating habits. Now don’t get me wrong, we are as excited as one could possibly be, but sometimes leaving important people and things behind can be hard. Especially for such an extended period of time.
I’ve realized that I have left behind some things in my life, some important and some not, and I truly was not prepared for the melancholy of leaving those things behind to follow me to Austria. However, after many discussions and some evolving and adjustment, I’ve realized that I am only here for a short 4 months. Though a semester may feel like a lifetime for my mom, it is truly not long enough to do everything that I want to do.
So here is my realization: I am in a beautiful country. Further, I am in the second most livable city in the world. Now is the time to meet new people, experience new cultures, see things, do things, and **cheesy** be in the moment. For now, I will be doing just those things. I must learn to relish this time and these experiences. I will return with a wealth of knowledge and a matured look at life. Oh, and being fully fluent in German.😋
