Where the Wild Things Are...

Discovering new lands, new foods and new people, all in the next 4 months through Europe.

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The Chain Bridge and the Buda Castle at Night

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PÁLVÖLGYI CAVES

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At the Chain Bridge!

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On the grounds of the Buda Castle 

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Budapest, Hungary

Our first trip out of Vienna to the beautiful city of Budapest. The whole Vienna crew took a bus ride to Budapest. Once we got to our hostel, we were in for a surprise. Our hostel, Carpe Nochte, had the craziest people from basically all over the world staying in one place. The walls were all painted and were just as colorful as the people running the hostel. On our first night, we went out with everyone from our hostel to the Ruin Bars. These were a collection of old houses, bomb shelters and schools that were now bars. It was amazing to see how these historic spaces were now turned into the hot spots of Budapest. Also we celebrated my friend Aly's 20th birthday and after that experience, we now know she has an alter ego named "Budapest Aly". 

On our second day, we had a booking to go caving. Now traveling in a foreign country without wifi or any general knowledge of the transportation is system is very, very difficult. We realized it would take us an hour to get to Pálvölgyi Caves and scrambled to find the quickest way there. We quickly determined that we won't be able to make in time to climb the caves, but we can do the tours. We finally figured it out and made it out to the caves. We decided to take the tour in Hungarian, which none of us spoke, and just read all the info from pamphlets. Regardless, it was amazing to see how nature had really left its mark and created something wondrous. 

After the caves, we left to explore the city on our own. As the sun set, the city started to look more and more beautiful. Every major building was lit up and shone against the sky. We explored the Buda Castle, soaking in every major sight and detail. Across the Danube, we could see Parliament, glowing against the water. It was, to say the least, magical. We ended the night at a Thermal Bath. This Bath party had lasers, smoke machines and great music. It really showed us the energy of Budapest. It was a "once in a life time" kinda thing but also "never again" type of thing. 

The third day was all about history. I went on a free walking tour of the Jewish Quarter of Budapest. I realized there is so much we aren't taught as Americans about World War 1 and 2. Being in the Jewish Quarter made me really think about how the Jewish were treated in the Hapsburg Empire and their importance. We also had the opportunity to see beautiful synagogues. Our tour ended at one of the most famous bars in Hungary called Szimpla. During the day Szimpla is an open market for all things yummy. That was definitely the highlight of my trip. 

It was sad to leave Budapest but it made me all the more excited for trips in the future. 

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First day of class! I basically go to school in a spaceship 😍

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First District of Vienna

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Exploring Vienna

On one of our first nights back from Ski Week, my friends and I spontaneously decided to explore the First District in Vienna. The First District was the richest district with Vienna's Opera House, shopping complex and National library. All the buildings were lit up, making them even more beautiful. The architecture was amazing and this is when we saw the real Vienna. We also happened to stumble upon a winter festival in front of the Rathaus. There was an ice skating rink circling around the whole park and numerous food stalls. Even though we were just watching, it was a ton of fun to try all the crepes and cakes and dance to the music. If this is just one small part of Austria, I can't wait to see what else it has in store.

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Ski Week - Siedelalm, Austria

When we first arrived to Siedelalm, all I could say was WOW. This cosy ski resort was surrounded by the Majestic Alps. It was known to be one of the best places in the world for skiing. There was fresh snow on the ground and the sky was just bright blue. Now if only I was a good skier this would be the best place in the world. I am, in fact, one of the worst skiers ever. I was absolutely terrified of going down the mountain and I actually thought I would fly off the edge. Luckily I had the best ski instructor, Yoshi. He was this retired high school teacher that always helps us U of I kids with skiing. He worked with me all week and got me to actually ski down the mountain on my own! Which by the way is a huge accomplishment considering I was literally tied on a leash the whole time. 

But, I got something even better out of this trip, friends. Everyone I'm here has a unique personality that makes the group even better and brighter. Since we literally had nothing to do after the slopes closed, all of us would just hangout and get to know each other. They even celebrated my 21st birthday with me and despite the altitude sickness, I had a great time. This was one of the most memorable week's of my life.

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On our way to Siedle-Alms in the Alps!!

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Day 1 - Vienna, Austria

Landing in Vienna was exciting, nerve wrecking and exhausting all at the same time. The city was slightly bleak, but charming too. It had a quaint feeling to it. I feel like I could definitely fall in love with the city.

My first foreign friend was actually my Turkish roommate. She is probably one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. She ran away from home at age 17 to pursue her life long dream of professionally playing the violin. She faced racism, relationship troubles and practiced for hours a day and today, she is soloist. Even despite all that hardship, she has the most determined and positive outlook on life. Stories like these make me grateful for what I have and how lucky I've been in life to have a great education, amazing parents and just a great life in general. 

After settling in, Professor Murray took us to Centimeter. Centimeter was kinda like an Austrian pub where we all tried authentic Austrian beer and had some much needed greasy pub food. Loved it all! It also gave us time to get familiar with all the other students. 

I can already tell that this is going to be an incredible and unbelievable semester. 

Next stop ---> to the Alps!!