July 3rd, 10:16pm (US time) - Aboard flight from Detroit to Frankfurt
Today marks day one of my Austrian adventure! After frivolous packing, some brief internal screaming and just a little bit of panic I am currently aboard my flight from Detroit to Frankfurt, Germany! Once I land, my six hour layover begins and eventually I'll board my second flight which will take me directly to Graz. While nothing of "huge excitement" has happened yet and I definitely wont get any sleep on this flight, I am still very excited!
Update 2
July 4th, 11:3 (Graz time) - The Heim
Welcome to Graz!
I made it!!
After two long days of traveling, tonight at 6:30pm I finally arrived in Graz, Austria! A group of us were picked up at the airport and driven to our summer home away from home - The Heim. Similar to a dorm, the Heim has various levels with lobbies, common areas, bedrooms and full kitchens! Rooms are paired in two and my suite-mate is Claire, so I'm sure we'll have some fun nights in Austria together.
Shortly after arriving and unpacking I met up with Claire, the other Western-folk and met a few other singers who had just arrived. Claire, myself and a new friend decided to grab some dinner and ended up taking a walk down to the central square known as the Jakominiplaz. By exploring various paths and alleyways we decided on a small restaurant tucked away from the business for dinner. We must have spent a few hours there talking about AIMS, ourselves, our schools, not knowing any German and of course, the amazing food we were about to eat. I'm proud that my first official meal here in Austria was Weinerschnitzel with parsley potatoes - and boy was it amazing! After dinner we headed back to the Heim so I could finish unpacking, write the days post and get to bed (since I hadn't slept for quite some time).
The most amazing thing about Graz is the city itself. Graz is absolutely beautiful. The streets can be busy, but the entire city is so relaxing and has the rustic look/feel. Much of Graz looks like something out of a 'Hansel & Gretel' fairytale book: cobblestone roadways, tight alleys, beautiful buildings and more. The Jakominiplaz also contains a huge shopping center as well as various food vendors (this is where I plan to eat my fill of Brats on this trip). I already love it here and don't want to leave, but thankfully for me it's all just getting started!
My first night in Austria was wonderful between great people and the amazing food. I know unforgetable memories will be made on this trip. Until tomorrow!
Update 3
July 5th, 10pm - The Heim
Can I move here? Seriously, Graz is gorgeous. After a great nights sleep I woke up for breakfast served at the Gosser Bar next door with the Western peeps. After breakfast I went on a City Tour of Graz with many other participants of this summers AIMS program, we walked about the city and I was able to take lots of pictures. Most shops and businesses are closed on Sundays, so the streets were quiet and empty except for the music that could be heard from a nearby Cathedral. We say many of the city highlights and now I have places to visit and go to before my stay in Graz is over!
After the tour and a short break, the singers and pianists headed "downtown" to the school where we had a brief orientation. It was my first time taking the tram, or Strassehnbahn, which makes various stops throughout Graz and it was fun to see the city by tram. Once we arrived at the school, we met a few members of the core staff and went over a few policies and expectations for the summer. Afterwards we took a walk to locate all the other buildings around the school where all our various classes and rehearsals will be held. After grabbing a quick bite from a local sandwich shop we headed back to the Heim where I relaxed for a few hours. I rounded off the night with Matt and Levi, walking around the city and making a late night Gelato run. Day two is in the books!
Thanks for sharing this amazing adventure with all of us, Mel. I'm so happy for you.
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