What next?

Week 11

The new term is already off to fast start! I have a few new courses in addition to the Intro to Political Theory and Critical Thinking courses. I am now enrolled in a German course to help reiterate some lost grammatical concepts and boost my confidence in speaking this lovely language, as well as a high-level independent "Austrian Literature" German course. I get the opportunity to carefully observe the culture that I am now a part of as well as get answers to some of the "cultural phenomena" that have been in my head since I arrived. Both new courses are going great - each day I'm in complete awe at how much there still is to learn and know and see!

On Wednesday, April 1, there was a BBQ for Webster Vienna students and guess what? It was FREE! That's the first time that I've ever seen free food hangin' around in Vienna - it was almost a miracle. I also attended a "Interculturual Humo(u)r" event that was presented by the Austro-American Society. A few professors from Webster were taking part and I had a blast - some of the British jokes were absolutely hilarious!

A neat opportunity came my way this week. In the weekly bullentin sent to Webster students, there was a job offer from an Austrian company; they were needing "a Native English speaker with excellent German skills" to translate their website pages. I pounced on it right away, and lo and behold! the job was mine. So for the next week or so I'll have work up to my ears as I try and translate something known as the "Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen" aka Terms & Conditions, and the like. It's proving to be a tremendous challenge but a lot of fun.

I've really been trying to make an effort to see what's in Vienna. We come here and get so excited about seeing the rest of Europe that it's easy to forget just how much the city itself has to offer. This weekend I went to the famous Karlskirche and saw, with my own eyes, the glory of Mozart's "Requiem." I know the music by heart, but like many other works that I enjoy, had never seen it performed LIVE. It was absolutely AMAZING and I had a wonderful time.

I've also went to an area of the city called "Museumsquartier" and checked out some of the fantastic museums they've got there. Last weekend I dropped in for an hour or so at "Architekturzentrum" - an architectural museum covering the historical development of Vienna as well as other exhibits - and to "MOMOK" - a world famous building and museum of modern art. I also went to the enormous ferris wheel that is a precious part of Viennese history at Praterstern!

As my time in Vienna begins to wind to a close, I can't help but think, "Hmm there's gotta be a way to stay..." Truth be told, it would be such a bummer to go back home to St. Louis if there was something to go home too. This summer I would like to work (or rather, NEED to work) to save money, money, money. With last month's cuts to our transportation system practically wiping out a majority of bus routes and times, I am left with no other choice but to purchase a car and the expensive car insurance. Reverse culture shock is my #1 fear right now and I am at a loss as to what I will do. I'm keeping my eye out and digging for internship or job opportunities in Germany or Austria for the summer...!!

[Media: 1. slideshow of a few of the pictures I've taken since arriving in Vienna; 2. a model of Karlskirche with the actual structure]