Life in Europe

It's kind of interesting how living in Europe becomes so natural. At the beginning it is a novelty that you can just jump on a train or a bus and visit any of these major cities or countries and be there only in a matter of hours. Then while you are there you get the opportunity to take in all the culture and history of such beautiful countries. In the past year I have traveled to 5 different countries. At one time I had 4 different currencies in my wallet and find myself recognizing words from 5 different languages. Life in Europe is beautiful!

The past three weeks I have traveled to 3 different cities in Europe in 3 different countries for the weekend. Two weeks ago, I met 4 other teachers in Vienna. It's only a 4 hour train or bus ride from where I live. I got there Friday and left on Sunday. Growing up a big fan of classical music, I always knew of Vienna as the home to some of the great composers. Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert...just to name a few.

It is incredible to walk the streets of Europe and just feel the history that has happend in these places. Everywhere you go there is something new to see and experience. It rained most of the day on Saturday but that didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves. We went out in the rain to see the sights, from the wonderful view under our umbrellas.

Vienna in the rain

The tour didn't stop in Vienna, the next weekend I took a one day trip to visit some friends in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Now for those of you who are still living under communism...the Czech Republic and Slovakia became official separate Republics in 1993) This city is absolutely beautiful and I would love to show you pictures of my rompings around the city, however....this absentminded photographer left her memory card at home. So you will have to wait until my next visit. Don't worry I plan on making several trips next year.

Finally, this past weekend I found myself in Český Krumlov. I had visited this small town once before while my best friend lived in Prague. This weekend was very similar to that last visit. We went down Friday night and stayed at a hostel (the last time I camped out), got up Saturday and road down the Vltava river for 8 hours (same as last time, with threats of rain), then enjoyed wandering around the town center. As last time it rained during most of my trip. But also as last time the company that I enjoyed more than made up for the lack of lovely weather.

Cesky Krumlov

I enjoyed hanging out with friends that I have made this year. The highlight? Joining Karina and Sally in singing some of my favorite songs in three part harmony. I have decided we really should take our music on the road. Now accepting contracts. : P

Karina and Sally at a terrace restaurant by the river