In Salzburg

Blog for 01-30-08
I cannot believe I am actually in Austria now.. It is wonderful! I love it with my host family, and I am starting to become a little bit familiar with the town, I can at least get to school and the store with ease :P I have only been in Austria since the 27th, though. Up to this point, we were touring Germany by way of the Rhine River, which also consists of the Mosel River Valley and the Nekar River Valley (both are gorgeous wine growing regions in Germany). The trip seems like it happened so long ago, it is as if in one day I experience a lifetime’s worth of adventures, lessons, and realizations. The funny part though, is I do not feel like I have fully “realized” everything… time to reflect is key for this kind of journey; something my “Austrian mom” reminds us of continually.

Myself and two other students (Craig and Derek) are staying with a very kind older couple. The best way to describe the environment at the house, and Austria in general, is what they call “die GEMUTLICHKIET.” I am still learning exactly what that means, but to my understanding it is the central focus of Austrian living. In Austria, they want everyone and everything to be comfortable and welcoming. My host family definitely abides by this perspective on life.. They are so generous and kind to myself and my roomates. Also, this central focus can be seen the “comfort foods”, coffee shops, and general life in Salzburg.

In contrast, I have noticed Europe in general (so far at least) is a bit less.. Hmm.. Open. It is especially apparent when walking down the street, people just do their own thing, and eye contact is rare. Also, on the bus, you should not expect for someone to WANT to talk to you. In America, it is normal (at least for me) to strike up conversation with anyone.. Here.. Not so much. On the bus, most people just sit quietly by themselves, and they are happy with that. Austria is more welcoming that Germany I think though. In Germany.. People were just plain rude sometimes. Perhaps, though, I should not say rude, just different. Please, take my words as a grain of salt, as I am still learning about the culture and society here. I really don’t know yet, I think I may still be experience a bit of “culture shock” or “cultural static.” If I am correct with my assumptions on daily life in Europe…perhaps it is not so bad to keep to yourself, and to not be constantly searching for a means of entertainment. If I was being totally honest, I would admit that sometimes my “polite conversation” could be more for my own pleasure and entertainment than for the benefit of my dialogue partner. I say dialogue partner as opposed to friend…it seems to more aptly describe the point I am trying to convey.

We will have internet at the house soon. I am writing this at around 8:30am on Wednesday the 30th, and I will hopefully have time to connect to the web at school and post this blog before my class at 10:30. I will post my itinerary from the Germany tour ASAP…if anyone is interested please check back in a couple of days. Thank you for your interest in my affairs, and please, if you have any questions or comments post them here, or e-mail me at: ogj_88@yahoo.com.
Thanks to Congress and the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program for provided the financial means necessary for me to experience the world through traveler’s eyes. (for more information please visit: www.iie.org/gilman)