So I'm really excited to start travelling.....honestly, just getting a TASTE of what it was like w. Tina made me want more =) Of course, it's good to be home in Vienna w. my frnds and cooking nice, healthy meals but I cannot wait to start travelling~!
Here's my schedule =)
March
25/26 Milan
27/31 Athens
April
1/2 Milan
3 Vienna
4-6 Berlin
7/8 Cologne & Bonn
9/10 Zurich
11 Geneva
12/13 Rome
14 Florence
15 Pisa/Venice
16 Venice
17 Liverpool
18-23 Barcelona
24 Seville
25 Valencia
26 Madrid
28 Vienna
All the stress leading up to today has been worth it. It's amazing how much planning goes into something like this. Just looking up hostels, flights, train schedules, etc. can be quite tiring and frustrating, especially since some low cost airlines' prices fluctuate like the stock market ><" I'm become quite good at it though so planning a trip w. Naila took very little time =)
But it's all done! All my school work is done until I come back for my finals =) Can't waaaaaaait
BTW I will be doing Switzerland by myself (long story) but it'll be good soul searching time....to contemplate about everything =P Plus Geneva has a LOT of shopping to be done =) Unfortunately, it'll only be window shopping bc I only have a small carry on ><" But fun nonetheless (cream, I know you're probably cringing but you know me! I promise to visit the sites before I shop)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
FOOD~!
I haven't really travelled a lot so I was kinda surprised how happy I was to come home to Vienna after Budapest. You're right Tina; Vienna *is* starting to feel like home.
That night, when we came back, it felt good to have veggies with nice, GRILLED, lean meat and rice (I would've been content w. pasta). Speaking of which, I'm starting to become quite the cook =) I can stir fry broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, amongst other veggies........I know how to make soup and congee with a pot (cooking rice old school w.o a rice cooker is quite an adventure!)
And yes, all my food is edible =)
But the best part about communial cooking is learning new things from my friends =) The Singaporean and Korean guys are all older so they give me pointers. One of them made duk buk ki <3, which is my fav Korean dish of spicy rice cakes =) I was in heave bc it tasted better than the ones in the restaurants!
I've just been randomly experimenting with food and they've all tasted quite well! I've come a long way since my first dish of pasta and veggies lol I think I'm going to learn how to bake saccatorte....
So don't be surprised if I come home and cook a Korean meal with an Austrian dessert lol
That night, when we came back, it felt good to have veggies with nice, GRILLED, lean meat and rice (I would've been content w. pasta). Speaking of which, I'm starting to become quite the cook =) I can stir fry broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, amongst other veggies........I know how to make soup and congee with a pot (cooking rice old school w.o a rice cooker is quite an adventure!)
And yes, all my food is edible =)
But the best part about communial cooking is learning new things from my friends =) The Singaporean and Korean guys are all older so they give me pointers. One of them made duk buk ki <3, which is my fav Korean dish of spicy rice cakes =) I was in heave bc it tasted better than the ones in the restaurants!
I've just been randomly experimenting with food and they've all tasted quite well! I've come a long way since my first dish of pasta and veggies lol I think I'm going to learn how to bake saccatorte....
So don't be surprised if I come home and cook a Korean meal with an Austrian dessert lol
Bday Part 2
I spent my 21st bday w. Tina in Budapest =) Not too shabby........plus this Wednesday, I will be flying out to Milan so that I can see my friends in Athens =) I can't wait until that begins ^.^
No matter where I am, my bday is always so memorable.....I'm so lucky to have you guys because my inbox was filled w. well wishes and inquiries, missed phone calls, birthday cards and even text messages!!! And it didn't stop there.......when I came back, my friends in Vienna gave me friendship earrings that they purchased in Poland......plus one of my friends gave me a teddy bear with a heart-shaped box of Mozart chocolates.....I just DIED bc hearts + Mozart + teddy bear! lol it practically has my name written all over it =)
That celebration made me reminisce about various birthdays........about my 17th one in Paris (w. Josh sticking me head outta the Eiffel Tower lol)......my 18th at Frankie's and skating afterwards.....and who could forget my horrendous 20th bday?
But regardless of where I am, I'm so glad that you guys remembered my bday =) Miss you guys~!
No matter where I am, my bday is always so memorable.....I'm so lucky to have you guys because my inbox was filled w. well wishes and inquiries, missed phone calls, birthday cards and even text messages!!! And it didn't stop there.......when I came back, my friends in Vienna gave me friendship earrings that they purchased in Poland......plus one of my friends gave me a teddy bear with a heart-shaped box of Mozart chocolates.....I just DIED bc hearts + Mozart + teddy bear! lol it practically has my name written all over it =)
That celebration made me reminisce about various birthdays........about my 17th one in Paris (w. Josh sticking me head outta the Eiffel Tower lol)......my 18th at Frankie's and skating afterwards.....and who could forget my horrendous 20th bday?
But regardless of where I am, I'm so glad that you guys remembered my bday =) Miss you guys~!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Adventures w. Tina <3
So life in Vienna has been some what tame.....I haven't really travelled anywhere (Graz and Krems don't even count cuz it's like going to Buffalo from T.O.). However I was really excited when Tina came to visit =) It was soooo comforting to finally see a familiar face. Don't get me wrong, I love my friends here but I haven't seen this girl since last summer, before she took off for her year long exchange!
Taking Tina around Vienna made me fall in love with the city all over again. We went to the palace, ate at a heuriger, visted the Belvedere museum (who else would I go to an art gallery w.??), and cooked a meal for our buddies =)
The week that Tee was here was just completely packed......we were off to Budapest for like 4 days, to not only see the sights but meet her NYU friends =) Budapest was gorgeous and relatively cheaper so we had so much local food lol. We went bathing in the Roman baths while it rained.....went on a walking tour where we met people from all over the world (some were English teachers who were teaching in Prague).......you never really know how big (or small) the world is until you actually travel.....
Tina's NYU friends were so nice and friendly =) we spent the 15th wandering around the city......besides it being my bday, it was Hungary's national Revolution Day....however it isn't like Canada's day where everyone's happy......it's more somber and kinda scary......in all the main attractions (St. Stephen's Basilica, the National Museum), there were cops everywhere, from mid afternoon until late in the evening. We were standing around a station exit when a couple SWAT teams came out and almost surrounded us!
All in all, the day was amazing =) Tina NEVER stopped wishing me happy bday, from 12am on the 15th until the 16th, when we finally got back to our hostel lol We had an amazing dinner with her friends in front of the St stephen's basilica while watching the SWAT team try to prevent riots......glad to know on my birthday, people are rioting! lol
When we finally came home, it felt GOOD to be back in Vienna <3 meal =")"><" It was bittersweet but I will definitely meet up w. her in Spain <3
Thanks a lot Tina =) for everything.........
Taking Tina around Vienna made me fall in love with the city all over again. We went to the palace, ate at a heuriger, visted the Belvedere museum (who else would I go to an art gallery w.??), and cooked a meal for our buddies =)
The week that Tee was here was just completely packed......we were off to Budapest for like 4 days, to not only see the sights but meet her NYU friends =) Budapest was gorgeous and relatively cheaper so we had so much local food lol. We went bathing in the Roman baths while it rained.....went on a walking tour where we met people from all over the world (some were English teachers who were teaching in Prague).......you never really know how big (or small) the world is until you actually travel.....
Tina's NYU friends were so nice and friendly =) we spent the 15th wandering around the city......besides it being my bday, it was Hungary's national Revolution Day....however it isn't like Canada's day where everyone's happy......it's more somber and kinda scary......in all the main attractions (St. Stephen's Basilica, the National Museum), there were cops everywhere, from mid afternoon until late in the evening. We were standing around a station exit when a couple SWAT teams came out and almost surrounded us!
All in all, the day was amazing =) Tina NEVER stopped wishing me happy bday, from 12am on the 15th until the 16th, when we finally got back to our hostel lol We had an amazing dinner with her friends in front of the St stephen's basilica while watching the SWAT team try to prevent riots......glad to know on my birthday, people are rioting! lol
When we finally came home, it felt GOOD to be back in Vienna <3 meal =")"><" It was bittersweet but I will definitely meet up w. her in Spain <3
Thanks a lot Tina =) for everything.........
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Austrian Buddies ^.^
Pei Xian and Jing with their buddy Daniel
Nari feeding ice cream cake to Daniel, another buddy
My buddy, Lizhen sandwiched between the two Daniels!
FOOD!!! =D
So as you guys know, I have my Austrian buddy who is AMAZING =D She is always calling me to make sure I'm ok and teaching me about the Austrian culture =)
In addition though, I signed up for a German speaking buddy to learn German. His name is Georg and we meet about once a week (if i'm not travelling!) to do German and English communication. We've met about 3 times now, just talking about our lives, what we want to do, etc. The first time I had my "official" class with him, he was teaching me the difference between the "e" and "i" sound........cuz i'm that smart, I couldn't differentiate the Eng and German "e" sounds.....but Georg is very patient =) We meet for about 1.5-2 hours to go over our communication skills. I don't know if I will learn a lot of German but I will kill myself trying!! (ok cream???)
My friends and I decided to cook dinner for our buddies. We all made different dishes and somehow, about 15 of us crammed into the kitchen to eat ><" It was a lot of fun, plus I'm meeting various Austrians! They have all travelled and have a lot of experience and stories =D Plus there was amazing foooooooood =D For dessert, one girl went all out and made red bean soup.........yummy!!!
Luving it ^.^
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
And so it begins.....=)
hey you guys!!
So sorry for not blogging for a while ><" It warms my <3 to get all the e-mails/msn msgs/skype notes to see how I'm doing (i'm alive btw =P )
I ended the orientation program w. a trip to Melk and Krems, small cities outside of Vienna...we visited a monestary and had a very delicious, traditional Austrian lunch. The life I'm living here is so relaxed......complete opposite of what I'm used to over there (goodness, I can't even imagine going back to Schulich ><" )
Since then I've had my 1st block course.....it was on intercultural communications w. emphasis on women so I learned a lot about various other cultures.........however, 50% of the class were like North Americans but there was still a great variety of other cultures
For one of my friend's bday, we went to a sushi buffet........it wasn't like the typical ones in Toronto cuz there was like less than 10 sushi varieties........but they did have tepanyaki where you choose any sauce you want plus veggies, noodles, rice, and meat =P Kinda like mongolian grill...... and I had sago! lol They had a chocolate fondue too but all the good fruits were gone by then
BTW i am giving up chocolate for Lent cuz in Vienna, it's so hard to resist the yummy Manner waffers (I know some of you know what I'm talking about!). It'll be good for me and i can experience other desserts, though there aren't a lot of pastries in Vienna....
My friend and I found a church that had an English-speaking service so on Sundays we're at Church. The pastor is American and the people come from various backgrounds.......there's always coffee/tea and snacks offered so we've gotten a chance to talk to some Austrians/people who have come to Vienna.....in fact, last weekend I had kangeroo meat cuz it was South African and Austrian meal day.....tastes better than beef =P
i have some regular courses now..........I'm learning German and I have two culture related courses (diversity and sexism equality etc) and life in the UK and US course...........i am LOVING the UK course bc both profs are hilarious! One's from the UK and he says some very politically incorrect stuff all the time.....I won't say what but he's DEFINITELY not a Schulich/York prof! he's not even a stereotypical prof and I luv him =P Their teaching style is to use comics, idoymns, and humour to ensure we understand the customs and culture.......
I haven't been drinking so much cuz I'm afraid my liver's literally going to break down soon -_- I've learned quite a few drinking games (so watch out CC, J Chow and MK!! when I get back......) Once we played w. two Romanians and a Serbian guy who brought his own home-brewed brandy which is at LEAST twice as strong ><" I think it was just as bad as the 151..........
As for travelling, I won't be doing much in March......Tee is visiting me <3 next week and then Cella may come for a bit before Athens.....I'll do my travelling starting end of March.....
Ok so I've updated you on my life but I want to hear about what you guys are doing! leave me comments on the blog or send me an e-mail =P
If you guys want to see pics, I've posted them on fcbk........
So sorry for not blogging for a while ><" It warms my <3 to get all the e-mails/msn msgs/skype notes to see how I'm doing (i'm alive btw =P )
I ended the orientation program w. a trip to Melk and Krems, small cities outside of Vienna...we visited a monestary and had a very delicious, traditional Austrian lunch. The life I'm living here is so relaxed......complete opposite of what I'm used to over there (goodness, I can't even imagine going back to Schulich ><" )
Since then I've had my 1st block course.....it was on intercultural communications w. emphasis on women so I learned a lot about various other cultures.........however, 50% of the class were like North Americans but there was still a great variety of other cultures
For one of my friend's bday, we went to a sushi buffet........it wasn't like the typical ones in Toronto cuz there was like less than 10 sushi varieties........but they did have tepanyaki where you choose any sauce you want plus veggies, noodles, rice, and meat =P Kinda like mongolian grill...... and I had sago! lol They had a chocolate fondue too but all the good fruits were gone by then
BTW i am giving up chocolate for Lent cuz in Vienna, it's so hard to resist the yummy Manner waffers (I know some of you know what I'm talking about!). It'll be good for me and i can experience other desserts, though there aren't a lot of pastries in Vienna....
My friend and I found a church that had an English-speaking service so on Sundays we're at Church. The pastor is American and the people come from various backgrounds.......there's always coffee/tea and snacks offered so we've gotten a chance to talk to some Austrians/people who have come to Vienna.....in fact, last weekend I had kangeroo meat cuz it was South African and Austrian meal day.....tastes better than beef =P
i have some regular courses now..........I'm learning German and I have two culture related courses (diversity and sexism equality etc) and life in the UK and US course...........i am LOVING the UK course bc both profs are hilarious! One's from the UK and he says some very politically incorrect stuff all the time.....I won't say what but he's DEFINITELY not a Schulich/York prof! he's not even a stereotypical prof and I luv him =P Their teaching style is to use comics, idoymns, and humour to ensure we understand the customs and culture.......
I haven't been drinking so much cuz I'm afraid my liver's literally going to break down soon -_- I've learned quite a few drinking games (so watch out CC, J Chow and MK!! when I get back......) Once we played w. two Romanians and a Serbian guy who brought his own home-brewed brandy which is at LEAST twice as strong ><" I think it was just as bad as the 151..........
As for travelling, I won't be doing much in March......Tee is visiting me <3 next week and then Cella may come for a bit before Athens.....I'll do my travelling starting end of March.....
Ok so I've updated you on my life but I want to hear about what you guys are doing! leave me comments on the blog or send me an e-mail =P
If you guys want to see pics, I've posted them on fcbk........
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