Lord, I am exhausted.

Seriously, seriously exhausted.

But I'm here and it's beautiful.

A quick overview: Got into Vienna (Wien - pronounced "Vee-n") on Wednesday of last week (OMG - almost a week ago!), took a bus from the airport to the Westbahnof, got spectacularly lost and wandered around for what seemed like hours (probably about 2), finally found the hotel and crashed.

The next day I got up and met the rest of the IES Vienna group and we were all whisked away into the mountains to a tiny village called Mariazell, where we stayed and "bonded" (I put it in quotes because, let's get seriously, you know I didn't really "bond" with anyone. I hate being put in large social groups. I do not do well) until yesterday (Sunday). During this time we were introduced to the program, the directors, got some minor stuff out of the way and people drank. A lot. I did not. I sat in my room and cried at the lack of internet (a little. but it was on the inside).

We also found out our room situations. I'd previously been told I was rooming with two girls and now found out we'd be sharing one room that had 3 beds.

I was slightly apprehensive thinking how we'd work but once we got here, we found a pretty big apartment. All 3 beds in 1 room but we're not "on top" of each other, we've each got desks, shelving, and a wardrobe. It's pretty nice.

Today was our first "official day" of school - but not really. It was only the beginning of our German Intensive class. I'm in the Elementary I (meaning I don't speak a word) and my class with be for 3 weeks @ 9am. The others are reprieved until the afternoon I believe but I really do not mind because, seriously, this city is gorgeous and it's fun getting lost in it.

Like I did today. I wandered around, bought some stuff I needed, and eventually jumped on a U-Bahn (picture a subway) and took it way to far. So I got off, backtracked and started walking. And walking. And walking.

I walked really far and really long and finally gave up and called Bern because I was just so. tired. She was able to point me in the right direction (twice - ugh) and I got home pretty quick after that. Felt really nice to just sit and relax.

So that's pretty much gotten everything caught up til now.

I guess it must be picture time, eh?

Me in my apartment (you can't see anyone else's beds )

The best shot I got of St. Stephen's Cathedral

The many, many stairs we climb to get to and from our apartment

Mmmm, lemon sorbet (and a view). Figured, I'm lost - why waste it?!?

Our hostel in Mariazell