Central College Abroad

This past weekend was the opening of Oktoberfest. I know you all wanted to be there, but I actually was there. Let me tell you, that it was something I have thought a lot about, but never thought it would be like it was.

Common misconception: Oktoberfest is one huge drunken party with only beer tents
Actuality: Oktoberfest has a lot of beer tents, but it’s also a huge fair with plenty of German fair food and rides. There are so many rides everywhere, including roller-coasters, Ferris wheels, and other awesome non-American rides

This was a huge Ferris wheel at the back corner of the part

It was honestly a blast.  There were people dancing on the tables, singing all the time, and just a merry environment all around.  Of course, there were a lot of police around, but not as many as one in America would expect.  That was the weird part for me, the whole ‘not seeing a million cops’ part.

Outside of Oktoberfest, I finally arrived in Vienna!    It is so exciting here.  We are currently living in temporary housing because our dorms won’t be open until October, but that’s ok with me.

We use the public transit for everything here.  I have to take the subway and street cars and buses around everywhere because the city is so big, and I get so tired from walking all the time.  The public transportation system is top notch though.  I honestly have no trouble using it most of the time.  The only thing that is difficult is trying to figure out the night lines.  I know they are easy once you get to know them, but for right now, I’m not familiar with them, so it’s a little challenging.

Classes start this Thursday, and I’m stoked.  Plus, where I’m taking some of my classes is with the second oldest university in Europe.  The main college building is like a museum.  It is beautiful.  I have only been in there once, but it made me so happy to walk through the halls and think about just studying in such a beautiful place.

The whole city life thing hasn’t hit me yet.  I’ve always wanted to live in a city and never have, so this is a new experience.  My permanent dorm I will be moving to is right in the city next to a huge flea market and a food market.  We’ve already visited it once, and it was quite spectacular.

So far, I’m having a great experience!  And now is time for my lesson of the blog:  When talking with someone you don’t know, use the formal ‘you’ (Sie) always.  It’s much better to refer to someone formally than informally, because that shows your respect.

Erik
donnere1@central.edu <== Feel free to email me!