Spring Break: The Winner Is...

Do those pictures give you any ideas? Still confused? Well look below!








******************************************************************************
AUSTRIA!!!! The birthplace of Mozart (pictured to your left...well it's Tom Hulce who played Mozart in Amadeus. I wasn't sure if you guys would be able to tell a picture of Mozart from anybody else. I know I didn't). 1/2 of the countries that started WW1! Cities with long traditions of music and the opera! And as a Cinema Major, I must point out that it has been the backdrop for such movies as The Third Man, Before Sunset, and the ever popular The Sound of Music (which saved 20th Century Fox from bankruptcy). And to be fair, it was also the birthplace of Hitler...I suppose you have to take the good with the evil.

Specifically, I'll be traveling to Vienna and through Austria to Salzburg (via train) and eventually to Munich (also via train) to fly back to Athens in time for Easter Sunday, the biggest religious holiday for the Orthodox Church. I am very excited and I welcome any and all suggestions on how to travel, what to eat, and what to get in terms of souvenirs. I'll be gone between March 30-Apr. 7, so don't get worried if there are no updates during that time.

You may be wondering why Austria when I have the big ol' continent of Europe before me. Why didn't I go with Italy? Or France? To be honest, I'm not sure why I am drawn to Austria, but ever since my roommate suggested it, I kept thinking about how interesting it would be. Plus, I kinda like the fact that I came into Greece thinking I was going to Italy for Spring Break, then switching it up because it feels like it's the right thing to do. Plus, the promises of sausages, saurkraut, beer, and snitzels don't hurt! Here's crossing my fingers that I'll get to see an opera while I'm in Vienna...I just might die from it all.

Special Sidenote: Thank thank thank thank you all for the lovely and yummy care package goodies I received. While the trip from the center to my apartment was less than nice (long story short: I had to carry the box to my apt uphill and such...not fun), opening up the box to see all the "from home" goods made me feel very happy and loved. I now know how much you guys care...you love me about 44 lbs that gets heavier every step of the 45 minute walk I made back to my apt. Your love was so powerful that I had to take many breaks just to deal with the impact it had on my shoulders and arms. My roommate was nice enough to share in your love too, but she quickly realized that your box of love was too intense for her. But I have thus far enjoyed the love (I dug into the crasins first, believe it or not) and can't wait to send you guys some Athenian goodies!

Side Sidenote: Again, pictures are at a stand still because the wireless internet is crappy and my roommate's laptop can't connect. I promise they will come soon! They will be on a Flickr account which I will email you guys all the info to view when they are up and running. Then you guys will be able to see recent pics from Carnival activities and George, the cute, fat dog (I named him!) who sleeps in front of the Grande Bretagne, the most expensive hotel in Athens (he's got good taste). Plus, last last Sunday was a very rainy day in Athens, so I decided to do a photo-tour of my apt which I think you guys will find amusing. I'll let the photos of me opening up my box of goodies speak for themselves!