I made it

Grüß Dich.

I am now in Austria, I am finally on a computer for the first time here, the keyboard is different from what I'm used to so I will do my best to type legibly. My host family is quite wonderful, they have welcomed me with open arms, I am accomodating very well to life here so far. The trip here was... aggravating. My flight to Detroit was delayed, I barely made it to the flight to Amsterdam by running, and then they switched my flight to Munich which actually Iäm glad about, because I got to see a bit of the airport (mmm, Swarovski Crystal) it was also interesting, while looking around a "Last Stop" shopping center, to see a keychain with a marijuana leaf and the word "Amsterdam" on it. I did try to take pictures but I'm afraid I think they didn't take well.. While travelling, itäs important to remember that it's not the lady behind the counters fault that your flight is delayed... even if you did just watch a plane going to the same place you are going, leave without you. Also remember even if you are delayed they will help you get to where you are going, even if perhaps, that is a bit later than you wanted to be there. Luckily for me I managed to make the last flight to amsterdam and did not have to sleep in the airport, though I wish I had had more time to explore there. However at any rate I am here. I didn't get to see much of Austrian landscape coming home they have privacy walls along the highways here as well, though these were all wood that I saw. But the town is moderately sized and very cool, the buildings are mostly connected but they are all different colors and bright at that, it's quite pretty though. I have not had the chance yet to really look around the city but I plan to as soon as I can. When I do I will take pictures for you all. The weather has been mil even chilly, a much welcomed break from the high temperatures at home. it even rained today for a bit. Mm, at coffeetime I had tiramasu, something I can get at home but wanted to see what it might be like here and then for dinner I had a gyro, again something I could have had at home but I was curious, next time I get the chance I plan to have schnitzel, which my mouth is already watering for. So far I have had a wonderful time and even with the horrible tme getting here, I'd do it all again, and I definitly know why they limit us to staying only 364 days. I already want to come back once I leave. Here it is now bedtime, and I think that it is a good idea for me to get some sleep, I am still a bit tired from not sleeping Monday night.

Farewell to Omaha

I fly to Germany via Detroit and Amsterdam on August 6th. When I land in Munich, Germany, my host family will meet me at the airport and I will travel home with them. My family lives in a city called Ried im Innkreis, and they appear to be very kind from what I have experienced so far. Along with my host mother and father, there is a son and a daughter. The daughter, Lilly, is attending school in Vienna so I will only see her a few weekends out of the year. The son, Stefan, is my age and he will be on exchange in Idaho while I am in Austria. This makes me an only child.

This exchange has already been a learning experience, while I figure out how to do paperwork and figure out forms. I have had the pleasure of meeting Omaha's chief of police, as he had to sign a form stating that I am a good citizen.

I have also attended three meetings of my sponsoring Rotary club. I am being sponsored by Rotary district 5650 and I am very thankful to them for sponsoring me.

The picture above of the sunset, was taken August 1 at a lake near Omaha. The sunset was positively gorgeous that night and I took it as the sun saying goodbye to me.


PLease keep checking back for more updates on my quest through Austria. (Not Australia...)