Do you like Schnitzel? And Other Moments from the First Week of School

Well, I’ve successfully gotten through my first week of classes like a big girl!

            While there were a few minor blunders- confusion over my schedules between the two schools, completely missing one of my classes because I’m an idiot, faulty technology, etc- I seem to be doing ok. So far my schedule rotates on some incomprehensible manner, but I have every other Wednesday off. And maybe Thursdays? And we’re working on Fridays because the teachers understand I want to travel and think the kids don’t care on Fridays anyway so why not have me come in on Wednesday instead. Phew. I don’t know. For know I just have to go with it, and say yes to everything. I’m working thirteen hours a week, so I do have plenty of free time. Right now it doesn’t feel this way as I’m constantly planning lessons and making sure I’m doing everything correctly. Once I settle into a routine and get to know my teachers and students things will become easier.

            The two schools, Bundeshandelsakademie and the Aufbaugymnasium, share a beautiful old building and are joined by a chapel. The BHAK (a business oriented high school) doesn’t seem to hold any religious focus, but the Aufbaugymnasium (typical high school) has crosses in every classroom and starts each morning with a prayer. There is also a resident Father who roams the halls. He has a very ethereal air and it seems that he saw right through me while shaking my hand. I’ve actually seen him in town twice since then.



My School(s)!



            My teachers have been exceedingly warm and welcoming at both schools. I met with Martina- the teacher who is basically in charge of me at the ABG- on Wednesday, and she greeted me with coffee and two pastries (eat, eat!). Wine bottles littered the lounge, “I swear, we’re not in the anonymous alcoholics, it is someone’s birthday, would you like some sparkling wine?” On Friday I enjoyed fresh grapes after class. After hearing the schpeel about Bike and Build I gave to his class, Reinhard offered to let me borrow his “fancy schmaancy rayyhicing bhhyyke..and I ask my cyyhcling club for your about byhkes.” *That’s an Austrian accent..

            Every class is different, but my students have been pretty good, though I can forsee challenges with some classes. Honestly, this whole thing can be pretty nerve racking! I’ve gotten the usual gamut of questions- “Do you have a boyfriend?” “Do you have dogs?” “Do you make parties?” “Why do you like Austria?” “How old are you?” “Do you have kids?” (Oh God no..) and all have asked for my last name in an attempt to find me on facebook. Most are enthusiastic in speaking to me because I’m foreign and super cool, while some are smartass (excuse my language) eighteen year olds who giggle at nearly everything I say or sit there with blank expressions. That’s always fun.

            So..tonight I’ll be planning lessons and thinking of ways to get those kiddies to talk!



Surroundings of Hollabrunn



            In other news the apartment search continues with mixed results. I spent over an hour viewing one in the 19^th district (yessss), sipping coffee and playing with one adorable Dachshund. (Coffee!! I hardly drink it, but you just can’t say no when its offered to you!) This might be too good to be true, so more details once I have the results. The whole process is a big blind date. In the states landlords wait on your call. They want your money. Here it is, well, I’ll consider you and a list of fifty other candidates and ultimately decide based on some random feature like your hair color, how you dress, or whether or not you speak Icelandic and spend your free time knitting. I don’t even know. At least I was rather put together yesterday, and wore my purple scarf for good luck.

            The Sporthotel continues to be the Sporthotel. Monday evening I was drawn to the basement where I found middle aged Austrians line dancing to music from Lord of the Dance. A neighboring house raises chickens, so we’re woken by roosters, and often here sounds that are undeniably from a Pterodactyl.

            Honestly, I’m in no position to complain. I’m in Austria and this is my year to do me. I’m going to exist without the responsibility of college and four jobs. (And how would you like that cooked? Well tonight we’re featuring our Multepulciano..) I’m anxious to frequent the Staatsoper and Musikverein. A ballet on Monday, the Wiener Philharmonic on Friday. The usual. Once we get paid I’ll hop on a train to Budapest and start planning my travels. I’ll cook for myself and find a yoga studio. And imagine this, tea and pumpkin cookies on my own couch! Soon enough..



Steph, Lauren and I atop Vienna last weekend. More sightseeing occurred while apartment searching this weekend.



            I’ve also come to understand that I currently live in rural Ohio. Running through the hills behind the hotel I can’t stop thinking about Bike and Build. The scenery is identical to that on our way to Gambier (oh, what a day). Fields that go on for ages, and tractors turning the soil. Honestly, I wouldn’t have a clue that I was in Austria, except for the trains, BMWs, Wind Turbines, and Vineyards. Ok, I guess I’m in Europe. Small farmhouses line the cobblestone streets leading to the hills, which are dotted with small orchards and surrounded by fields of crops and golden grass. It is truly gorgeous here. The leaves are changing and fall is in the air! 



Where I run



            Cheers, and be well,

Austrian Muffin