First Few Days in Vienna

First Few Days in Vienna: 

SO MUCH WALKING MY LEGS ARE GOING TO FALL OFF

Travelling to a new country is such a privileged experience, and I am so happy to have gotten this opportunity in the height of my learning career. Seeing how another country just lives in such a different way, from how they eat chicken as a vegetable (sorry for the sarcasm),

or their different chain supermarkets and stores (SPAR instead of Safeway), and just how many restaurants and stores are packed close together, because you have to walk everywhere! Not to mention the intense culture shock of seeing incredible historical buildings just everywhere. I grew up in a rather small town on the California coast, with the closest city with historical buildings (like from the 20th century), being about a 2 hour drive to San Francisco. So it is absolutely incredible seeing the beautiful buildings and museums within walking distance of where we are staying.

However, the one thing that might be hard to get used to is the heat. It is so hot here, and honestly I am not a sweaty person, but man am I stinking up all of my clothes fresh from the suitcase. Also, walking around everywhere on top of this heat is so uncomfortable. I thought I would be prepared for the walking aspect, because I run with my dog in Henry Cowell State Park across the street from my house every morning, but my feet hurt so bad! Thankfully though, I know it will get better, and I have slept amazingly well the first few days I have spent here. Also, it has been great meeting like minded people in the program, and making great friends and conversation, I am so excited to get to know everyone better! So far, my first experience in a European city has been hot, tiring, eye opening, and incredible.