Mariazell...

Ok sorry all... these are going to come in some short bursts of blog! I'm short on time and low on steam. But here goes!

Mariazell (Mah-ree-ah-tsell for those not so German inclined) is a small town in the Southern mountains of Austria in the region of Styria. At the moment we have about 3 meters of snow on the ground (yes, I am becoming a convert to the metric system) and it hasn't stopped snowing since we got here! The first night we simply had meetings to introduce us to the program and got to meet our fellow students.

The hostel we're staying in is absolutey FABULOUS. I mean, it's clean and new and comfy, and there are a million things to do! I feel pretty spoiled. The food's delicious too! I'm rooming with 3 other girls who I don't know very well. But every single person I've met so far seems to bring something else to the table. I've honestly never been somewhere this diverse. It's this beautiful combination of difference and unity, considering the fact that no one here seems to be completely confident in what's going on.

Friday morning we went into the town of Mariazell to go exploring. We found all sorts of unique characters and products. Being American, we weren't accepted extremely well. Lots of stares and glares directed our way, but what can you do? We found a lovely bakery and cafe and shared a loaf of bread and some amazing hot chocolate. (Did I mention that it's freezing out? Even the locals say this is the worst weather they've had in years... The blizzards are AWFUL.) We even attempted to buy a swimsuit using all German. Oy. Thankfully there were a few in the group with at least SOME German experience. Even so, as soon as they find out you're American, it's all scowls and scoffs.

As always there are meetings meetings meetings and more meetings... They load us with information that our poor jet lagged brains cannot possibly remember.

So the next day, (after the meetings of course) we took an afternoon hike (in a blizzard, mind you!) up to this beautiful little church above the hostel. It was a VERY snowy and cold little hike, but the view at the top was more than worth it. Plus, there may have been some snow angels and snowball fights occuring to keep everyone warm... The sun broke out right as we reached the top, and we couldn't have asked for a better view.

After rushing (and sliding) down the mountain, we met the bus to go back into town again. This time we took a tour of the folklore museu the the center of the town. Now, keep in mind that this town is very small and in the rural mountains of Austria, so the museum was full of the hardship and struggles that this little town has endured. Absolutely fascinating. I learned a lot more about general Austrian history too.

Our next stop was really the high light of the trip, the Basilica of Mariazell. And THAT my good people, is a story for another blog!

Stay tuned...

Susan