08 September, 2008

Budapest in Hungary

So this past weekend I went to Budapest with Bethany. This, I would like to mention, was the first city in Eastern Europe I have seen other than Prague. I don't really count Prague as much because it so westernized. This place was pretty eastern europe-esc. While there I got to see their parliment building, which was absolutely gorgeous. I think it might have been like a gothic style but I am not so sure. I am not very good with arcitechtural styles. I also got to see St. Stephen's Basillica and his right hand. Oddly enough, in this church they keep St. Stephen's mummified right hand. It was kind of creepy but kind of cool because it was a part of someone that exhisted hundreds of years ago. Bethany and I also went to some thermal baths. Fortunately everyone was clothed. Bethany said that the one we went to was one of the only ones in Budapest that was co-ed and not nudist. It was really nice to just relax in a tub that was 40 degrees celcius. That's pretty hot in case you don't know celcius very well. There was also another tub that was 20 degrees celcius(very cold)! They had all sorts of different temperatures of water. I think the idea was to go from one to the other in increasing temp or decreasing. Beth and I went from the really hot one to really cold one a lot and visa versa. It was really difficult to get into the cold one and stay there. The last thing we saw before we left was by far the coolest. It's called the Citadel and as some of you may know that's another word for fortress. That's right, I got to hike up a huge hill and see the entire city from a fortress. It was unbelievable. Anyway, that's all I've got for you for now. I will write soon!


BTW....for those of you who don't get the title......Budapest is in Hungary and not Turkey like one of my friends thought. Just thought I would throw that out there.

04 September, 2008

Hello world...

So I have finally started classes and they are surprisingly good. I know that almost 5 hours of german every day sounds kind of sucky, but it is really entertaining because I actually get to use what I am learning. I really think the only way to really learn to speak and understand a foreign language is to be completely submerged in it. I feel like I am actually soaking in what I am learning in class, which is a first for any foreign language I have tried to learn. Do not get me wrong it is by no means easy but it is a lot better to be here where they speak it.

I am also finally moved in to my room which feels wonderful. Now that I am moved in and started with class I will be having regular internet, which means I will be posting more.

I really think that Klagenfurt is one of the more beautiful cities I have ever been in. When you are here you are completely surrounded by mountains. Everyway you turn there is a beautiful view of the mountains. The downtown is also very beautiful. It has got the old town feel to it and is very homey.

I have to go now and study some german with some albanian girls. I will try to write soon!