St. Patty's Day in Venice

I made it to Venice, planted my feet on Italy's ground, and enjoyed the sights, sounds, and colors of Venice.

Performance art a major event in Venice and other locations. This mermaid seemed one of the most creative I have seen.

During my gondola ride I decided to take a photo of the gondola passing us. I liked it a lot. So here it is for you.

The one thing I wanted to see in Venice. The winged Lion. Let me know if you know the folklore behind it.

Night time was one of my favorite parts of Venice. Wish I could have had more time out, but travel continues.

O.k. I know it's not the typical/traditional idea for St. Patrick's Day, but Venice was amazing nonetheless. The Journey began at 5:30 am, when I arrived at the bus stop very tired and thinking I must be crazy. With a late bus start the journey began with two stops and then a wait to get on the boat to Venice. Upon arrival we walked into San Marco square. We being me, Jo, Helen, and Haley (sorry if I misspelled anyones name). We followed the many tourists to the many pigeons, and explored the wonders of Venice. Had a lady look at me disapprovingly as I rode a lion like a little kid. Had a nice heated wrap/sandwich sitting on the cement in San Marco square. Then proceed to laugh at the first gondoler that offered a journey for 65 Euros each. Upon walking two steps we were offered a lower price, four more steps and a fourth gondoler and we were on the canals of Venice. Shopping and a nice dinner followed along with an amazing boat ride back upon the roof of the boat. The sea breeze upon our faces and the vibrant colors of Venice fading behind us.

Extra Photo's Venice

Here is one of my first sights of Venice from the boat window. It was nicer coming back at night with all the lights and the cool sea air.

Cathedral @ San Marco Square

Lady looking disapprovingly of me having fun in San Marco Square.

Gondolers! Always remember not to take the first price offered they will keep offering lower prices.

Fluffy Spotted in Hof Garten

Yes it is true people: Fluffy the three headed dog of Hagrid's has been spotted in Hof Garten. He has been spending time in the Garten with future chess champions and enjoying the sun. So far I do not think he has bitten a child yet, but who knows what will happen. Again, Fluffy has been spotted in Hof Garten.

Ich bin allein hier

Here I am at St. Jakob's Dom

Here I am in Hof Garten relaxing

This is (what I think it is I should say) a pillar for St. Mary

Today is the first day that, even with my wonder of the beautiful sunny city of Innsbruck, I feel a bit alone. I wish so many of you where here to share in this experience--and to keep me company. German courses are a bit of a struggle, but new words keep popping into my brain. Street signs and shop signs are making more sense.

Today I spent most of my time in Hof Garten, then I went to a cafe and had lunch. To go out to eat here is very expensive, but every now and then you need to splurge. I had Sachartorte for the first time (basically a delicious chocolate cake). Then it was off to buy a few groceries only to have to make people wait in line while my credit card was run. Everything it seems is done in cash transactions and it is a bit frustrating.

Still have no idea what I am going to do for the two weeks I have off for Easter, so if anyone has an idea let me know soon. Well, class is about to begin and I need to get there, so I will write more later.

Traveling Tips: Learned from Mom and Dad

photo taken at the top/inside the Stadtturm (a tower that lets you see a 360 degree view of Innsbruck city)

Just a note on some of the things I have learned on my trips, and those tips of wise wisdom one gets from there parents.

Enjoy the Good and the Bad:

Thanks Mom for this tip. How I have used it: Even if I feel uncomfortable going out by myself I still do in the hopes that I might see or meet something/someone new. Also, I have made myself understand that things are not always perfect, but it is all the memories that make a trip fun (including flinging a wedge of pineapple on to someone because your nervous).

It's Not the Outcome it's The Process:

To Dad, what can I say, but that you are right. I have no idea what this trip will bring me, but I already am having fun learning all the ways to make my journey a memorable experience. Trying new things, even when you think you know them (like a burger which comes out with a fried egg on top of it), is great.

Trust Your Directional Instincts:

This is one that may fault you at times, but hey you can find yourself in a new location with new shops, cafes, and sights. To make things easier though: Keep your eyes open to landmarks. If you lose your way this is an easy way to get back on track.

When at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again:

This applies to use of bank cards, getting bus tickets, meeting people, and finding your way home.

Remember Life Moves On:

Understand that life doesn't stand still for friends back home. It seems that big changes are occurring with all of you, I hope you know how excited and happy I am for all of you. Even though I am not there to share in the experience you are having, I am thinking of everyone and wishing you all the best.

Photos: 5 months w/no SIGHT of Denver

Thanks to all that came to the going away get together. It was great to see everyone before I left. Hope you are all having fun without me.

1st Week in Review

Began my journey in Salt Lake City Airport with a four-hour delay to Chicago. Once on the plane made it to Chicago and left after about an hour on the plane and slept most of the way. Loved to see the clouds over the ocean and then the flight into Frankfort was easy, until after being at the gate to leave to Innsbruck I had a panic moment when they told me I may not be able to get on the plane because I was supposed to have checked in before getting to the gate. But again luck was with me and I got on the plane in just a few moments. Again I fell asleep on the plane and woke moments before flying over Innsbruck. I got to see the city from above and it was a bit weird landing, and then I finally lost something. I left my book on the plane which I was sad about, but hey I made it to Innsbruck unscathed so how sad could I be.

Met Margarethe at the airport and then made my way through the city with her a bit delirious and overwhelmed by all the new sites. Took a walk to the near by grocery store and bought some bedding for my room and then came back and went straight to bed.

Woke up, walked the half hour to the University, had breakfast at a near by café, then met Margarethe. Registered for school, went around the city, tried to get money out of an ATM—that didn’t work. But finally found a bank that would pull the money out for me. Then walked a lot of the city, had a coffee and proceeded to do that for the next few days. Found a grocery store that would take VISA, had some more coffee, did a few tourist sites, and then slept more. Saturday met Sonja, who lives in my dorm, and she took me out on the town with her friends Anika and Savina. Sunday spent the day in bed late then made breakfast and walked the town again. Climbed the steps in the Innsbruck tower and took photos of the city on the first sunny day of my trip. Bought some coffee and treat to go and walked through Hof Garten until I found a nice bench and relaxed in the sun for a while. Then back to the dorm for a relaxing night before I start school.

Goals of the trip:
1-Learn German so I can speak to people in a different language (really just enough so I can talk to the two nice people I always meet having dinner in the kitchen).
2-Travel to at least 5 new destinations during my time here. I am thinking: 1)Salzburg, 2)Venice, 3)Vienna, 4)Bavariaha, 5)Chincuatera (Of course I’m sure I didn’t spell those right).
3-Relax and don’t rush this trip, experience everything—the good and the bad.

Well, that is the first few days in brief review.