Trip to Graz, Austria

Well today was my journey from Dresden, Germany to Graz, Austria. 10 hours by train... yuck!! Woke up and had breakfast with Tim at the hotel. Tim started his conference for work today in Dresden. Very bummed I couldn't stay longer and see more of the city- but also anxious to take another journey. Tim came with me to the train station and made sure I got on my train just fine. I had a two hour ride from Dresden to Prague, and only 10 minutes in Prague to grab my bags, get off the train, find out what track my next train was leaving from, walk to the track, and get on. I was so stressed- but did it with time to spare!! Its too bad I didn't have more time to spend in Prague. I just love that city!!

The train ride from Prague to Vienna, Austria was rather long (about 5 hours). I tried to sleep away most of it. Also killed some time by reading "To Kill a Mockingbird". Have read the book years and years ago but decided to read it again. I have been reading it for a couple months now, but with moving and a banquet and planning for Europe in the last few weeks, I just haven't had time. Goal is to finish it on this trip!! Getting to Vienna was much easier because I wasn't so rushed-this time I had 39 minutes until my final train from Vienna to Graz. I headed downstairs to use the restroom, which by the way, cost me $.50 to use. Luckily I learned this lesson years ago in Prague- not all bathrooms are free!! It was funny to watch other tourists figure out how to get thru the door and to the bathroom- I was in their same shoes 2 years ago!! So take note- if you come to Europe, always carry a few Euros in your pocket just in case!!

The ride from Vienna to Graz was breathtaking!! Everything is green, and lush, and beautiful. I love Germany, but most of the train rides you just see a bunch of run down buildings with broken windows and tons of graffiti.  Austria has its share of graffiti,  but all the houses are gorgeous!! Its just like what you see in the movies with all the hanging flower baskets on house windows and beautiful rolling hills in the distance. I recommend this train ride to anyone!! And I'm glad that during this long journey, I had my neck pillow that Brett bought me a few years back- I left my last one in a taxi in the Czech Republic- thanks, hun!!

Finally arrived in Graz and was greeted by Renee- Dawn and Tims friend for MANY years. Such a very nice lady! We had to pick up her son, Philipp, from soccer practice and then headed back to their home to eat dinner. Renee is an English/German translator, and as you could imagine, her English is very good! Her son Philipp is 11 years old and she usually invites Americans to stay with them during the summer to speak English to Philipp. She said he doesn't like speaking it to her- so since I was around, he didn't have a choice!

On our way home, we made a stop at a bakery to grab some bread for dinner. I just can't get over how delicious the bread and pastries are over here- and ALWAYS fresh.  Yummmm!!!

Back at the house, I met Renee's husband, Heinz. We all ate dinner and they also poured me a nice Riesling from Austria- yum it was good!! We talked about quite a few things, and I thanked them for allowing me to stay at their house. It was fairly good timing in coming here. Renee and Heinz just bought a house a few minutes from downtown, and are in the process of remodeling. They just recently moved, but still have their old home right in the heart of downtown Graz, which is where I am staying. I'm not kidding, if you look at a map of Graz, their old flat is smack dab in the center of town, right near just about EVERYTHING. All their stuff is moved out, except their oldest son Chris' room. Chris is my age and going to medical school here in Graz. It just so happens he and his girlfriend are on vacation in Sri Lanka until thursday, so I'm crashing his room! He plays hockey (just for fun now), so it is nice to see all this hockey stuff in his room- makes me feel at home. Haha! But anyway, I honestly have my own apartment in downtown Graz for the next few days- how can you beat that!?!?! Heinz and Renee have to work quite a bit while I'm here, so I will be exploring much of the city on my own. Fun fact- Arnold Schwarzenegger was born just a short drive from here. Renee and Heinz were telling me that the town used to worship him when he made it big in the movies- they had a museum, and even named their town stadium after him. When he became California's governor, the town was ecstatic, but apparently a while back there was a situation where someone was on death row in California and Arnold Schwarzenegger had the chance to take them off the death penalty and didn't, and they said Austria was in an uproar.  They said his name was removed from the stadium and everything! By the way- I did not know anything about this case- I guess that's because I hate politics!

Speaking of politics though- I had mentioned the other day that the German election was happening while Tim and I were in Dresden. Angela Merkel won the final vote. She has been Germany's chancellor since 2005 and represents the Christian Democratic Party. She is said to be one of the most powerful women in the world. Also, there are multiple parties in Germany, and you have to gain at least 5% of the votes for a seat in Congress (or whatever they call it here in Germany), and this was the first time since 1949 that the FDP (Free Democratic Party) did not make the cut. Heinz was telling me that they used to have the majority vote. Very interesting!

As I left Renee and Heinz house I couldn't help but  take a picture of this beautiful chandelier in their entry way. It has been a long day, but I am soooo excited to explore Graz tomorrow!!! Until tomorrow, everyone!!