Strassenbahn Success!

1) Today was our first day of German classes, which meant we had to figure out how to get to the IES Center via public transportation. This is something I had been anxious about before coming to Vienna, and the last couple days as today approached. However, I really had no reason to worry! The public transportation in Vienna is very simple. All forms of transportation: the buses, trams, undergrounds, and trains, operate as one system, meaning a weekly/monthly pass allows you to use any of the systems to get to your destination. Pretty cool! We only have to walk two blocks to our tram stop, then ride from district 16 to the ring that surrounds the inner city. Then we transfer to any of the trams that come to that stop, and ride for two stops, before walking about three blocks to the center. It is actually very simple. I had a chance to go to and from the center twice today, once with my RA and other suite-mates, and once with just my roommate, so I am confident that I could do it by myself. The commute is probably about  30 minutes, on average, but I'm sure it depends on the time of day. Mid-day today was certainly quicker.

2) Day one of German was slightly overwhelming, and there are aspects of the language that are so confusing to me! Such as gender noun articles. Ahh! My professor has a nice sense of humor, though, and I think it will be fun.

3) After our class, we had a tour around district one of Vienna, particularly the bit that is near IES. Our tour guide was phenomenal! I didn't want the tour to end! She knew so much history about the city and people, and was able to give recommendations of where to eat, and what museums to visit. She also got us all super jazzed on the Operas and ballets that will be happening nightly once the season reconvenes in September. I am starting to really love this city!

Well, it is late here, and tomorrow is another early day with more German confusion!
Gute nacht!