single digits

We're officially in single-digit territory. 

Only 8 more days until I leave.

What seemed like a idea is actually turning into a reality. My suitcase and bags are laid out, my clothes are starting to get folded - I'm actually going to Austria. The idea isn't so distant anymore when you say it like that. Someone pinch me.

And honestly... I'm scared.

I feel the pre-trip jitters starting to creep in.

However, I'd rather think about how amazing this time abroad is going to be! 

I can't wait to...

- meet my host family

- make new friends

- navigate & search the city for the hidden gems only the locals know

- go to as many museums and attractions as I possibly can

- find a pretty park 

- walk around my neighborhood

- be a tourist :) 

- learn the history of the city and country

- go on field / weekend trips

- pick up a little bit of German?

- eat desserts...no doubt ;) 

The list is endless. 

What an adventure this will be! 

empress elisabeth of austria

In my spare time, I have a (bad?) habit of looking up interesting facts. This is partly related to the off-chance I ever find myself on a game show, but 99.9% of the time it is for my own enjoyment. Lately, these searches have revolved around my upcoming trip. What started as an idea to find & list places to see while I am there, turned into a history lesson when I discovered the Empress.

Her story is absolutely fascinating.

I've probably spent a total of 6 hours in the last few days reading about her and her family...for fun.

Thanks, Wikipedia!

What's even cooler is that her summer palace and hunting lodge are in my district...I have no words that would be able to appropriately display to you the level of my excitement.

Schönbrunn Palace. Beautiful, yea?

So if I didn't already make it obvious...

I am probably the biggest history nerd you will ever meet ;)

beginnings

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

- Saint Augustine

If you live your life in one place, you are unable to truly appreciate the world which God created for you. Since this realization, it has become my dream to see as much of His beautiful world that I can. That is why I love this quote; I want to read this book Augustine mentions, and leave not one page untouched. Already I am blessed to have been given the gift of travel, and I carry those experiences close to my heart. And now May is holding a new journey for me -- Vienna. 

How Austria came into the picture, I'll never know. It was on pure whim that I even applied. Once I announced that I was accepted & in fact going, the most common response I got from my family was, "Awesome! ...I didn't know you were thinking about it." Whoops. Surprise! 

That was December. Today is April 23rd. In TWO WEEKS I will board a plane that will take me to a beautiful new country. I covet your prayers as I brace myself for the next 14 days of planning, packing, and finals. I am eager to hear the tales of royals, to walk the ancient streets, to stand in the presence of elegant buildings, and to find out for myself if the hills really are alive with the sound of music ;) 

Vienna... here I come! 

Belvedere Palace!