I’ve been struggling to find a blog-worthy topic. I have been waiting for a life directing epiphany, an “ah-hah” moment when it finally hits me that this incredible city is my home. So far, my only epiphany has been realizing that I am far from this realization. My walk to school is an architect’s dream. I attend class in an 18^th century palace. Last Friday my class enjoyed drinks and pastries at one of Vienna’s Coffee Houses during lecture time in order to practice ordering in German. I am still in awe of this life and remain a tourist in the best sense of the word. I prayed in the Mariazell Basilica, which remains one of the top pilgrimage destinations in Europe. I have stood in the room that holds the file used to assassinate Elizabeth or “Sisi” of the Habsburg Empire. I have admired the gardens of Prince Eugene’s summer guesthouse and questioned what a Melange is. I have partied in a nightclub in the basement of an art museum.

Amidst my tourism, I have managed to notice noteworthy information about the culture of Vienna. Firstly, this country has managed to accomplish a fascinating balance between tradition and progression. 61.5 percent of Austria’s population is Roman Catholic and tradition shows in everything from their refusal to enjoy “grab and go” coffee to the patriarchal theme of Viennese Balls. Despite this, or maybe because of it, Austria’s society is present in and aware of the 21^st century in a way I have yet to see displayed in American government. Prostitution is very legal and very regulated, both heterosexually and homosexually. Sex workers pay taxes, are tested regularly, and have the right to sue for unpaid services. Even better, it is strongly enforced that prostitutes must be their own employees; no one can collect money from another person’s body. This is one example of a socially complex country that I adore being a part of!

And while I may not yet feel like a local, I now know where to find Ben and Jerry’s peanut butter cup ice cream on a continent that doesn’t believe in Reese’s Cups AND which grocery stores tend to keep their Milka bars at the optimal temperature and away from contaminating flavors. I’d say that’s a pretty good start!

This is my apartment building… quite a transformation from The Collegian on South Atherton