And it already feels like home. I expected to feel out of place, if not in my residence, at least in the bustling city of Graz. My housing was no problem. When I first arrived I felt a little like an intruder; I had a key to let myself in and was expecting a single room, however I unlocked my door to a very lived in kitchen and no one home! I had to wander downstairs to find my room. It was weird moving into someone else's home while they weren't there to greet me, but just as I was starting to unpack a bit my roommate Dajana from Croatia came home. She immediately welcomed me into our home, giving me a full tour not only of the flat, but also the housing complex. I have another roommate named Chrissi from Austria, but have yet to meet her as she is home on holidays right now.
As for Graz, I'm not entirely sure why I feel so comfortable already. With about 300,000 people, it is the second biggest city in Austria, and more than double the size of anywhere I've lived before. That being said, it doesn't seem that way. Graz is lush with greenery, and has a river that reminds me of the Illecillewaet. The city moves quickly, but it doesn't move in stressful rush. I don't think there's such thing as "rush hour" here. One of the main modes for transportation is by bike. Everyone bikes! When you cross the road, ten bikes cross with you. Every block downtown has bike stands holding ten to twenty bikes. It's almost ridiculous. Graz also has an exceptional public transport system. One week here and I already understand it better than I ever understood Kamloops'! I can get pretty much anywhere in a about a half hour.
And I've pretty much been everywhere, it feels like! I've been running around doing so much bureaucratic stuff that I've already gotten to know the city quite well. Between that, 3 hours of yapping in Deutsch everyday, and some residual jet lag, I get pretty tired quite early. I've been going to bed between 8 and 10:30, and waking up between 4:30 and 8! It's been nice though; waking up early is something I've wanted to do for years.. so I'm going to try to keep it up!
Soon to come..... Pictures!! =)
Best wishes to home from a sunny Graz,
<3 Nikki
So Awesome! I'm excited you have started a blog so early! And such a cool one!! teach me I want a cool blog like yours!!! =) I love reading your writing, it's like I'm right there...every word you use is so explanatory and exciting. I can't wait to see pictures and read more! Miss you. Love you. Excited for you.
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Keish
You're so cool, I'm jealous. I can't wait too see pictures. Keep us updated as much as you can, I love reading what you're up to and how you're feeling. Plus it will be a great thing to look back on once it's all over. We should Skype soon!
ReplyDeleteLove you lots,
Ryan
Haha, yeah I'm really excited about this blog thing!! I spent at least two hours clicking on every design button and figuring out what it is. It's so cool that I can stream a bunch of videos for you guys to listen to while you check out my page! Keishia just explore the design settings, yours can be super cool too! The writing I chose is calligraffiti! What a great combo!
ReplyDeleteI love this blog, I'm glad you are doing it hon. It will be a great way to remember everything you are doing, years from now. I miss you alot, the house seems empty without you, but at the same time I'm so excited for all the adventures you are, and will be having! It's good that you are comfortable there, but remember to keep alert all the time, aware of your surroundings. I'm looking forward to reading this everyday(?). Here's a big hug!
ReplyDeleteLove ya,
Dad