Partner Visit - Univ of Ostrava

I was up early to meet Natalie at the U-Bahn station near her hotel. She purchased a weekly ticket and off we went to the train station to meet the girls and then head to Ostrava on the train. We got a quick bit of bakery food for breakfast and waited. The girls weren’t far behind and then we were off. They had their own cabin while Natalie, Rachel, and I shared with a couple ladies. I was able to catch up on reading their blogs. They updated MANY of them yesterday. I thought about reading them yesterday, but opted to create a presentation about Viktor Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning. It took me longer than I thought.

As we arrived in Ostrava, Richard Conaway from the University met us. He was a younger man and from Arizona, so it was super easy to communicate. Because we had missed the entire first day, we rushed around all day. First to the Kampus Palace then to a quick lunch that ended up being not quick at all (though super good vegan place - I had a hummus tortilla) — resulting in a shortened visit with the faculty of nursing and mid-wifery. I think it was cool to see their resources …. much smaller than our university with our simulation lab and and entire building for physical therapy. But it was fun to see that they do have up to date machines, just not a lot of them.

I made a good contact with Darja in the Nursing dept. Her presentation had to really be cut short so we only got to see what degrees the Univ of Ostrava offers in that “faculty” (which we refer to as a college-like the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences). I found that they have a degree in Public Health….I may be able to spend some time on an exchange here, or a semester, or 

something. She was eager to get me her contact information and so was Richard. He will be a good advocate and communication partner to help set something like that up. I will be talking to Hermann on Friday….sooooooooo…..we wil see.

Ostrava is a much different city. While European influence is seeping in, the communist feel still pervades the place. It is dirtier and less kept up than Vienna, but I suppose with only 30 years to rebuild, it is doing well. Vienna has been rebuilding since 1945, Ostrava since 1993. My initial excitement was always squelched by a nervous to be here type feel. I will see how I feel after Wednesday and Thursday.

We also saw a home for the mentally handicapped. It was much like the Adult Development Center in Conway, only on a MUCH smaller scale. They house 20 patients/clients all week. On the weekends, most of them go home.

Afterward, I think we all were tired of WALKING all over, plus an early day. They let us rest and get a drink at a place. That is a European thing….get a beer and just visit and “chill.” But I was watching the time. As the moments ticked away, so was my ACTUAL rest time in the hotel room before our 6pm dinner. We ended up getting just about 10 minutes. I took EVERY moment of that to lay prone!!!

Dinner was FANTASTIC!!!!!!! They hosted us at a place that had a couple lanes to bowl as well, which was included. It took a LONG time to get the food, so we started our bowling. A local student, Matthew joined us. He was a cute blond haired 22 year old just recently graduated student who will come to study at UCA in January. He was a lot of fun. We laughed about how he and I would consistently get 9 on our first ball and usually miss the solo pin still standing. It was humorous. So we had a lot of fun with this. I think the girls did too. It was time to just let down and have fun.

But can I say MY MEAL WAS SOOOOO GOOD! I have NO IDEA what it was called but it was a variety of dumplings (two of which were typical to what I was used to and two like light bread). The mean (sirloin) was covered in a brown sweet tasty gravy. On top was a lemon covered with whipped cream and cranberry jelly/sauce. Oh my goodness! It was to die for. Granted, I WAS starving, but I’m not making this up. I was in heaven. A lot of the girls got other things (friend cheese, chicken breast covered in vegetables, rolled chicken with cheese and spinach with a wonderful sauce, and something vegetarian and pita like for Priya). Natalie and I determined to go back the next night to try the potatoe pancake that Pavla had ordered and shared a bite with us.

Richard dropped us back at the Kampus Palace hotel (dormitories for the students as well). Natalie and I went to our room to rest and go to bed, while the girls hung out with Matthew for a bit.

Natalie and I quickly found out that we were staying above the happening vegan restaurant that hosts events each night. It was hot and stuffy in our room so we opened the window to find stand up comedy …. and laughter that lasted well past 11pm or midnight! We made it :)

Last night on the way home from Dorfgastein Natalie contacted me saying that she was ill and that our plans for Monday (today) were changing. Instead of getting home at 10:30 (meaning more like 11pm for me and closer to 11:30pm for the girls) and then turning around and making the 2pm train to Ostrava, she allowed herself a full day to rest up in Vienna and then we would take the 8am train on Tuesday. No worries AT ALL. In fact, the girls were all very tired so they were jumping for joy (on the inside) to have a free day where they did not have to get up early, get things done, then meet at the train.

I was equally as excited! I let myself sleep in for a long time. Did some laundry and packed as much as I could with dry clothes, cleaned up and then headed the short train stop away to meet Natalie in her hotel room. We caught up, talked shop, and then I went out to get us lunch. Her first mea in Vienna was from Vapiano’s. It was wonderful as always, but she didn’t get the full experience as she only got to eat it rather than also getting to watch them prepare it.

While there we purchased train tickets for Ostrava but then I headed into the Institute to have them printed for us. It was nice to chat with Hermann and Verena. I love that we have become friends!!

Hermann was telling me something he had recently heard about Silicon Valley in California.

America is definitely NOT a socialist country. This specific example made me sad for the people, but it made him furious. The news report had documented a long street in Silicon Valley lined with cars - like long meaning miles long. In those cars were homeless people. I had been telling him about our homeless tour by Shades Tours, saying he needed to participate in one some time. He said the news story in California interviewed two of these people without a home, living in their cars. He said it was a married couple, both of which worked as high school teachers but could not afford a home. On the TV it showed both of them sitting in the front seat of their car grading. They would kiss each other goodnight and then one would head to the back of the car to sleep and the other would go to another car to sleep.

Wrapping my head around things like this is so difficult. While I see the benefits of a socialist society, I also see the American point of view of who is going to pay for it. Hermann’s beef was that American’s aren’t willing to give up their money to support others. If we want public transportation, someone needs to fund it, or donate the money. Rather in Vienna, EVERYONE pays a portion of their income to this program. Same with homeless shelters, etc. It is difficult to wrap my head around it….I don’t necessarily want to work my back side off so others can have the benefit if they are not working to help themselves. But if they are working, and trying, I feel better about helping. I think a lot of American’s are like this. And I totally get it. We have been conditioned to see that those without don’t try to get, or to make a way on their own. This may or may not be true. Changing our cultural view is very hard indeed.

An early night (yippee) to clean up, pack, and prepare for Ostrava tomorrow. I think it will be a fairly long day going going going.

To Dorfgastein with Love

Though today was another early day, I was excited for Dorfgastein. It is my favorite of all favorite places!!! Each time I go, I dread leaving - and leave a piece of my heart there. This time around I bought a litle stone rock in remembrance :)

The train was fairly straight forward. In fact, no switches. Only we can never have a day free from adventures. We stood at the door as the train stopped. However, the door WOULD NOT open….like seriously, I was pushing and pushing the button but soon the train began to move towards the next city, Bad Hofgastein! We found ourselves there 5 minutes later. Holy Cow!!! Our options were limited….wait the hour for the train back (without tickets) or wait 30 minutes for a bus, buy a ticket and take time to get there. We all opted for the hour wait. We had a good time - it reminded me of the time we missed Mödling station on our way to Burg Liechtenstein during my first study abroad. We had to wait for an hour for the next train back. We saw cute things, but we froze….literally. Well, the girls did, I did not. ;)

Soon enough we were on the train - semi-illegally - to Dorfgastein. We found our way to Pension Theresia to store our luggage. It was nice to see Fritz and Anna Marie. We also saw their grand daughters, Jasmine and Emily. Kelsey had SUCH a great time with Emily last time. I snapped a pic of me with them and sent it to her.

After our luggage was stored, off we went to find out way to the top of the mountain. Fritz usually takes us so I had to navigate by myself….and I never do it perfectly. But no worries, up the mountain we went and soon all the mishaps faded into the clouds as the breathtaking views overtook us! What a fun hike….only I am MUCH MORE out of shape than I like. I gotta drop this weight this summer! And it was wonderful as always. We ate at the restaurant …. cheese dumplings in soup, which was delish!!!

Hallstatt

Up early again and on the train to Hallstatt. This time, instead of the chartered bus, we took the train which dropped us on the opposite side of the lake. This meant we had the opportunity to be on the lake. It was supposed to rain, so I wasn’t sure we would have time or be able to with the weather. It was nice...I love water.

When we got to the little town, we had to rush through to make our time for the tour of the salt mine. We made it and up we went...the higher we went, the more beautiful it became. I didn’t take as many pics this time around (which is true of MOST of this trip), but it was as gorgeous as always. Poor Priya’s allergies were horrible and she sneezed constantly up the mountain. Inside the mountain was better for her, thankfully. And the tour was wonderful as always. I loved the cold since I have been in the heat solidly for a few days. And the slides were fun too!

The clouds were rolling in as we waited our turn for the overlook picture point. It actually started sprinkling HUGE raindrops as we were waiting, but stopped as we took our pics. As we got down to the funicular ride down there was a line, a LONG line. Never before have I seen a line...and it took about 30 minutes or so. We were starving - the girls more than me since I think my breakfast was better than theirs. We finally got down and made our way to somewhere to eat. It had begun to rain a little more now. We found a place to slip inside and have some pizza. As we were inside the rain came down hard...pouring for a bit. Really, it was perfect timing. It rained hard while we were inside and not so hard while we were out walking around. I didn’t want to do much except get a double scoop chocolate gelato and sit! Just sit and look at the lake, take in the serenity and peace! And that is what I did!! Until it was time to get back on the boat.

I was nervous that with the rain, Igor would not be there. But he had promised to stay until midnight if necessary. So when we got off the train, I dropped the girls off at the hostel and then hoofed it quickly into the city, all the while hoping Igor was there. It was no longer really raining, but it HAD been. When I turned the corner, he wasn’t in that same spot, but someone WAS in the dry place under the arches. As I got closer, I saw that it was him and my heart skipped a beat! I couldn’t wait to see my picture. The ONLY thing I was nervous for was the cost. I had NO IDEA how much he would charge me. I was willing to pay whatever it took - even if I had to bring the rest back next year. To my surprise, he insisted on giving it to me as a present! WHAT!!??? How kind!! His reasoning was good energy….being kind, not ripping people off. He then insisted that he give me another to give to a colleague. I decided to give it to the Institute … and hopefully advertise for him since they always send students to Salzburg.  I walked slower on the way home - almost floating. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! Smaller than I expected, but still beautiful!

Another reason for floating home was that I was talking with Spencer. I haven’t REALLY talked with him since he left. It was Saturday so he was just chilling. We had a great conversation about money, his job, my shoes, Austria last year, and life. I miss him a lot and I think he misses me/us too. It is fun to be on your own, I know, but is also strangely difficult at moments. He is coming home next weekend….only I won’t get home until a day later :(

Alive with Giddiness

Today began a few days of early mornings and late nights - meaning a packed full weekend of some of the most beautiful places! But that scenario of late nights and early mornings is difficult. With only 5 students this year, we had to take some perks out. This trip was one of them. But at the last moment, after fiddling endlessly with the budget, we found we had some extra money - just not enough to hire a chartered bus to take us to all the places and then stay in nice places as well. So we rode the train - and found our way to the Hostel for the girls and the hotel for me. Mine was nice but I think they struggled a bit since they had a room for 6 and they were only 5 - which meant they shared a room with another stranger. Then the bathroom was less than desirable. But would they pay extra for a nicer place? I don’t know. It is hard to say.

After dropping our bags at our respective places, we ventured into the city. We were all pretty hungry so we looked for a place to eat. It was early (about 10:45) so not a lot of FOOD places were open yet. On the back of the map we got from the hostel we found a burger place….and off we went, back the way we had come. But what a perfect choice!!! The burger was tasty, but the BEST part was that she brought LOTS of COLD water - something we are NOT used to here. I even asked for ice - almost jokingly. But she brought a class of ice cubes for us to share. How great was that!??!!!

I had emailed and secured a bike tour of the city with some Sound of Music places too. And we had money for the funicular up to the fortress. Everything was running smoothly, I was fairly certain how to get around the small town of Salzburg showing them briefly the highlights, as I have found that this group (minus one) enjoys seeing things, taking a pic, and moving on. It was hot so that was hard. I was looking for Igor, my favorite Salzburg artist. I had emailed him pictures I wanted him to paint for me. I didn’t think he would have it, but I hoped. Only I couldn’t find him in any of his normal places - which made me sad. We made our way to the Love Lock bridge….Megan needed to add a lock and that is where we were to meet RoseMarie for our bike tour. After getting our bikes and heading on our way, I realized that these girls were not avid bikers, nor were they confident on the bike. In fact, one struggled a lot with anxiety. We ended up walking the bikes in heavy congestion (wise anyhow) and then riding them in the open. Our guide was fantastic. I have found that there are good guides and there are not so good guides. I have had both. Gratefully today she was good. We biked about 10km in the heat … wow! I could feel the heat on my arms, chest, and neck! But it was fun and a relaxing way to see the sites. I would do it again if Lisa would allow it next year.

After a water stop with LOTS of water at Hellbrunn Palace where the gazebo from the Sound of Music is, we walked to the actual palace...something I have never seen. It was here that we rested, got gelato, and sat for awhile. It was beautiful and much needed after all the sun.

The ride back was pretty straight forward — then if was off to get some apfelstrudel from the famous place on the corner. Then it was off to the fortress for some views that I knew the girls would like. On the way, Igor was now in his spot!!! We stopped and when he saw me his face lit up. That is such a wonderful feeling. And what to my surprise …. he had done the picture for me. Only it was at his studio. I was SOOOOO excited! And I mean like a giddy school girl excited! I promised to come back tomorrow after we return from our trip to Hallstatt. Oh my goodness….I could not contain my happiness, my excitement!!! He showed me pics from his phone and that made me all the more excited and giddy.

The view from the fortress did not disappoint - never does! The girls loved it too. And that makes me happy.

That was the night for me. We returned to the hostel and hotel and called it a night. Long day but a good day! Salzburg is always beautiful.

Peace & Compassion (Shades Tours) in Vienna — then Bratlislava

Our Shades Tour was fantastic - minus the heat. I can’t believe how HOT it has been lately. This time around we had a rough time meeting up with them. I couldn’t see their Shades Tour sign and they couldn’t see us. We were at the same place on different sides of the concrete - maybe 20 yards apart. But because we were both on the edges of the area, many people looking at the statues were in between us MOST of the time. We finally got going, and immediately I found the guide, Nina, inspiring and in my heart. As she would continue, her tragic story would unfold. She spent a lot more time (or so it seemed at least) sitting or standing and talking with us - opening our minds and perspectives toward the homeless towards greater peace and compassion. At the age of 14 she found herself homeless. What!!! How??? My mind reeled in all different directions. It is so easy to judge the homeless - especially in America. But I found that these same stereotypes and stigmas exist here too. But during tours like this, I begin to see that all homeless people are not lazy, did not enter because of laziness and lack of willingness to work. Nor might they have been addicted to drugs or alcohol and THEN found themselves homeless. It is difficult for me at home to look at them with compassion at times as they sit on the corners begging for money. In my mind I judge them that what they SHOULD be doing is looking for a job. While that may be true, who would give them a job? I know so little of this life as I have grown up with such privilege.

Though in the United States, Nina would not find herself homeless as much as she would find herself within the foster care system. She ran away because her mom had become violent, beating her for 2 years. She stayed that long so her younger sister would be in school and hopefully NOT be beaten. But she could stay no longer. She slept on benches in the park. Men raped her. She finally stopped sleeping in the park but turned to drugs as that is the only way she could find to supress all her suffering. THAT, is sooo sad to me. I don’t understand drugs at all. NOT AT ALL!!! But at the tender age of 14, when most girls are running and jumping or playing with friends, she found herself growing up too quickly. In and out of prison for fighting and then for selling drugs, she felt hopeless. When the judge told her that she could stay in prison for selling drugs for 3 years or go to therapy for 1 year, she thought long and hard. After two months, she opted for therapy and has been heading in an upward direction ever since. She is now 33 and seems to be doing well. She is hoping to save enough money to get a degree in social work and spend money to get a drivers license - which costs an incredible amount (around $1200 or so). THAT is crazy!

Sean and Robert had come with us so we all went to lunch after and then to Bratislava … Priya ended up coming too. What a fun day, again just walking and talking and having a good time. I’m glad Priya came, and I am so happy to have met Sean and Robert. We laughed a lot….and sweated a lot too! Got back very late again though. Goodness, I enjoyed the slow times...to just be. But I have seen some fun things, new things, and made new friends and memories along the way.