Vienna, Venice, Rome, & Malta

Hello again,

The 2591 mile trip started off in Vienna, Austria.  The city was far from my expectations.  Vienna felt like being in Chicago or some other big city.  When I visited Salzburg, Austria my expectation for Vienna were similar to the look and feel of Salzburg.  The group visited several museums, but I had little interest in them.  I understand that the Habsburgs are very important to European history but I have little interest in that particular area.  The part of Vienna I enjoyed the most was exploring the city, seeing the different styles of architecture, and visiting the Naschmarkt.  This small market has been a staple of the culture of Vienna by existing since the 16th century. One highlight of being in Vienna was the schnitzel; I can say that I ate my fair share of that wonderful dish. (Pictured below was a great tasting schnitzel!)  St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna was another highlight.  Of all of the churches visited in Europe thus far, it is number 2.  Number one will forever be St. Peter's Basilica but that will come later.  Maria Theresa Square was one of my favorite places in Vienna.  This square had great landscaping, bueatiful massive buildings, and great statues.

Representing the Huskers all the way in Vienna!  Throwing bones.....GO BIG RED!
This was taken at Figlmüller.  Great restaurant known for the schnitzel.

 Great group picture of us visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Picture of Jacob, Molly, and I sitting in the center of the Maria Theresa Square.

As we left Vienna and began traveling to Venice, it was great to see such a variety of landscapes.  Being in the midst of the Alps and then the lush wine country of Italy was great to see in such a short amount time.  That journey alone had several great views.  My favorite was looking back on vineyards with the Alps in the background.

VENICE

My first impression of Italians was extremely negative.  Train stations on strike, rude employees at train stations, and pure laziness.  The time in Venice was great, easily one of my favorite cities I have visited during my adventure in Europe.  Jan was great to have with us as he took on a short tour on Venice explaining the history of the word "ghetto", the Jewish part of Venice, and St. Mark's Square.  After the short tour, Venice was ours to explore.  Our small group immediately found some great gelato and pasta.  We all ate more pasta and pizza than we knew what to do with.

The next day consisted of visiting the museums of Venice at St. Marks Square.  It was great to again see former dungeons and prisons of ancient Venice.  The highlight of the day was visiting St. Marks Basilica.  My third favorite church in Europe.  We were able to visit this after the conclusion of Palm Sunday Mass and during the visit we were allowed to take a small piece of a branch if we desired.  This was unusual because back home I am used to a traditional palm during that particular service.

Great group picture on one of the many bridges scattered throughout Venice.

I would have liked to stay in Venice at least 2 more days, but we had our plans for Spring Break which included Rome and Malta.  Rome was a great choice.  I learned so much about the city as well as my personal faith by having the opportunity to visit Vatican City.

We began the adventure in Rome with an open air bus tour to familiarize ourselves with the city.  Our flat we stayed at was in a great location between Vatican City and the Colosseum.  There were so many buildings and monuments in Rome that I loved by my favorite was by far the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II.  This building is a tribute to King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy.

The pictures above are of the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II during the day and again at night.  Once darkness fell in Rome,  I feel as if it became a new city.

It was great to be back in Olomouc after Spring Break.  I was spent after that much traveling.  With classes resuming,  I attended several classes taught by Dr. Gaudenz Assenza.  This professor had a great way of thinking forcing myself to take a thought/idea and force it into a detailed plan for the future.  He was by far one of the most motivational enthusiast and supported of individual ideas.  Within each class I absorbed so much information to stimulate new ideas on my future, new economic ideas and thoughts,  new political thoughts and insights, and personal motivation.  Dr. Assenza spoke of opinions on several topics, which I found amazing.  He knew so much about each topic and voiced an opinion but never took a side.  He remained neutral to each topic.  I am not sure if this style was for our benefit to choose or side, at least that is how I took it.  I'm thinking not everyone interpreted the material as I did, but I enjoyed these lectures and look forward to communicating to Dr. Assenza in the future.

Until next time....I will keep doing what the locals do

-----Thad


Favorite Parts of Being Abroad

• Everyday is a new experience
• Doing what the locals do
• Although not always enjoyable the different foods
• Beer!
• Meeting new people

What I Miss from Home

• Family & Friends
• Being able to use a restroom without paying for it
• My mom's cooking
• English
• People being able to correctly say my name.