Leaving Mörbisch and meeting Lilo!

This morning was a little rushed – Ellen, Audrey and I woke up after our alarm and packed quickly, but then had another lovely breakfast before bringing our luggage downstairs.

We had our second class session this morning, where we reviewed what we had learned about Haydn yesterday and learned a whole lot more. Things were a little awkward for me today; I often have trouble trying to establish myself in groups, and I'm not sure whether or not I should speak up in class. Hopefully that awkwardness will go away.

After lunch, we loaded again into busses and drove out of Mörbisch (Auf weidersahen, Mörbisch!) and set off towards Vienna! I got to sit next to my good buddy Jared, who, as he does, provided great conversation and good, uplifting stories. He's an awesome kid, and anyone who spends time with him is lucky to do so.

This picture is of Eisenstadt, where Count Nicholas Esterhazy's palace used to be, and where Haydn spent many years as Kappelmeister.

We arrived in Wien in the early afternoon. Dr. O gave us a short introduction to the city, pointing out landmarks and important historical buildings. There was a mad scramble to get our suitcases off the bus at the University, but we all managed. Doc distributed our euros for the week and gave us our (busy) schedule for the coming days.

The lovely Audrey, holding 10,000 in euros (before Doc distributed to everyone).

Very shortly, our host mom came to pick up Audrey, Annika, Rachel and I. She was very excited and gave us all hugs! We drove in a taxi to her house in District 13, talking the whole way. The five of us all piled our luggage into her house for a tour.

Leisolette (or as we call her, Lilo) is fantastic. She has hosted many students before, both from Hope and from other schools. She has her system down, and has a no-nonsense attitude. However, she is thrilled to have us, calls us “her girlies,” and seems like she'll be a wonderful woman to get to know this semester. Lilo is also a lovely woman. She's about my height, with cropped brown hair and glasses, and she's very fit. She has a beautiful smile, and looks like a carbon copy of Emma Thompson. She is very cheerful, knowledgeable, well-traveled, and kind.

Lilo and her 4 girlies sat for a while and talked, enjoying fruit, sweet rolls, and sparkling wine. She told us about her family, her other students, her system, and her travels (which are extensive). She asked us about our lives and interests too. She speaks excellent English, but is eager to improve. Lilo explained the house to us (locking the door, bathroom systems, laundry, etc), as well as the transportation system around Vienna. The five of us actually went out and rode the whole thing – 2 busses, a tram, the U4, and traipsing through the rain! We saw the StaatsOper (the State's Opera), the AAIE (where I will be taking classes), and the hall where the Vienna Philharmonic performs. She is very excited that I am a musician, and said she'd try to get me into a rehearsal.

We journeyed back home, learned more things, and wound down for the night. Getting up early for the flea market tomorrow!