I'm in Salzburg! ...actually Puch!

Myself and my luggage made it to Salzburg! Yay! Considering I didn't have to recheck my luggage or anything, I was very shocked that it made it to my destination. A friend I had met in Kamloops that was studying abroad at Thompson Rivers University, originally from Salzburg offered to pick me up at the airport. I arrived in Salzburg at 11:00AM and I was still having troubles realizing where I was and the adventures I will endeavour over the next six months. Not only did Conny pick me up from the airport, but she graciously drove me around the city centre helping me collect my residence keys, and register with the government. Also, we walked through the city centre and she pointed out the landmarks of downtown Salzburg.  I could not have thanked her enough! She pointed out a castle on the top of the hill, and mentioned that the mountain beside the castle has a trail on the top of it that you are able to walk along. And that half the mountain is in Germany and half in Austria. To say the least, this hike has been moved to the top of my "Austria Bucket List". It was amazing to drive through the city, and then end up at my residence. I actually don't live right in Salzburg (which was surprising to hear), I live in a village called Puch. Its comparable to Cochrane and Calgary. The train is only 20 minutes to the city centre and the train stop is right outside my dorm! As well as campus being approx 10 steps from the residence door to the campus building door. So close and so handy!! 

When Conny dropped me off around 2:30PM, I was ready for sleep. Sleeping into the night and waking up around 1:00AM, as my body still thought I was on Calgary time. Salzburg is 8 hours ahead of Calgary, so it has taken me some time to get adjusted. The people here have been so friendly. I have ran into a couple hiccups (not knowing how to work the german student website to connect to internet, and my power going out) but thanks to a couple individuals who I have met through the School network, they have been able to help me, and were willing to drop what they were doing and make sure I was alright! It's very comforting to have that support when you are all on your own. 

After catching up on my sleep and realizing that the protein bars I had packed can only do so much, I figured I would venture out to the grocery store...that's literally a 6 minute walk from my door. I have been told that it is the most expensive chain of grocery stores here, but for now it will have to do! I think it will take some time for me to get used to the prices and exchange rate. I think I arrived in Salzburg at the perfect time; having all weekend to adjust to the time difference, get settled in my room and meet all the new incomings before Orientation begins on Tuesday. Classes wont actually start till February 24th, which is very odd, coming from a Canadian school system. I would already be writing midterms at TRU! 

My journey has JUST begun and I am constantly questioning the reality I am living. I can't believe that I have this amazing opportunity to travel, let alone study abroad. It is really a once in a life time opportunity!!