Log #7

             Last two weeks, I went to Central Europe for a trip with my roommates’ family. This was my first time to travel aboard away from Asia and this was the first time that I traveled alone for a day. Months ago, Barbara, my roommate, invited me to her best friend’s wedding on May 6^th. She mostly arranged everything for me during the two weeks, including the accommodation, the traditional cuisine and the tourist attractions. I really appreciate her invitation and everything she did for me. This was such an interesting trip for me that we had a great time together.

                On the first day, I arrived Vienna, the capital city of Austria, and I was so lucky that there was a free walking tour to the main square in the city guided in English. First stop was a market right in front of the hostel; I bought fresh food, pickled vegetable, cookies and beer. In the afternoon, it was so nice to take a walk around the city to see the historical architectures from the 18^th century. Then we visited the Opera House where I enjoyed an amazing Opera by Mozart- Le Nozze di Figaro (the marriage of Figaro).

                Next day, Barbara came to join me and then we had a wonderful tea and desserts at the café in the main train station. In addition to visiting her friends in Czech Republic, we also took a stroll at some famous splendid churches. After going to an underground spot, we headed to the University of Science and Technology to meet her old classmates. He showed me around the campus as well as the lecture rooms that I might consider to study there.

                During the weekend, we participated in one of her best friends’ wedding. It was a traditional Christian marriage that they followed the process for the couple being together forever on the church. I also experienced the after-party and the lovely banquet that people ate and danced for the whole night. There were some gentlemen who could speak English had a chat with me and invited me to dance with me. According to Barbara, most of her friends were so curious about me and they all wanted to know more about Taiwan and the religion.

                What’s more, we also took a SPA, went shopping, had an Asian food and even drank a cup of bubble tea during our trip. I had to say that the dishes there was so huge that I was always so full after each meal. The last stop of our journey was the chandelier cave. Afterward, Barbara and her mother drove me back to the airport. I am grateful for having a chance like this to not only experience the different cultures but also enjoy this wonderful experience in the middle of Europe.