tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33208384126649485232024-03-13T11:46:08.768-07:00The BMW of European Travel BlogsMy semi-regular updates on my long overdue study abroad experience.Naeemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845993195895522907noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320838412664948523.post-76401716605509171552010-06-10T15:27:00.000-07:002010-06-10T15:27:24.638-07:00Livin' on a Prayer in Ljubljana<div class="MsoNormal">On Friday we left our home away from home to start the 2 day journey to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Dubrovnik</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Croatia</st1:country-region></st1:place>. Sometime a home sneaks up on you, and before you know it, you recognize every curve and bend of a place so well that you can navigate it in the dark (we would never have to do this in the Raab Heim because there are motion sensors that turn the lights on when ever you move- a neat idea until you stop moving long enough to get left in the dark). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ll miss the cold breakfast of cheese, bread, cold cuts and yoghurt. I’ll miss the bier vending machine. I’ll miss the city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Linz</st1:place></st1:city>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the way to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Croatia</st1:country-region> we had a one night stop over in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Ljubljana</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Slovenia</st1:country-region></st1:place>. The bus ride there was kind of enchanting- maybe because I stayed up really late the night before and was delirious, or maybe because it really was enchanting. Fog silked down the valleys of the huge stony mountains and the snow capped apexes were just hidden under low lying clouds. The highway was on stilts and wound around the contours of the alps like a ribbon. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s about all I remember before I fell asleep and had a dream about being left at the Raab Heim and then being ok with if because there were free Kebabs in the lobby. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I woke up we pulled into <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Slovenia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Our hotel was a first class, 4 star establishment (for some reason) and we spent some time just exploring our own rooms. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ljubljana</st1:place></st1:city> lacks in vowels, it makes up in character. I don’t think that many people in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> are aware of a country named <st1:country-region w:st="on">Slovenia</st1:country-region>, and even if they are conscious of the possibility that it exists, they might confuse it with <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Slovakia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. In fact I remember a story a few years back where our own military band played the Slovakian national anthem for some visiting Slovenian dignitaries. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In any case, making <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ljubljana</st1:place></st1:city> a stop on your next Euro trip would not be a bad idea. The city is very well kept and the downtown scene is lively and fresh. The restaurants, cafés, and bars are great and the people are very friendly. We spent most of the night hitting up different places and I smoked a Cuban cigar with the professor. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There was pre-world cup friendly soccer match up on a projector screen at a café. <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Slovenia</st1:place></st1:country-region> is the smallest country to qualify for this world cup. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Some of us ended the night at a bar turned nightclub that played 80’s rock music from the <st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Croatia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. It was in an Irish pub that basically just dimmed the lights and stuffed a DJ into an awkward corner of the bar. It dawned on me that we had been in an Irish pub in every European city. What is it with the Irish pub phenomenon? Are Irish people constantly drunk? Do they get anything done in the day? What are their immigration laws like?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We cabbed it back home after having our fill of Bon Jovi and left for Dubrovnik the next day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFlZ2Q9MII/AAAAAAAAAJY/2sG6q2SFG-k/s1600/100_4016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFlZ2Q9MII/AAAAAAAAAJY/2sG6q2SFG-k/s320/100_4016.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFlejNkEDI/AAAAAAAAAJg/0i62nGMgtyY/s1600/100_4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFlejNkEDI/AAAAAAAAAJg/0i62nGMgtyY/s320/100_4025.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guess which country doesn't have a trade embargo with Cuba.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFl4zjM9rI/AAAAAAAAAJo/VI4titFQ2DI/s1600/100_4007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFl4zjM9rI/AAAAAAAAAJo/VI4titFQ2DI/s320/100_4007.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A river runs through it. (Ljubljana)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFmGfLsFnI/AAAAAAAAAJw/HVRaiwJv3IM/s1600/100_4028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFmGfLsFnI/AAAAAAAAAJw/HVRaiwJv3IM/s320/100_4028.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Professor Lanier and I. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Naeemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845993195895522907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320838412664948523.post-39086908510712416922010-06-10T15:09:00.000-07:002010-06-10T15:09:02.011-07:00Venice and the sinking feeling.<div class="MsoNormal">The next day in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city> was quiet for me because I stayed on the apartment most of the day to get some work done. I was hard to stay in one place. At least the working conditions were good because our apartment was along a busy street and I opened the window to enjoy the bustle outside as I worked. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I went out later that night to some of the same bars and cafés that we saw the day before and added a few new ones to the list.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next day I woke up early, dropped my bags with the hotel reception and set out to make a sweep of the whole city. Getting around in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city> is so different from anything I’ve experienced before. Water taxis seemed like a joke to me, and it did seem that the only people I saw on them were tourists. The water-borne equivalent to a bus was the real deal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sailing down the <st1:place w:st="on">Grand Canal</st1:place> was great. I got to see a different side of the city. If you’re ever in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city>, and you don’t take a trip down this main thoroughfare, you’re missing half of the experience. The buildings are of course beautiful, but the fact that you can jump out of a window and land in a boat is really amazing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After getting to the other end of the canal, we got out and started walking back to the hotel to get out bags and make it back to the mainland in time. I began to realize only then that <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city> was really a town of tourists. The streets were choked with us. I guess out apartment was in a less travelled area because I didn’t expect it at all. But, I think that the number of visitors only attests to the powerful call of the city. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I got to see most of the main bridges and squares and churches within two hours, even though it was rushed. I was glad to experience it, despite the brevity. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I read that <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city> is slowly sinking and the ocean is slowly rising. We are able to build cities on water and bore our way through mountains, so hopefully we will figure out a way to keep <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city> around. Just in case, though, go see <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city> soon. Its one of the most beautiful things you will ever see. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFgHVB4hOI/AAAAAAAAAI4/JVeclKoXQ18/s1600/SAM_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFgHVB4hOI/AAAAAAAAAI4/JVeclKoXQ18/s320/SAM_1546.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm on a boat. (again)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFgVJapYvI/AAAAAAAAAJA/YYQOcBUw4Wc/s1600/SAM_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFgVJapYvI/AAAAAAAAAJA/YYQOcBUw4Wc/s320/SAM_1548.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Its not a flood scene. It's the skreet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFgiQc4bjI/AAAAAAAAAJI/AG1dO6zk2rA/s1600/SAM_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFgiQc4bjI/AAAAAAAAAJI/AG1dO6zk2rA/s320/SAM_1575.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No sleeping under the bridge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFhFOT6leI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/6wPWpJahpyI/s1600/SAM_1580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TBFhFOT6leI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/6wPWpJahpyI/s320/SAM_1580.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gelato to see you.</div><br />
</div>Naeemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845993195895522907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320838412664948523.post-42628822487650961832010-06-08T15:15:00.000-07:002010-06-08T15:15:34.416-07:00Venice: Canals of Gelato and Pizza.<div class="MsoNormal">Getting to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city> was an adventure in itself. The bus ride from <st1:city w:st="on">Linz</st1:city> took us through the <st1:place w:st="on">Alps</st1:place>. Mind you, not over the mountains, but through them. I didn’t expect it at all, but there are countless tunnels carved into the difficult landscape. Most tunnels were short; we would cross those within a few seconds. Some were much longer and covered many kilometers. (I still have no idea how long a kilometer is, but it’s the only thing I got over here.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always been a fan of riding on trains, and scoffed a little when I realized that we would be taking a bus everywhere, but it has its own charm. On a bus you get to see the landscape at a slower pace and get rest stops every once in a while to take it all in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We got to the other side of the mountains and drove through the flat lands of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The landscape was very different and actually reminded me a little of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state>. We had our lecture on the Italian style of arbitration and then got dropped off at the train station to take a short ride to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Venetian</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Islands</st1:placetype></st1:place>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I figured <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city> would be the opposite of everything I had heard about or seen in pictures. Pessimistically, I thought that there were maybe one or two canals that people used to get around. And it would be choked with tourists on gondolas. Luckily, I was wrong. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city> is truly a city in the ocean. There are scores of canals everywhere. There are no cars allowed in the city, so everything is done by boat. I mean everything: transportation (duh), deliveries, and even construction. It’s really a sight. Believe the hype, visit <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our hotel was actually a tiny bed and breakfast... that was too small for us. They put us up in some apartments a few minutes away in a quiet part of the city. Apparently people have agreements with certain hotels so that guests stay in their open apartments when the regular hotel is full. It makes sense because <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Venice</st1:city></st1:place> is not exactly experiencing a lot of development this century. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the first night a couple of us went out to find some excitement. I found it 30 feet from our apartment: a pizza/ gelato counter. It was heaven in your choice of the best pizza in the world or the best ice cream in the world. Yeah, I know what you are thinking, “pizza and ice cream can’t be THAT different in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region>.” And I encourage you to stay in your bubble. Please continue talking about how the pizza that I’m eating is not that great. No go ahead. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">More for me <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We soon realized that it’s extremely easy to get lost in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city>. There is no rhyme or reason to the layout of the streets. Plus most of the streets are only wide enough for two people to walk by each other and brush shoulders. For the rest of my time in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Venice</st1:place></st1:city> I took good mental notes of every corner I turned so I could find my way back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We found a square not to far away that was lined with bars and cafés. The first place we went into was sporting some alt-looking kids and Bob Marley on the music box. We immediately ordered drinks. After talking to some folks in the bar, we learned about some other bar or club or something on the other side of town that had some live music. We got some sketchy directions and set off. After some supplementary tips along the way we came upon exactly what we were looking for... sort of. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The name of the bar was right, but it wasn’t a bar at all. It was a street party with hundreds of people and a decent stage with great music! We partied a lot harder than we thought we were going to and it was OK. We were in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Venice</st1:city></st1:place>, we were at a street party, and we were getting class credit to be there. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We found our way back to the apartment and I fell asleep with a smile on my face. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Part II comes tomorrow. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6_sQAiR6I/AAAAAAAAAIg/1ny3EWlqfjI/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6_sQAiR6I/AAAAAAAAAIg/1ny3EWlqfjI/s320/IMG_0393.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How do you get through this?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6_0H0wPOI/AAAAAAAAAIw/6sJ4O9BHBJs/s1600/100_3976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6_0H0wPOI/AAAAAAAAAIw/6sJ4O9BHBJs/s320/100_3976.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6_xFJL-2I/AAAAAAAAAIo/A5hyJvwG1_4/s1600/100_3993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6_xFJL-2I/AAAAAAAAAIo/A5hyJvwG1_4/s320/100_3993.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Freaking castles. I looong for a bungalow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6-yR5VIUI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Fqjh61aGSP8/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6-yR5VIUI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Fqjh61aGSP8/s320/IMG_0428.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taxi!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6_SAvGPBI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/BVquvBDDSaY/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6_SAvGPBI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/BVquvBDDSaY/s320/IMG_0509.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ever parallel park a boat?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6_dONjkcI/AAAAAAAAAIY/LspVi6dadGU/s1600/IMG_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6_dONjkcI/AAAAAAAAAIY/LspVi6dadGU/s320/IMG_0505.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gelato and pizza...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6-8XDGKnI/AAAAAAAAAIA/p87T1atOcxU/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/TA6-8XDGKnI/AAAAAAAAAIA/p87T1atOcxU/s320/IMG_0440.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get in mah belly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Naeemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845993195895522907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320838412664948523.post-18461597354116739242010-06-07T14:52:00.000-07:002010-06-08T02:34:33.433-07:00Vienna: waaay more than sausage in a can.<div class="MsoNormal">The day after <st1:city w:st="on">Salzburg</st1:city>, we packed into the bus again to make the drive to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vienna</st1:place></st1:city>. We were there for only one day, which is laughably short compared to the amount of time needed to appreciate that grand city.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Just outside of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vienna</st1:place></st1:city> we took a short break at the Hapsburg summer palace. Sounds quaint, right? Yeah, it’s about as big as the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> airport. The next time you listen to a rapper sing about all the money he has and the big chrome wheels on the Chevy think about the fact that the Hapsburgs’ part time palace would take up an entire zip code. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We pulled ourselves away from the beautiful dynastic summer hangout, and rolled into the city. We were on our way to visit the Austrian Supreme court. It’s one of those buildings that leaves your jaw on the ground when you walk into it. There is a central atrium with a grand staircase and an enormous statue of Justitia the Roman goddess of justice assuring fairness with her giant sword. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After our presentation by a Supreme Court justice, we went over to the International Arbitration center for a lecture by the Secretary General. We are well connected over here. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We took a small tour of the big city afterwards courtesy of Professor Lanier. We walked up to the Hofburg Palace- yes, another palace- and admired the view. Do you know the true meaning of the word “awesome?” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I do. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Later when it started raining pretty hard I retreated to a café to work on some LR stuff. The rest of the group went off to sightsee and take in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vienna</st1:place></st1:city>. I was a little sad that I could not do the same, but I had been to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vienna</st1:place></st1:city> before, and sipping coffee in a Viennese café still beats sipping folgers at home. </div>Naeemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845993195895522907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320838412664948523.post-86680230908290150602010-06-06T00:25:00.001-07:002010-06-06T00:25:12.876-07:00The Hills are Alive: I know, I fought one.<div class="MsoNormal"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Salzburg</st1:place></st1:city> is the birthplace of Mozart. Remember that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Because if you are there, and taking a tour, and the tour guide asks if you know why <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Salzburg</st1:city></st1:place> is world famous, blurting out “Sound of Music!!!” may solicit a bit of a sideways eye from any passing Salzburgers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“-_-”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The city was a pleasant surprise. At this point in a European vacation, everyone tends to become susceptible to omg-theres-another-old-building-who-cares-syndrome. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Salzburg</st1:place></st1:city> successfully staved off any such affliction and we had a great time exploring the little city. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We had class in the morning at a university that was once a palace. Yes, a palace. Before the university took it over, part of it was also used a police station. It just goes to show that with all of the sentiment that we attach to buildings when they are extremely old, we also don’t care much for buildings when they are just kind of old. In the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> I laugh a little bit on the inside when people fall allover themselves for some art deco buildings from the middle of the 20th century. Now I realize that they are just trying to protect those structures so they have the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chance</i> to someday be really old. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After class we got a tour of the university. We went to a top floor where the tour guide excitedly pointed out the timbers used to construct the roof. Those old pieces of wood had been there for over 400 years. That’s 370 years before the Orkin man was born. Being able to touch a 400 year old wooden roof beam connected me to the history of the place much more than sliding my fingers over any stone wall. Everyone expects rocks to be around. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He also took us to the “map room,” which had ancient maps of the most up to date layout of the known world at the time. The room was rediscovered in the 90’s when the place was being renovated. The beautiful murals were painted over in white and renovators took years to reveal what was hidden underneath. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This happens a lot in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>. When a city gets to be thousands of years old, life goes on for the citizenry. A “historic site” is a new concept. Once a building, bridge, moat, or city wall became obsolete, it was built over to make way for something more useful. Nowadays worker crews spend half their time looking out for and digging up the very things their predecessors buried. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Later in the day we visited a cathedral, walked through some city squares, ate some ice cream and generally took the city in. In the afternoon we headed up to the castle on the hill. Now, I’m used to travelling on a budget, so taking the cheap way out is nothing new to me. So when we saw the cable car ticket to the top of the mountain cost 10€, we immediately declared it a rip off and started the mere stroll up the hill to the castle. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The only problem was, it was no stroll. I’m no mathematician, but I figure we were walking up a 91 degree angle to get to this forsaken fortress. Invading armies really did have their work cut out for them. And just like an invading army, when we finally reached the castle walls, we were met with our own version of hot tar... admission into the castle was 7€.... the tram ticket would have covered the ride up the hill <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> admission. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In any case, getting to the castle was worth it. The views were breathtaking (or maybe I was still huffing from the climb?). We took a tour that put us on the highest point of the keep and kept lookout of the city below. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I ended my day in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Salzburg</st1:place></st1:city> the best way I knew how, sipping coffee at a riverside café and watching the water and Salzburgers stream by. I like to imagine that Mozart would be proud.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(pictures from salburg will come soon!) </div>Naeemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845993195895522907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320838412664948523.post-14180319744549567892010-05-24T10:47:00.000-07:002010-05-25T05:11:49.118-07:00Buda to Pest.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Friday we set out for Budapest</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before we left the Austrian border we stopped at what can only be described as a luxury highway rest stop. Far from the smelly, fast food filled, chipped tiles, bad service variety we're used to back home, this place was clean, attractive, and friendly. Look, I understand that at this point you are asking yourself why the heck I'm rambling about some stupid rest stop. But consider that this "rest stop" had a bakery (yes, there was a man kneading dough), a nice sit down restaurant, a driving range, and even a hotel. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Debilitating traffic is not a phenomenon limited to Atlanta or Miami. Later on the drive, the highway was closed for some reason and we were forced to take some back roads into the city. It was nice to be off the autobahn for a little while, but our 4 hour journey was extended to 6 hours.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally, we rolled into the capital of Hungary.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Budapest never sleeps. The city is always moving, always bustling, always loud, fast, and busy. It was a very cool experience. After our lecture, we checked in to our respective hotels and met up later that night at a nice restaurant called "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mátyás Pince Étterem". It was filled with gourmet Hungarian cuisine like wild boar, pheasant, and something called "chicken pancakes". As we dined on our delectable local fare, we were serenaded by a 6 piece Roma band. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Later that night most students converged onto an Irish boat-pub-thing that was along the bank of the Danube. It was supposedly jazz night, but we arrived to find Salsa and Meringue music pumping from the speakers and a hoard of sweaty Hungarian couples dancing away. It was a fun night a I got to celebrate my birthday a little more properly. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Saturday we got an early start and experienced the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gellért Thermal Baths. The hot pools get their water from a local hot spring and the water is supposed to contain several minerals that are good for your body. As far as I could tell there was some hot water and a really nice indoor pool. Still, it was very nice and I would recommend it if you find yourself in Budapest. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Right after we toweled off and stepped outside, we decided to climb the adjacent hill where some old statutes in honor of the soviet liberators stood. It was a tough walk, but worth seeing the gigantic testaments to communist prudence. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After taking a shower and relaxing for a bit we walked around the city square and had a drink in one of the outdoor cafes. Later, we gathered in another Irish pub (Yes, I too have noticed the curious prevalence of Irish themed drinking establishments in every corner of the world) to watch the champions league soccer game final with Inter Milan against Bayern Munich. I was there until halftime before heading back to the room to get some rest. I had some different plans for my trip back to Linz. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Early the next morning Ed and I walked across the street to the main train station and purchased tickets to Bratislava. Ed randomly mentioned earlier in the week that he wanted to go to there and I offered to accompany him because I would get the chance to visit an old friend. So, I asked Jenna and Jared to let the professor know that I wouldn't be coming back to Linz on the bus, and Ed and I boarded a train for Slovakia. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had been to Bratislava 8 years ago when I visited Europe the first time. Since then the city had changed immensely. They made good use of EU money and beautified much of the old city and added lots of high end shopping and well- manicured park space along the Danube. There happened to be a food festival at the castle that weekend so I tasted some of the city's finest food at a fraction of the cost. I'm a new fan of roasted goose. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The trip back to Linz took us through a train change in Vienna. I am always amazed at how well the train system works. When a schedule says that a train leaves at 7:52pm... It leaves at 7:52pm. Travelling into Linz Ed and I had our own compartment that was rather nice, so I got to spread out a little and relax before we pulled into Linz Hauptbahnhof and concluded this weekend's adventure. </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q3TjfsROI/AAAAAAAAAGk/2ILGo0RcG1U/s1600/100_3841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q3TjfsROI/AAAAAAAAAGk/2ILGo0RcG1U/s320/100_3841.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Mercedes Benz of buses. No really, it's made by Mercedes Benz. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q3DEVFQVI/AAAAAAAAAGc/aGquAthU09s/s1600/100_3840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q3DEVFQVI/AAAAAAAAAGc/aGquAthU09s/s320/100_3840.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Mercedes Benz of rest stops. (not really made by Mercedes)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q3giH377I/AAAAAAAAAGs/82ySVCDTFrM/s1600/100_3847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q3giH377I/AAAAAAAAAGs/82ySVCDTFrM/s320/100_3847.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">View of the train station from the hotel room.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q3zTQeX-I/AAAAAAAAAG0/UP2wPkimqmg/s1600/100_3856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q3zTQeX-I/AAAAAAAAAG0/UP2wPkimqmg/s320/100_3856.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Becca and her wild boar. Ben gives it a thumbs up... maybe two. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q4EYAU65I/AAAAAAAAAG8/UZaZN6ESoSw/s1600/100_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q4EYAU65I/AAAAAAAAAG8/UZaZN6ESoSw/s320/100_3877.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Habsburg Palace seen from an Irish pub party boat on the Danube at night. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q4UG6z0jI/AAAAAAAAAHM/-yJFmn6Skv0/s1600/100_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q4UG6z0jI/AAAAAAAAAHM/-yJFmn6Skv0/s320/100_3886.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Art at the Gellert. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q4Mj0-f9I/AAAAAAAAAHE/CnM87AR2dXA/s1600/100_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q4Mj0-f9I/AAAAAAAAAHE/CnM87AR2dXA/s320/100_3879.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cake. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q4pKrAprI/AAAAAAAAAHU/-8o_UfUU6R4/s1600/100_3893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q4pKrAprI/AAAAAAAAAHU/-8o_UfUU6R4/s320/100_3893.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">See?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q4sFGR2xI/AAAAAAAAAHc/zA4zNWOkSqA/s1600/100_3896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q4sFGR2xI/AAAAAAAAAHc/zA4zNWOkSqA/s320/100_3896.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This was really big. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q48O_dsKI/AAAAAAAAAHk/YAkJ0WadYvI/s1600/100_3905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q48O_dsKI/AAAAAAAAAHk/YAkJ0WadYvI/s320/100_3905.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Big Boom-stick. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q5msC1TCI/AAAAAAAAAHs/42gGNIqifRU/s1600/100_3967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_q5msC1TCI/AAAAAAAAAHs/42gGNIqifRU/s320/100_3967.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bratislava on foot. </span></div></div>Naeemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845993195895522907noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320838412664948523.post-13742308529839781772010-05-20T13:13:00.000-07:002010-05-20T15:11:46.915-07:00In a bar, on a boat, through Passau<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No matter where you are, waking up for classes isn't fun. I guess the only redeeming factor is that I can look forward to exploring my temporary home everyday after gettin' all learned up. Tuesday ran a little long, but the professors made up for it with a little roof-top happy hour. It was a beautiful view of the neighborhood, and we even got to see a little bit of the sunset through the seemingly endless overcast. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After our exclusive rooftop access was over, happy hour lived on in the hallways and on the odd little balcony outside one of the kitchens on the 10th floor. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Getting up to travel to Passau in the morning was also unpleasant, but we had an hour on the bus to think about what we had done (and smile with our tired eyelids closed)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our morning in the old Bavarian city started with a lecture about the German system of arbitration from a Passau Universitat law professor. Needless to say, I felt a sense of solidarity with my German Law cohorts afterwards. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was rainy the whole time we were there, but we walked the narrow cobblestone streets anyways, looking for only the essentials: Bier and Schnitzel. We found both, and it was good. The numbers are hazy, but we probably stopped at around 5 different pubs and even took a boat ride up and down the three rivers that intersect in Passau. (In case you were wondering at home, yes there was bier on the boat too.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also, we saw one of the largest organs in the world (curiously, the largest one is in LA). Its located in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">St. Stephan's Cathedral, a stunningly beautiful structure. I'm always reminded of how inadequate our sense of history in the states when I get to experience these ancient buildings. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today is my birthday and as a present to myself I started working on the Law Review problem. Just as I was in denial about classes earlier in the week, I was definitely also in denial about the work I am about to undertake with this lovely pile of academic chocolate. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyhow, off to work. Bis dann!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WWqJI5zPI/AAAAAAAAAGM/g4juGex3kBE/s1600/100_3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WWqJI5zPI/AAAAAAAAAGM/g4juGex3kBE/s320/100_3771.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rooftop playas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WWUnVmp0I/AAAAAAAAAGE/saJJCsmlT2I/s1600/100_3801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WWUnVmp0I/AAAAAAAAAGE/saJJCsmlT2I/s320/100_3801.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ditto (Gino wishes he was here, so we left a spot for him next to Billy)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WXC9-PqNI/AAAAAAAAAGU/v-t1IG8y_nE/s1600/100_3826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WXC9-PqNI/AAAAAAAAAGU/v-t1IG8y_nE/s320/100_3826.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">nuff' said. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WUzUHSDdI/AAAAAAAAAFs/qLcUGjggKNE/s1600/101_3827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WUzUHSDdI/AAAAAAAAAFs/qLcUGjggKNE/s320/101_3827.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yeah, and we think Art Deco is history. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WWA0_BVkI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Zjs08HU78ew/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WWA0_BVkI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Zjs08HU78ew/s320/IMG_0025.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whats better than standing on a bridge...?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WVgKQoA-I/AAAAAAAAAF0/SVqTK8uLWh8/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_WVgKQoA-I/AAAAAAAAAF0/SVqTK8uLWh8/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being on a boat!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div>Naeemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845993195895522907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320838412664948523.post-51060119265101833332010-05-17T16:42:00.000-07:002010-05-17T16:43:01.144-07:00Stuff Naeem likes #29: Bier<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think that Europeans must hate Segways more than Americans hate actually walking. I mean for a culture that focuses on walking and bicycling so much, alternative transportation means travelling by car. This is a good thing, of course, especially since I have yet to meet a portly Austrian. So, doing as the locals do, we walked as far as our untested american feet would take us on Sunday. </span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First we explored the area around the sommerhaus and found some scenic trails (of course everything is scenic when you've never seen-it before). Along the way we also stumbled upon a little local biergarten just minutes from the school. It was closed on Sunday (shocker), but we vowed to return the next day. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Later that afternoon we went to the city and walked some more. We strolled along the cobblestone streets between the ancient buildings and their modern counterparts. Although every European city has a similar scheme- main square, really old churches, castle on the hill, disco that plays odd mix of 80's music and techno- Linz is nice because of the effort that the city has put in to revitalize itself. You can tell that the little city is trying to become a destination instead of a day trip. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We made it up to some of the higher points and enjoyed the view of the Danube river for a while before going back to the Hauptplatz to search for some Döner Kebabs. (We found some for 3</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">€ and promptly devoured them)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today we had our day of class from about 9:00 to 14:00 (Don't know military time? Deal with it like we have to). It was interesting, but a little bit of a reality shock because up till now I was convinced that this was a vacation. Oh well, nothing in life is free, apparently not even a month long visit to Europe. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After class we returned to the biergarten as promised and got a few odd looks as we ordered our glass of sweet, sweet liquid bread. It seemed to be a watering hole for the locals- and tourists were perhaps not so common. Aside from the initial raised eyebrows, we were treated warmly and enjoyed our drinks outside, trying as hard as possible to read for the following day's class. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Later we went into the city in search of cheaper Kebabs (don't judge me, they're good), and walked to some different parts. I was surprised at the large amount of people walking the streets on a Monday night. Plenty of young people were out as well. Linz seems like a very safe place and so far we have found things to keep us entertained as long as we look. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's to finding more everyday I'm here. Prost. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_HNJRJ6sgI/AAAAAAAAAFE/FfTT-ZeE_cY/s1600/100_3744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S_HNJRJ6sgI/AAAAAAAAAFE/FfTT-ZeE_cY/s320/100_3744.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jared, Ryan, and I on a Sunday walk</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sunday part 2</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me, Jared, and Becca after class at the local biergarten :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Biergarten enjoyment FAIL :(</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Steven, Rebecca, and I walking Linz in the evening. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></span></div>Naeemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845993195895522907noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320838412664948523.post-48001489932851004082010-05-15T17:02:00.000-07:002010-05-15T17:02:09.748-07:00Hey did I mention I was going to Europe? Cuz I'm in Linz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-814JB-SsI/AAAAAAAAAE8/1IWoHwAxB0A/s1600/100_3692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-814JB-SsI/AAAAAAAAAE8/1IWoHwAxB0A/s200/100_3692.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After several hours of international travel through 6 time zones and two servings of barely edible airplane food I arrived in Munich with a few classmates in tow. As luck would have it, Vishak, Becca, and Emmanuel were also on the Delta flight from Atlanta to Munich with me. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During exam season I really didn't have time to anticipate this trip like I should have. I don't mean that I didn't prepare, because in fact I am ready for any situation over here, but rather it just didn't hit me that I will be gone for an entire month. I was sure that I would never be able to travel anywhere again for this amount of time. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived in Munich at around 8:00 local time and promptly bought train tickets to Linz. From the airport, its about a 45 minute subway ride to the main train station. When we got to the Munich Hauptbahnhof we had some time to kill before the train to Linz chugged out of town so we walked a short distance from the station to a small Italian restaurant for some breakfast... or was it dinner or lunch according to our internal biological clocks? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By this time we were tired from exams, tired from staying up the night before we left, and tired from the plane ride... but getting onto the speed train was a welcome distraction. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The train pulled into Linz Hauptbanhof and we barely made if off onto the platform before the doors shut us in. Tip: before the train stops at a station, make sure that you have your bags ready to depart... almost getting locked into the train and forced to ride to the next stop 100 miles away is not an attractive prospect. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took a taxi to the raab-heim and got our rooms. Shortly thereafter it was tour time of the city via bus. (In case you haven't been keeping count at home, I have now been awake for over 48 hours.) The city is absolutely gorgeous. (Of course because of my U.S. toned sensibilities any old castle on a hill over looking a river is stunning.) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the tour we had dinner. The restaurant was nice, and the cuisine was interesting. It was basically a plate of meat with a few starches here and there. Also plenty of pilsner to wash it down. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Afterwards everyone went out to a bar in the Linz main square called Bugs (something to do w/ a bunny). So, now I'm back in my room, stubbornly tapping keys to get this posted. Until next time, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 31px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tschüs!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-8z17yVgUI/AAAAAAAAAEU/_Avbr3wAKw4/s1600/100_3676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-8z17yVgUI/AAAAAAAAAEU/_Avbr3wAKw4/s320/100_3676.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The view from the room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-80MmSD3YI/AAAAAAAAAEc/tX8u_EyQHpk/s1600/100_3678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-80MmSD3YI/AAAAAAAAAEc/tX8u_EyQHpk/s320/100_3678.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-81BUqYmpI/AAAAAAAAAE0/lKcehOgWye4/s1600/100_3703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-81BUqYmpI/AAAAAAAAAE0/lKcehOgWye4/s320/100_3703.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few of us in the town square</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-8045xynlI/AAAAAAAAAEs/xpyfPjFhQVY/s1600/100_3691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-8045xynlI/AAAAAAAAAEs/xpyfPjFhQVY/s320/100_3691.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the views</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-80rllZr-I/AAAAAAAAAEk/NFqfsoTfF24/s1600/100_3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbcJ3C_ZbI4/S-80rllZr-I/AAAAAAAAAEk/NFqfsoTfF24/s320/100_3725.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner talk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span>Naeemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845993195895522907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320838412664948523.post-88554825929139460842010-05-13T23:23:00.000-07:002010-05-13T23:51:14.932-07:00I should be packing<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Of the many times that my favorite camping backpack has joined me for a journey to an exotic destination, not once did it contain a carefully folded business suit. There is a first time for everything. </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">At first I chose to study abroad this summer simply because I missed the opportunity so many times before. There was nothing that ever held me back (of course the luxury of retrospect allows me to realize this 5 years later), but I never took advantage of my contacts, friends, or resources like I should have. Along with my decision to go to law school I also resolved to challenge myself like I never have. So, now I'm glad I did it because this is certainly a way to test myself like never before. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> 1L life is history... on to the next challenge...Pack a suit in a backpack along with everything else I need for a month abroad. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Stay tuned for more over the next few weeks (I promise slightly more than backpack-packing puzzle challenges... )</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div>Naeemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845993195895522907noreply@blogger.com1