In an environment of almost total unfamiliarity, it’s so often that little instances of comfortability make all the difference in establishing a home. This past week presented case after case of these instances, for which I am very grateful.
All of Haus Burgenland III, the dorm that 5 of us Central College Abroad students reside in, has been tremendously friendly to the international students. From orientation parties, cooking in the kitchen, or just giving us directions, we have always felt welcome in Burgenland III.
Dominick, another resident of Haus Burgenland III, has taken some of us wide-eyed Americans under his wing. Last Monday night is a good illustration. Immediately after getting off the U-Bahn and walking to the dorm after class, I get a call. “Hey, want to go to a wine tasting?”
My thoughts at this moment: “Wine tasting? I love Vienna…wait, I’m wearing a $5 University of Michigan t-shirt from Steve and Barry’s…I wonder how this will compare to 1st CRC’s communion wine…”
“Sure, I’d love to go.”
Thankfully, Dominick had demonstrated the proper way to taste and evaluate wine (a long "Abgang" is key), and I didn’t make a complete fool of myself in the presence of 140 different Burgenland wines and countless Viennese wine connoisseurs. I contemplated bringing a sample back to the States for 1st CRC communion purposes.
The night concluded, as most good nights should, with a Doner Kebap and a late-night ride on Vienna's fantastic public transportation.
So much more has unfolded in the past 2 weeks, it has felt like an eternity in some ways...more to come soon. Ciao.
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