Traveling Abroad Before Studying Abroad (Munich+Salzburg)

Before I headed to Vienna to start my music study abroad program, I was lucky enough to travel with my family to the beautiful cities of Munich, Germany, and Salzburg, Austria. As these were my first times being in Germany and Austria, I excitedly took in the sights and captured many of the beautiful and historical monuments in Munich, Füssen, and Salzburg. I left the U.S. on Thursday, May 19th, and arrived eight hours later in Munich, ready for a nap even though it was 6 a.m. On Saturday, we visited the Residenz and had pizza and bubble tea at the square. On Sunday, we traveled to Füssen via train and hiked along the lake before touring Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Then, on Monday we were off to Salzburg! We spent Monday walking around the gardens and Tuesday at the historic shopping district, where I bought my first set of German novels (translated versions of The Great Gatsby and War of the Worlds). On Wednesday, we stopped by the Dom Quartier and visited Cafe Mozart, where I had the most delicious torte! We then took another train to our final destination: Vienna!

If I could make it back to these cities, on my own or with friends, I’d do it in a heartbeat! Even though I was nervous due to the language barrier and the anxiety of being in a new place, I was welcomed into Europe and given an amazing experience. This journey was an exciting jumpstart to my life abroad, enriching myself in the life and culture of Germany and Austria with my family before setting off on my own for six weeks. As I’m in my hotel room in Vienna reflecting on the past week, I feel grateful for the warm welcome into Europe. The people, culture, and historic landmarks made these locations unforgettable, and I can’t wait to return!