The journey is my home.... but for now it will have to be Halifax

I'm back on Canadian soil, and if the customer service, people respecting ques or the colder weather didn't give it away, my Google buttons have returned to English - another sure sign!

It's amazing how fast 6 months can go, but equally amazing how much can happen! Looking back, I can't believe how far I have come. I never would have thought last summer that I would have accomplished so much by now. From living abroad and visiting so many wonderful countries, to interning with the UN, these experiences are certainly ones I will always cherish.

Coming home has been tough. Not only have I found it difficult to readjust to the time difference, but it's been just as hard readjusting to Canadian life. I'm sure I'll eventually remember that I have to look at bus schedules again and plan my trips around them, and not necessarily what I want to do! I'm sure I'll also eventually remember that I can go shopping any day and anytime I want. And of course, I will eventually remember that the Euro (double) kiss is NOT the standard greeting on the streets of Halifax. But, even when I finally do readjust to life in Canada, I will always remember Vienna and my new friends - they will always be a part of me now.

Before I left Canada I would have told anyone that I had already grown-up, however, my time in Europe forced me into some crazy situations that I have learned so much from. Even now, I know I still have so much about life to learn. Spending time in countries like Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia, Slovakia, Morocco and Poland broke down a lot of the predjudices I had (that I didn't even know I had!). This exchange has been the best thing that could have happened to me.

I remember reading an article last summer about culture, and it said that the best way you can learn about yourself - your own culture - is to experience another. Having lived abroad for the last six months has taught me a lot about myself, and I think it is an experience that everyone should pursue!

Before I left Canada, my dad told me that this experience would allow me to decide if living abroad was for me, or get the idea out of my system... He was right. As frustrating as it could be at times, and as much as I missed KD, peanut butter, Skor bars and the English language, I can't wait to embark on another adventure - just give me a couple years to pay off this one!

My latest observance

I write my German exam in just over 10 hours, but the mood has struck me to make a post. It’s been a long time, I know, but hey I’m feeling a bit nostalgic, so just go with it.

In the last couple of weeks I have missed Canada especially. Not for any particular reason, just because I am quickly realizing just how great we have it and that we really are quite possibly the best country in the world.

The other day in one of my classes I had to defend our country as one of my classmates bashed us. Why was she bashing? I honestly still do not know. However, standing up for my country made me feel pretty damn proud. Even with our faults most of the world cannot even compete.

A couple days ago I got into a heated discussion about Canada’s role in Afghanistan. The person I was talking to was pretty convinced that we shouldn’t be there. She said it wasn’t our war and that we just need to get out of there. What she fails to see is that it is indeed our war – Al-Qaeda attacks are not just aimed at the US. Last time I checked there were even Canadians killed on 9/11. Besides to leave the country now would be disastrous. The reason we study history is to learn from our mistakes. What did we learn from the East-Timor crisis? When you (in this case, Australia) give up on a mission and pull out of a country it can lead to chaos and everyone looses. Besides, whether you agree with our role or not, is beside the point. You have to recognize the remarkable efforts of our Canadian Service Men and Women. All those who our defending our country – who wake up each day a world away from their families and face challenges we at home cannot even imagine. If we could just put as much energy into showing our support for the troops as we do arguing about whether or not they should even be there it would be extraordinary.

Something I have learned over the past six months is that no matter how far away from home I am I am a Canadian through and through. I am proud of my country. I believe in my country. I support my country and everything we stand for. Nothing can change who I am or how I feel. We have a great thing going for us – it goes by the name Canada. I’m not saying that I am giving up my world travels – this would be far from the truth, but I certainly have a deeper appreciation for my country now. So much so that even when I get home and have to stand on the side of the street waiting for my bus for a half hour I will remember that I am a lucky, lucky girl.

Und jetzt studiere ich!

Vienna with Mandy

Mandy stopped by Vienna for a quick visit.

I uploaded the photos to Facebook. You can check them out at: http://msvu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=1823&l=e031e&id=510819666

Croatia: 4 Cities in 3 days, 21 hours

Insane! Where do I even begin? Croatia was absolutely amazing – even the few low points we had couldn’t even put a damper on the amazingness of our trip!


Thursday, April 5 2007

Whenever I fly anywhere I always err on the side of caution. I’m the type of person that always shows up at the airport a couple hours before take-off. Today for some reason I just couldn’t do it. With 40 minutes to go until my flight is expected to depart, I’m just checking in. Somehow I manage to walk straight through passport control, security and right on to the bus that takes me to the plane. I think I have found a new way to travel – waiting is no fun!

As the bus pulls up to the plane my stomach gets a bit queasy as I just remember one of my previous managers joking about how he would rather die than ever fly with Croatia Airlines – what was I thinking, I ask myself? I nervously board the plane and consider taking something to knock myself out for take-off, but on second thought, decide it isn’t wise to take such drastic action for just a 50 minute flight. To my surprise, and luck, it was one of the best flights I’ve ever been on! The staff was very friendly – they even served us sandwiches and drinks (and for once my juice didn’t even have bubbles!!) – AirCanada should take notes! I even picked up a few words in Croatian (Izlaz means exit!).

After landing in Zagreb I found my way to the waiting bus that would take me to the city centre to catch a bus to Zadar, where Erin and Jordan were meeting me. The four hour bus ride to Zadar was a great glimpse of the country. I was amazed the whole drive. I had no idea that Croatia was so beautiful! We drove through the mountains, past field of olive trees, quaint towns, stone houses with free range chickens walking around the yard and lemon trees growing in the front lawn and as we got closer to our destination we drove along the coast – the water sparking in the sunlight! We also passed through a lot of sad sights – buildings that obviously saw their fair share of gun fight during the Bosnian/Serbian War, with the roofs blown off and the bullet marks permanent scars in the stone. The unexploded mine signs along some roadsides were also evidence of the hardships the country has seen in its recent history. But these sights, although somber, added to the experience – it makes their history that much more real, and allows you to appreciate all they have had to endure in the past decade to make the country what it is today.

Erin and Jordan are at the bus station waiting for me when I arrive, and they whisk me off to show me all there is to see in Zadar. The streets are paved in marble, the sun is shinning, there are palm trees everywhere, yachts docked in the harbour, Roman ruins in the centre and beautiful walks along the water. I am in love with Croatia already. A highlight is the sea organ. They have drilled holes in the marble so when the waves hit air is forced up, creating music… Amazing!

We all indulge in a traditional Croatian meal at a local restaurant and then grab some gelato for the walk to the hostel. A great start to the Croatian adventure.


Friday, 6 April 2007

We wake up at what I can only say is an ungodly hour in order to catch our 7am bus to Split. Another four hours on the bus driving along the coast shows us more beautiful sights of the country. We arrive in Split and set out to find accommodations for the night. We quickly find a backpacker cafe and ask if they have any recommendations for us. They call some woman they know that rents out rooms to tourists. As Jordan and I wait in the cafe, Erin steps outside to walk around a bit and meets a girl offering an apartment for rent. In the meantime the cafe owner has arranged for someone to come and meet us and take us to another place. When the woman arrives to take us to the rooms, we find Erin with this other girl also offering us a place to stay. The two women start to argue. We, not really caring who we stay with, just ask each how much they want for a night. The girl Erin found gives us the better deal so we agree to go home with her, angering the other woman who then proceeds to chase the poor girl, kicking her. This only strengthens our decision – we are definitely not changing our minds now to go home with the crazy abusive woman! Our time in Split has started off as an adventure to say the least.

We follow the girl through the narrow and twisty alleys of Split to an apartment in the centre. She introduces us to a woman who rents out apartments to tourists. Unfortunately, she doesn't have anything free for us, but we sit with them on her patio for a while discussing Canada and our European adventures while the girl that brought us here calls other people to try and find us a room for the night. She finally has success and we leave to meet someone else and to see the girl’s apartment and dog while we wait. Soon we have settled into our own apartment and are ready to explore all Split has to offer.

We walk through the market towards the city sights. We are all amazed by the city – this city too has roads made of marble and roman walls and ruins throughout the city. After a couple hours of walking around we all decide that we are hot and figure the best way to spend the remainder of our afternoon is on the beach and splashing around in the Adriatic sea. Best decision ever! I was thrilled to lather on the sunscreen for Easter – such a change from home (I hear you had a snow storm!).

Feeling slightly crispy after our afternoon in the sun, we make our way back to the apartment to make our Easter feast. I’m quit proud of our accomplishment – a gourmet ham dinner… My cooking skills are expanding – more than just the KD now! To end our crazy day we take a night stroll through the city again to find some more gelato… yum!


Saturday, 7 April 2007


Waterfalls at Plitvicka Jezera National Park. Photo by Jack Brauer (widerange.org).


Back on the bus, this time our destination is Plitvicka Jezera National Park.

The Park is one of the most known Croatian sites, and is UNESCO Natural Heritage site. Our three hour hike showed us why. There are sixteen little lakes (which we maybe only saw about half), and they are all connected by waterfalls. It was absolutely amazing walking along the park paths and on the little bridges beside these breathtaking falls. The park is also surrounded by dense forests of beech, fir and spruce, several caves, springs and meadows. And even with the many tourists walking around with us, I couldn’t help but feel like I was walking through a piece of untouched nature – a secret that no one knows about yet. It was an incredible feeling. We caught a boat across one of the lakes and then a train that took us back to the gate where we entered the park.

I don’t think words, or even the pictures can even remotely capture the beauty of this park. If you even get the chance to visit for yourself, you should definitely take it!

After our hike through the park, we had a fabulous supper at a hotel across the street from the park gate. They served authentic Croatian dishes and even had various animals roasting on a spit over a fire.
We returned to our house to find the owners had put up an Easter tree for us – this is one tradition that I will be bringing home with me! And, that night I fell asleep to the sound of the big waterfall just a few meters from my window.


Sunday, 8 April 2007

It’s Easter! And what better way to spend it then sitting outside at a bus station on the side of the road for an entire day!? We soon discovered that even though we were told we could catch an 11am bus for Zagreb, that the country in fact seems to shut down for Easter. So because of this, we spend 7 hours waiting for a bus that we are told will eventually come. Needless to say we were completely overjoyed when a bus finally came barreling down the road at 6:30 that evening.

After arriving in Zagreb and finding our hostel we make our way to Ban Jelacic square – the city centre. It was very reminiscent of Vienna – I guess the guide books call it Vienna’s little sister for a reason! We soon discover that the restaurants also seem to close for Easter, so we settle on a little corner café that sells burgers and such things – the best cheeseburger I’ve ever had by the way!
Our night gets a little crazy when the locals seem to really take to us. Jordan is quick to make friends with some old man that, although probably isn’t really that old, looks like he’s been around the block few times – or as my dad would say ‘road hard and put away wet’ – he was quite the character. He kept on insisting he buy Erin and I drinks, but being the cautious Canadians we are, we kept politely refusing. He also insisted I looked Japanese – my eyes are narrow and slanted, so he says – we all found this amusing… First time I’ve ever been told that! When we finally had enough of the guy we made our escape and returned to the hostel for bed. My last night in Croatia.


Monday, 9 April 2007

Keeping with my new travel philospohy, this time I arrive at the checkin counter 28 minutes before take-off. The attendant checking me in doesn’t seem impressed, and tells me to please hurry to my gate. So, I weave my way through other travellers to security and then my gate, where again I am able to walk right out onto the bus. This time I don’t even consider my options as as soon as I am seated and buckled in for the flight I am fast asleep – the adventure and antibiotics I’ve been on for the past 5 days finally catching up with me.

The landing wakes me up and I can’t believe I am back on Viennese soil so soon. My Croatian adventure is over. But as wonderful as it all was, I am also happy to be home. Yes, Vienna is home.

A Glimpse of CROATIA!!!

stories to come later!

"Vimy - Honour the Legacy"

Painting by William Longstaff, Ghosts of Vimy: Photo from parl.gc.ca

Canada Honours Vimy
On any other day the sun would be just ready to break the horizon, but on this day the sun was nowhere in sight. It was cold; and the rain, snow and copious amounts of mud left the situation at hand far less than desirable. It was April 9, 1917. At 5:30am the artillery assault began and Canada stormed the battlefields of Vimy. For the first time in our nation’s short history we came together and fought as one – soldiers from coast to coast fighting for our freedom. In the words of Brigadier-General Alexander Ross, commander of the 28th (North West) Canadian Battalion at Vimy, "It was Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade. I thought then that in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation."

The Canadian attack surprised the Germans, and the troops were able to engage in a creeping barrage, creating a shield for advancing foot soldiers. Because of this, in less than just two hours, three of the four Canadian divisions had taken their objectives. The remaining objective being the highest point on the ridge, known as Hill 145. The Allies persevered and success was finally theirs. Within four days, Canada and her allies had successfully taken Vimy Ridge.

The success is claimed to be the first great allied success of the First World War, and would help Canada claim a spot on the Versaille Peace Treaty.

Canada may have officially became a country in 1867, but I agree with many historians in saying that the Battle of Vimy Ridge was the birth of our nation – it was on those battlefields that we found our identity.


My visit to Vimy
Six years ago I had the opportunity to visit the Canadian National Vimy Monument in France. At the age of 16, I was completely unaware of what this monument represented. But, I didn’t need to know all the facts, figures and stories to understand the emotion behind this monument.

The white stone pillars reach far into the sky, Mother Canada weeps for her fallen sons and the names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers who were posted as "missing, presumed dead" in France wind their way around the base of the monument. It is hard not to be touched by the scene. As I stood on the field of Vimy that day, hearing the stories and seeing a piece of our history for myself I was filled with an enormous pride.

I am proud of our success at Vimy. I am proud of our country’s history. I am just proud to be Canadian.

My experience at Vimy changed me. I know the importance of remembrance now.


Family Connection
“They were fathers, sons, brothers and uncles who answered the call of duty. They were soldiers cut down in their prime, before they could realize their own dreams.” – The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veteran Affairs

Two of my great-grandfathers saw service at Vimy during the First World War. One, Frederick Johnston was involved in supporting troops – he worked to cut trees, clear paths and build bridges so Canada’s soldiers could complete their missions. And my grandfather’s father, Thomas Prince, cleared the battlefields of Vimy and Europe of the mangled bodies of soldiers – he was a stretcher bearer. Neither were glorious jobs, nor would they have received a lot of praise or thanks for what they did. Nonetheless I am extremely proud of them both, and my entire family’s military background. My great-grandfathers may not have been on the front lines on April 9, 1917, but they certainly contributed to the Canadian success at Vimy, and I will remember them on April 9, and everyday.


Vimy upset in the news
In recent news from the home front I have read about the opposition being miffed about their late invitations to the event. I can understand their wanting to be present at the Canadian National Vimy Monument for the official ceremony on April 9. However, it angers me that anyone would use such an event – an event to honour the 3,600 Canadian soldiers who died, the 150,000 French and British soldiers who died in previous attempts to win back Vimy and the 11,285 Canadian soldiers who died in France and whose remains were never found – to gain political support. This weekend is a time where Canadians should put their differences aside and remember the sacrifices that our forefathers made 90 years ago for our freedom. Besides, it has been known for quite some time that Canada plans to mark the anniversary with the special event in France. This event should not be about politics – it should be about a nation honouring her fallen soldiers. Don’t complain that you have made other plans and cannot attend now because of the late notice. It’s not fair to the soldiers that died on that hill, or the families that mourn them, for you to use them to cause a political stir.


On April 9, Remember
This year Easter Monday means more than just a day off – more than Easter candies and the traditional Easter dinner. April 9 is a time to honour and remember an important moment in Canadian history. They fought for our country – for our freedom. It is now our responsibility to honour their legacy. Wherever you may find yourself on Monday, April 9, take a moment to remember the young men who sacrificed everything for their country. Lest we forget.

Life, Easter and Coffee

I haven’t made a post in awhile… But, I honestly don’t have much to report. The internship continues to go well – it’s been a month, so I am at the half way point. The manager of my section offered to talk with me about different career paths and I think I will have to take him up on that. Graduation is starting to loom over me and I am feeling the pressure to figure out my next step. I will take any offer for help and advice at this point!

Vienna also continues to be fabulous. The weather lately has been all sun and upwards of 18 degrees. I love it. It will be nice to be able to get out and explore once the internship is finished. It’s only 27 days until the family arrives, so that too is exciting.


This past weekend I found one of the traditional Viennese Easter markets. It was absolutely beautiful. There were eggs piled everywhere. Eggs with painted flowers, bunnies, cartoons, typical Vienna sights, funky patterns - everything imaginable. They even had real bunnies, which I of course befriended. They were so cute and soft. One almost came home with me!



I’ve booked my spring break vacation… It’s off to Croatia on Thursday morning to meet up with Jordan and Erin. I fly into Zagreb, then will catch another flight to Zadar to meet them. We’ll spend a couple days checking out the local sights before heading to Plitvice lakes, a National Park and UNESCO site. I can’t wait!

Now, for some education. Because I have some visitors coming soon I figure I should educate you all on the fine art of ordering coffee. Austria is both the musical capital of the world and the coffee capital. Knowing how to properly order your beverage of choice is an essential part of life here – if you can’t do it, there is a very likely chance you won’t be served. It’s not the same as in Canada. No one here is going to understand you if you say I’ll have a double-double – that quite simply does not exist. Nor can you just say I’ll have coffee. No, there is a way to avoid any confusion you may evoke on some poor cafe server. Here is all you will need to know about Viennese coffee:

·Kleiner Brauner and Groß Brauner: Means “little brown one” or “large brown one” this is close to what you would consider ordinary coffee: black, steamed with a bit of milk.

·Melange: This is similar to what most think of as a cappuccino. It is a mix of frothed milk and steamed coffee.

·Milchkaffee or Café latte: A large coffee with frothed milk. One of my favourites… This is what I will be holding when I greet you at the airport.

·Einspänner: Strong, black coffee typically served in a high glass with a dash of whipped cream.

·Fiaker: No, this is not the horse-and-carriage, the Fiaker is a rather not-so-common drink of coffee with a shot of Austrian rum and whipped cream.

·Mazagran: Coffee, ice, a shot of rum – and possibly a bit of sugar.

·Konsul: A black coffee with a small spot of unshipped cream. I’ve never actually seen this on a menu yet though.

·Verlängerter: A large diluted version of the Großer Brauner, served with milk.

·Schwarzer or Mokka: No, this does not have chocolate like I first thought… It is very strong, black coffee, normally you add a lot of sugar, but it is served without.

·Espresso: Another favourite of mine…. Strong coffee in a mini cup. It’s as cute as it is delicious!

·Türkischer: Strong boiled coffee with the grains still in the cup.

·Eiskaffee: Cold coffee with vanilla ice cream, chocolate and whipped cream… This one is bound to become a favourite it the summer months!

·Cappuccino: Coffee and whipped cream.