settling in

Well, we are definitely here! Hard to believe after so much preparation.

Trip was ok except for missing our connection in London. Luckily we were able to get on the next flight in spite of various strikes that made Heathrow more of a mess than usual. Our bags did not arrive until the following day- but at least they did arrive, so I am not complaining.

Rich's graduate students met us at the airport and brought us to our apartment- really nice folks and very helpful since we were pretty tired by then. They were also able to translate for our landlord whose English is pretty limited. Rich has been good about trying his German, but really most folks do speak at least some English. I plan to check out some language courses pretty soon so I can try more.

After a good night's sleep, we felt great and Vienna put on its best face for us yesterday as we walked around and tried to get our bearings. Weather is beautiful- high 40's temperature and sunny. (sorry folks on the east coast! I hear you are being inundated again!)

Our apartment is really lovely -bright and roomy, so we can accommodate visitors! We are on the 8th floor and overlook the Prater, which is a big city park with a soccer field where there seem to be games every night. At the far end is a large amusement park with a big ferris wheel- a virtual Vienna landmark. Lots of really interesting new buildings on the horizon - objects for further inspection when I can actually find them!

Of course we found a cafe on our first day for cafe mit schlag and sacher torte! Cafe Kafka- how appropriate is that! We decided to keep a log of how many and which are best! Will report as time goes by (actually I have to find something other that cafe mit schlag! too strong.)

So today (Thursday) Rich goes off to meet people at his school and then has a Fullbright orientation, leaving me on my own all day- should be interesting!