1-the toilets, they have 2 buttons... What
2- the light switches are outside of the rooms... How does that make sense?
3- the food..... ALWAYS BREAD!!! (Not a bad thing... But still...)
4-cafe culture! Always cafés, always coffee, always relaxing good times.
5- how different the German is here. In school you Learn "Hoch Deutsch" or high German. Here they do not speak German, they speak dialect.
6- how all of the stereotypes, and what they told us were wrong.
Before I came they told me so many things about "Austria" like this minimal list:
A- Austrians are reserved, they will not quickly connect with you, and you will have a hard time.
Why this is wrong: my host family is amazing. They welcomed me with warm arms and really made me feel already like a part of their family. Everyone I have met so far here (both Austrian and exchange student) has been incredibly friendly, helpful, and amazing.
B- they don't wear shorts
Why this is wrong: ok so this one makes me mad.... I did not pack shorts because they "don't wear shorts here" which is complete bull crap! I wish I had brought some because I am wearing all winter clothes and SOL. (Unless I chose to buy more... Which brings me to my next point.
C-everything is so expensive in Austria.
Ok so it is kind of not that expensive. It is not cheap, but if you are smart it is not terrible. I bought a coat and some other things at the mall (which was amazing) and did not pay even as much as I would in the US so it is really not that bad...
As for things I have done/ enjoyed already there can be no list but I can tell you that they exponentially outnumber the negative things. The experiences I have had here so far are amazing!
And that's what I got for now. I have been truly enjoying my time in Austria, although it is very odd to be in a country that is not so "wifi centric" as he US. it is however a nice change of pace to go for long walks, enjoy the scenery by the lake and to spend time... ACTUALLY TALKING TO PEOPLE! I love it here. The language barrier is kind of difficult but fortunately I have been in an intensive German course for about 2 weeks now, and I hope that will help out a lot! I was with my family only 2 days before the camp, but after this is over (Sunday) we will head off to Italy so hopefully that will be a good chance to get to know them better, although I am not really sure who all is going haha. My host family includes my host parents, my host brothers (2) they are in their 20's and do not live at home, but they are both cool guys. I also have a host sister but she is spending her year in Alberta as an exchange student! So this will really be new for this sister of 3, busy body, internet addict, driver. This will be new and exciting and different and probably hard as well, but I am very excited for all of the challenges this year hold for me!
(Also IDK where to put this, but I rode a dragon train rough a fair tale cave full of gnomes and brothers Grimm stories which was AMAZING, pictured in the end) 
The "Grottenban" the dragon train... Super cool, google it.
The inbounds in Austria
My view right now, as I write!
I will try and update often as I feel, but not if it gets in the way of my exchange experience! Thank you all for your love and support, see you on he flip side!
