Living life the Austrian way!

Week ten: 29/04/2013 - 05/05/2013

Personal Development:

The Danube at night...

William Shakespeare once said that "April hath put a spirit of youth in everything" (Sonnet XCVIII) and after the last few weeks that I've had, I have to agree with the great man! When I think back to a month ago; the snow was everywhere, the gloves and hats were on (not forgetting the long-johns) and the sunshine was nowhere to be seen. The arrival of the spring truly has transformed Linz and each day brings with it new plans and projects that make this experience so unique.

We are very fortunate that our residence is located right on the River Danube, the second largest in Europe. This iconic river passes through nine countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Ukraine, astonishing! Within the last few weeks the river and its surrounding areas really have came to life. The masses flock to the Danube when the sun comes out and there are so many sights to see and things to do. For example this week, Warren and I challenged two Austrian ladies to a game of beach volleyball, confidence was short-lived amongst the Irish team as the Austrians gave us a proper lesson in how to play this sport, slightly embarrassing but extremely enjoyable!

On Wednesday of this week there was a public holiday in Austria. As the weather was fantastic our Finish classmate Paula thought it would be a good idea to have an Erasmus picnic by the Danube. Paula informed us that the 1st of May in Finland involves quite big celebrations throughout the country, especially in the form of picnics, so a multi-culutral feast beside the picturesque River Danube seemed like a great idea and what a success it was! There was a great turnout from the Erasmus gang and some fantastic food and drinks were also brought along. My personal favourite was the Finnish blueberry pie, delicious. Warren's and my attempts to make fifteens were perhaps not quite as successful but I think the effort was appreciated!

Some of the Erasmus group enjoying the picnic...

Let the celebrations begin!

My personal highlight of the week came on Saturday as I played my first rugby match for Linz Rugby Club, and to have the game in front of our home crowd certainly added to the occasion. We knew we would be up against it as we were facing an experienced and very physical side from Slovenia. The atmosphere at the game was amazing! Rugby is a relatively new sport in Austria but the people of Linz really do seem to care passionately about their team and their performances. The game was extremely close but thankfully we managed to win 15-7 which was a great result. As one of our teammates Thomas was recently celebrating the birth of his son, a BBQ and some cider was provided after the game and the 'craic was mighty'! Having some of our Erasmus friends there to support us was also fantastic. A memorable day in the sunshine shared with some great friends. 

A bruised and battered but very happy rugby team!

Next week amongst assignments and teaching practice I will welcome three good friends who are making the trip from the Emerald Isle. They have heard so many good things about Linz and simply want to experience it for themselves!

Guten Abend,

James

References:

• Sarker, S., K (2006) Shakespeare's Sonnets, Atlantic Publishers and Distributors, New Delhi