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MAY 17, 2004 - VIENNA

By Megan Gibson, sophomore alto

We concluded our stay in charming Salzburg this morning and departed for our next adventure-Vienna. The first leg of our bus ride gave us a chance to get a little more sleep after our busy and exciting weekend.
While enroute to Vienna we made a stop at the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. This sobering experience provided a close look at the conditions for the prisoners of this camp. It was not a particularly pleasant experience but did a great deal to increase our historical and social consciousness. We are becoming people who are very aware of a great many situations and ideas.

Our journey continued to Vienna. We were now leaving the Alps and heading to the Austrian plains. The fields here are lusciously green and almost reminded me of Iowa farm fields. Upon arrival in beautiful Vienna, we met our city guide, Ulrike Danninger, who showed us the spectacular Schonbrunn Palace. With over 1400 rooms and a courtyard nearly as big as the town center, it was a fantastic site to behold. We toured the town of Vienna by bus with Ulrike pointing out the sites of interest. There are so many palaces and churches here - and such a rich history. I can't wait to have some free time to explore everything. The city of Wien (Vienna) holds a great many exciting things to do and see.

We arrived at our hotel (Hotel Harmonie) for a group dinner and some much needed rest before tomorrow's busy day. Tomorrow we get to sing in the Votivkirche - one of the most important churches in Vienna and one of its most beautiful sights.

Auf wiedersehen !

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