I got to the Graz airport which is remarkably small, got my bags (none of mine were lost! Yahoo!) and went through customs. I don't know why I was expecting customs to take a long time, though, because I literally walked right through.
As soon as I reached the pick up area, there were about four people waiting with AIMS signs, which was incredibly nice, and we loaded into the cars pretty quickly. Loathe as I was to be sitting again (so much sitting these past days) we were told the car ride would take only 20 minutes, so that was good. We reached the Studentenheim soon enough, got our things, and headed to check in.
I have to say, AIMS check in is possibly the most organized thing I have ever seen. Getting keys, maps, handbooks, school books, etc was painless and I was able to go to my room and unpack pretty quickly. After unpacking and organizing my possessions I decided to take a shower and change into a fresh outfit. I was absolutely exhausted, but the shower woke me up enough to get me out the door and walking around Graz.
The view from my window
My first stop was the Gösser restaurant next door.
I walked in and sort of stood around, not really realizing I could simply seat myself, which the manager helped me with when I finally, desperately asked "kann ich essen hier?"
He assured me my German wasn't bad as I was saying (I kept telling everyone sorry I only speak a little German) and said I could sit wherever I wanted. I picked a high table in the back and was helped soon enough by a nice waitress who brought me a cola and a bratwurst mit pommes frittes -- the only thing I knew on the menu.
It came out piping hot and rather delicious, but I was too embarrassed to take a picture, so I ate it, asked for some water, and paid my bill, left a tip, and headed out to explore. My goal was to find a supermarket - but I didn't end up doing that. Instead I managed to wander to the main transportation plaza where there were tons of people and busses. There were bakeries, tea places, and such and I will definitely have to go inside and browse these at some point. I turned around, and headed back, this time making my way back to the river. On my way I passed a game store across from the Heim and was rather amused by the giant model in the window.
Hey! Look!
I ended up finding a good jogging path by the river, everyone seemed to be using it, so I will probably do the same today, or just walk to same path again. It's pretty nice and I noticed people sitting down on the rocks by the river which I would like to do with someone sometime. Seems like a fun place to relax and talk.
After walking the river path I headed back to the Studentenheim. Once there I was given directions to some grocery stores and so I will likely go there today - first on my list. Unfortunately I did fall asleep when sitting in a chair in my room, but I slept until this morning so I am hoping today I can correct my schedule (besides I have a late rehearsal so I have to stay awake!)
Today I am going to figure out where my hearing for tomorrow is, and see more of Graz! :)
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