Looking Up at the Sunrise ((Culture Shock))

“Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and some flowers.” 
–Hans Christian Andersen

Hi guys! Cheesy quote to remind you to enjoy the little things that we sometimes forget are blessings. (Plus, I love sunshine and flowers, so any quote mentioning both must be a good one.) I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter (I heard it was snowing in Nebraska, so I can’t say I’m jealous) and got to celebrate in a way that made you feel close to God.

Neuschwanstein Castle. I felt like an actual princess. 

The title of this week’s blog mentions both the sunrise and culture shock. Weird combo, I know. They don't seem related, but don't worry; I’ll walk you through it. I am still absolutely loving this experience (in case you couldn’t tell by my overload of social media posts and adjectives) and wish I could come up with the right words to let you all know how full both my heart and my brain are because of Europe (that sounds so lame, but I don’t know how else to explain it).

Wondering why I'm not 16 going on 17 anymore (that's the gazebo from the movie). 

For Easter break, we got both Friday and Monday off of classes. This was a long weekend that most of my class took advantage of by traveling all across Europe. My little group of four went to Southern Germany (Munich and Hohenschwangau) and Salzburg, Austria. We explored the Neuschwanstein Castle (a beautiful fairytale-looking castle in the middle of the Alps that was well worth the hike), toured the locations where “Sound of Music” was filmed (and drank champagne while singing the whole time), saw the most breathtaking views of Austria, tried out some kick-butt German beer, and did tons of other stuff that made us enjoy the heck out of our lives.

Check out that view of the beautiful Salzburg.

Easter break was most definitely a success; however, it was also the hardest time (emotionally) I’ve had on this trip thus far. I don’t want to complain or belittle this experience, because I wouldn’t change it for anything, so bear with me on this. First to discuss the sunrise thing, none of you probably know this, but every year on Easter Sunday, for as long as I can remember, my family has watched the sunrise. Usually we attend a Sunrise Service, but recently we’ve started doing our own family mini-service-type-thing (I actually like these ones the most). As a child, it felt inhumane to wake up at that hour (especially on a holiday), but now this is the best part of Easter. This year, I’m a world away from those I love, so I didn’t get to watch the sun come up with them, I didn’t get to listen to my mom read about Jesus from the Bible, and I didn’t get to hang out with my cousins and grandparents at our huge Easter dinner. Don't get sad reading this though, because I knew coming into this experience that this was my reality, and it was actually a great day. 

The doors in Europe are underrated, and I love them. 

Also, never fear readers, a very sweet friend and I woke up for the sunrise this Easter morning in Salzburg, Austria. Unfortunately, it was so cloudy that there was no trace of the sun, which sucked, but we tried, and I’m convinced that it still counts. In reference to culture shock, I’m still not exactly sure what it is or how if feels, but I think maybe it’s very different for everyone. To me, culture shock was trading a clear Nebraskan sunrise for a cloudy Austrian one, listening to a Mozart Concert instead of Lex playing the guitar, eating a traditional skillet of potatoes, pork, and egg in Old Town Salzburg instead of stuffing myself with pecan pie in our kitchen, and hiking up to Hohensalzburg Castle instead of playing outside with my cousins.

German beer in the beer garden!

Please don’t misunderstand; these feelings are not feelings of regret or even sadness. This Easter was one that I will undoubtedly never forget. It was filled with beautiful new friends, breathtaking views, a country that I've fallen in love with, and maybe even more praising Jesus than a normal Easter. I felt beyond blessed while also noticing the absence of my family significantly more than at any other point on this trip. I don’t think this is a bad thing though, and I’m sure you don’t either. This means that I have wonderful people to miss and to come home to (even if I delay my return because I love it here so much).

Travel buddies!

In conclusion, Germany is an interesting experience, and Austria is more gorgeous than you can imagine. You need to re-watch “Sound of Music” because it is a masterpiece, the story is true, and the scenery is even better in real-life. Champagne at 10:30 am, dark chocolate liqueur before a classical concert, and beer in a German beer garden are always good ideas. Going to a Mozart string concert in the city that Mozart was born in is the coolest. Always climb the huge hills instead of paying for a ride because the views are worth it. I miss my mom and dad and sister and boyfriend but still wish they were here, not that I was there. Many of you will be happy to hear that Europe is slowly making me more punctual because missing trains, flights, buses, or trams is not an option. Who knows, maybe by the time I get back to the states, you guys won’t be constantly waiting for me (I said maybe, so don’t hold your breath). Finally, there’s lots of exciting stuff coming up so keep reading my blog for more updates on my crazy beautiful life!

Breathtaking garden at Mirabell Palace. 

A sunrise is a beautiful thing no matter where you are or if you can physically see it.

Full disclosure, this is cider not wine (but it still counts).

x Paige