As I embarked on my trip to Europe, I started with many questions.  Knowing little about the various cultures to be encountered, traditions, customs, and even day to day logistics, I was somewhat concerned about my abilities to successfully navigate my path here.  Fortunately I joined a seasoned expert, and I have spent the last few days following Rachel’s lead all over town.  After seven straight days together with no disagreements or disappointments, Rachel and I finally wanted to do different things.  We had spent all morning and afternoon exploring the first district in Vienna, the posh, tourist filled, money driven beautiful place that it is.  In the afternoon we came to a crossroads, Rachel wanted to bike and I wanted to run, so we decided to go our separate ways.  At first I was shocked, wondering what I would do all alone, but in the end I decided to take a trip to Kahlenberg, the mountain overlooking Vienna.

I shakily left her with only the knowledge that I needed to get on bus 38A.  I found the first bus stop I could (1A) and tried to speak with the driver- no English.  After pointing and some confusion, I took his bus to another stop where he anxiously pointed into the maze of the city.  I finally found the tram that he must have been directing me to, and took it until the end of the line.  I reached Grietzing, a small city 40 minutes in the suburb, with still no mountain in sight.  After getting directions from a cafe, I took another bus to the end of the line, which was at the base of a hill.  I began running up, and there it was, a beautiful mountain about the size of Flagstaff looming before me.  I ran up the grass trail with glee, loving feeling the burn in my legs that has been missing this trip.  I ended up on the wrong trail, but it was just as well because I was there just in time to witness a beautiful sunset.  It was amazing being up so high, overlooking the entire city of Vienna, alone, and feeling so empowered having met my goal independently for the first time this trip.  At dark, I ran back down the hill and through the city, elated with my success.  It gave me much needed confidence and a chance to discover a completely different part of the city that I never would have otherwise.  I can’t wait for the next time that I can conquer the world on my own!