Submitted by Ashley Manero on the 2014 winter session program in Budapest, Hungary sponsored by the School of Education…
My first four days of the program were spent in Austria. While in Vienna, I learned about the Habsburg family when I visited the Hofburg Palace. I had the privilege of touring the inside of the palace and I was able to see the family’s silver collection as well as the Imperial Apartments.
In addition, I traveled to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp where I learned about the Holocaust. That was an emotional day since I was very moved when I lit a candle honoring all of the women buried in the cemetery there.
After the concentration camp, we took a bus ride to a town called Linz where we enjoyed a traditional Austrian lunch. I ordered beef soup which was filled with slices of pancakes, it was delicious! I had many exciting experiences during my time in Austria.
A couple of days ago, I settled into my apartment in Budapest,Hungary. The most interesting part of Budapest is the outdoor thermal baths. Today, I got the full experience when I went to the Szechenyi Thermal Bath and sat with the locals. It was interesting to see how this is a norm in their culture. They appeared to be used to stepping out of the heated pools right into the 30 degree weather. The thermal baths were relaxing and I will definitely go back to visit them. I can’t wait to experience the rest of Budapest!
