The End

My very last day in Vienna. My finals are done, my bags are packed, and I am just waiting it out until it's time to hop in a van to the Air port. I don't think I could even begin to describe what this experience has meant to me. I have seen and learned things that I never even imagined. I can say, however, that I don't think this experience would have been complete without the wonderful YA Austrian members. I will always remember them as some of my dearest friends! I hope to see them again someday!

Arnulf

Robert

Raphael

Emanuel. He likes to give me noogies and I hate it

Oliver

Samira and Naemi

Dago

The Brosnehans

Rebekka and Marvin

I just love you all so much! Thanks for making this Vienna experience even better!

Krampus

All is well on Christmas in Vienna...

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Until this guy abducts your naughty children:

And there's good ol' Saint Nick in the background

Merry Christmas Austrian Kinder!

Torrey

            Torrey Best is exactly what her name suggests: the best! At first you think Torey is just a quiet girl, but when you get under the surface you find all sorts of pleasant surprises! I feel like I learn something new and awesome about her every single day.

            Torrey is extremely fashionable. She always looks super cute and I especially love the way she accessorizes. I wanted to know where I could get all of her awesome jewelry and was informed that she has collected it from all over the world. Yep, super cute, and super cultured. Doesn’t get any better than that.

            Torrey is also very talented. Last week she played some tennis with a few members of the group and, from what I heard, she basically wiped the floor with them! Apparently she’s got a killer serve.           

            It has also been decided that Torrey could whoop every other girl here in a boxing match. I totally agree. I have come to learn that under that quiet exterior lies a champion.

 I literally have a total of zero pictures with Torrey (yes I will have to fix that asap) so here are some pictures I found when I googled boxer:

Allie

            Allie is definitely what Janis Ian would refer to as a “class A hottie”. She is so beautiful. I will admit that at first I thought she would be your stereotypical pretentious pretty girl, but she is in fact one of the nicest, most fun, most genuine people I know. Luckily her gorgeous blond hair doesn’t get in the way of her being intelligent and down to earth.

            I love talking to Allie because I always feel like she has genuine interest in what others have to say. She is super friendly towards everybody and I have always felt that she tries to include everyone.

            Allie is always super fun to hang out with. I think she can find the humor in every situation. I don’t think I’ve ever spent time with her without bursts of laughter.

            Ultimately Allie is just one of those people who is not afraid to go for it. If she wants to try something, she doesn’t hold back. It doesn’t matter if, along the way, her ice skate cuts through her jeans, and possibly her skin, she’s gonna keep skating anyway dang it!

Lastly, I would just like to make note of her inhuman flexibility. Suuuuper jealous of that skill.

Annisija

            The other wonderful musician in our group is Annisija Wallin. She plays the viola, quite beautifully might I add. I’ve one heard her play a couple times, but I can tell she has magnificent musical talent.

Annisija will quite possibly be the greatest mom in the world. Everything she does is so warm and heart felt and I always feel comforted in her presence. Annisija is kind, sympathetic, and super easy to talk to. She is very optimistic and helps me see the good in seemingly terrible situations.

Annisija is our go-to piano playing girl and we always look to her for our starting pitch when we have to sing a hymn a cappella. She is also a tried and true friend, and will even lay on the ground to take a picture of you if you want a really tall building in the background (I am a personal benefactor of this particular generosity of hers).

            Not only does she have all the technical qualities down, but she is a hoot! She says the most surprisingly funny things that sometimes I am just beside myself with delight. I take great pleasure in her witty comments. I love her giggle her smile!