Blogs from Klagenfurt, Carinthia, Austria, Europe

I have made a goal to have at least one Servas visit per country so that I can become acquainted with the real culture and not just the tourist attractions. I am staying in a lovely house near Klagenfurt, a house built after careers abroad, and in my mind the design and detail are perfect. It has me thinking about my house and perhaps a few tweaks I could do. The views of the mountains are lovely from every window and balcony. I forgot how changeable mountain slopes can be as light changes throughout the day and evening, or when clouds and mist move by. When I arrived yesterday my hosts took me to a tower to get 360 degree view of the area. The train journey here was delightful through mountains and valleys. Pure pleasure ... read more

I had my first true yoga experience today. Atlantis - the official Wildcat's fitness center - offers classes every day. What a fun, relaxing work out. I am sure I will go back. The classes have funny names and themes. Whitney and I went to "Earth Flow Yoga" today... It was very dynamic, and a good first experience. Next on the list to try is "Yoga Loves Music." I'm sharing some photos of the gym itself. It's cluttered and colorful - besides the dolphins and buddhas, we find dozens of pictures of young, buff Arnold, and people doing yoga poses, and prayer flags, and flowers galore... you name it. Even posters of yoga cats and dogs. The plan is to get a solid routine going... weight lifting a couple times a week and yoga so that ... read more

Wow! I can't believe I am finally here. In June I travelled with the UNM volleyball team to Italy and Slovenia on tour and was introduced to the Klagenfurt team towards the end of our trip. I got to meet the coaches and the team, and played with them against the Lobos (which was rough!). I was so incredibly forturnate to have been offered a contract to play with them this year. I spent the summer working and training, biding my friends and family farewell, and road-tripping from New Mexico to North Carolina with my mom. After spending a few funfilled days in Chicago, I left for Europe on August 30th. I got to meet my roommate Whitney in Chicago before we made the long trip to our new home. I flew into Ljubljana, capital of ... read more

Day 19 (Tuesday, September 23rd) Today was our last day in Slovenia. After eating breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we began the drive north towards Austria. As was the case with all of our prior entrances into new countries, no passport check was completed at the border. Sometimes, it seems as though there is a similar mentality between countries in Europe as there is in the States; they just wave you on in. It was raining in Lake Bled, but by the time we got to Klagenfurt, Austria, the rain had stopped and the sun was trying to come out. Klagenfurt is the provincial capital of the Carinthia, which encompasses the southern region of Austria. The town is of medium size in terms of population (about 90,000) and offers visitors many beautiful squares and ... read more

In Poggersdorf (near Klagnefurt) - tomorrow night (saturday), I will be attending a birthday party for who knows who... a friend of a couch surfer. I will hopefully surf nearby for 1 or 2 nights. Following - I will head to the autobahn on-ramp, and stick out my thumb --- to Vienna! Monday and Tuesday seem to be decent days; no rain or snow... let's see what happens! (Bologna and Venice/Padova/Chioggia blog is delayed ... sorrry!) My backpack is too large. I have a jacket and a sweater that I will probably never use again. I think I'll ditch them on the side of the road, or leave them here in Poggersdorf for other surfers (if they get cold!!)... read more