I had a lot of moments in Vienna, where I marveled at my outgoingness. How is it that I could get in an Uber or order a hot chocolate from a Christmas Market and strike up a conversation with people? There were many moments where I had a conversation with someone and both of us were speaking in German, just barely being able to understand one another. I'm going to miss using Sprechen Sie English? all the time. It became my favorite phrase, serving as a constant reminder that I am not in America anymore and that I have to learn to fend for myself in a very adult manner.
My last few weeks in Vienna were bittersweet. I was shocked to be more thrilled about going home rather than sad about leaving. As much as I had enjoyed my experience, I felt that it was time to go. I was starting to dread getting on the U-Bahn, missing the more noisy and animated New York Subways. Vienna is a really quiet, totally toned-down city and I guess towards the end, I was longing for some ruckus. All I wanted was to hear one siren or one car blaring music or one person shouting while talking on the phone, but Vienna after 10 pm is a ghost town. Homesickness was creeping up on me, making me see Vienna with tired eyes.
My last few days in Vienna were really hectic. I was juggling final papers, presentations, exams, grad school applications, and packing. I honestly did not finish packing until the morning of my flight. However, all of that did not stop me from making the most of my last few days. I revisited the Christmas markets one last time, took a tram ride to the last stop and back, saw one last new attraction, and had one last family dinner and game night with my friends.
