Introduction
The Journey Begins
The trip to Salzburg, Austria began last fall. Our youngest daughter Rachael, a junior at Rosemont College, had the chance to spend a semester in Europe. Her choice of Salzburg came as a surprise to her mother, Laura, and me. Rachael had studied Spanish through high school and continued with her Spanish studies at Rosemont. Oh well, we’ve somehow always dealt with other surprises cast our way by her older sister and brother. Rachael expressed her enthusiasm and we all felt this would be a wonderful opportunity. Laura and I had never been to Europe and this could also serve as our motivation.
None of us knew much about Austria. My grandparents emigrated from Austria around the turn of the century before World War I. My grandfather spoke German and my grandmother spoke Hungarian and German. Laura also had a grandfather who emigrated from Vienna. Neither of us really knew much more about Austria than those vague references. I figured I'd have an opportunity to "brush-up" on my high school German.
In the coming months, we would learn more about Austria. I purchased a survival guide to "Learn German in 7 Days". Although I had the book for several months, I never really looked at the book until I was on the plane. I also purchased some travel guides and language books for Rachael. She was still wrapped up in finishing her Fall semester at Rosemont and would eventually take a German language class in Salzburg. Rachael further informed us that she would be the first and only Rosemont student participating in the semester abroad program at Salzburg College. Something else for us to think about!!