Thanksgiving is a very important holiday for Americans. I recognized this a little bit late but I was lucky that ISSP (an organization at emory which supports international students) helped me to get a family contact. It was a wonderful experience for me to experience this holiday and I thank the family for their hospitality.

The last two nights we celebrated Halloween! Usually it is just on October 31st, but we had a preparty on 30th where we told each other ghost stories. I was dressed up as a doctor! And I carved a pumpkin. It was nice – I think I also do this back in Austria.

I just came back from the Austrian Honorary Consulate in Atlanta where Mr. and Mrs. Seefried gave a reception on the occasion of the Austrian National Holiday. It was very nice to meet other Austrians there. I think from now on I will celebrate this holiday!

Yesterday we did a little Oktoberfest celebration. Kind of late, as it is originally at the end of September but it was very nice!

Last Saturday we had Austrian Night at the German Studies Apartment. We decorated the walls with Austrian flags and posters from Vienna and Kristina baked some good cakes (of course we had Apfelstrudel). It was a cool night!

Last week, I traveled to Salzburg and Vienna to enjoy the Austrian way of life the last time for the next months. I just walked through the cities and enjoyed the sights as well as coffee and dinner. On Wednesday I had my last party with my friends. Florian had his guitar with him and we sang some Austrian songs. We spent the end of the evening at Rox. Thank you my friends for coming!

So I am in Atlanta with a lot of luggage, a lot of pictures from Austria and a head full of nice memories from my homecountry and time with my friends!

This evening it was the last time to go out for karaoke with my friends in Austria before I leave to the US. It was great! We had no camera with us. So here is a picture from a former karaoke evening.

Thank you so much for spending your time and coming to our “Time to Say Goodbye” party last week! Thank you for your present! Enjoy the pictures!

Last Friday, June 6th, Christina and I visited the 111th Concordiaball. We attended the opening ceremony. The ball is arranged by the Viennese journalist’s club Concordia, the world oldest journalist’s club. The ball took place in the very awesome premises of the Viennese Town Hall. It was moderated by Barbara Rett (Wikipedia, German available only). The opening ceremony was choreographed by Prof. Klaus Mühlsiegl, who is well known as the choreographer of the Viennese Opera Ball opening ceremonies. We enjoyed another great ball night until the end at 5am. View our pictures!

On the occasion of my nomination had been confirmed, we had a little celebration today. Peter had taken some pictures – thanks a lot! It was my pleasure drinking sparkling wine with you. Thank you for spending your time.