Week Eighteen

Last week in Wien.  For now, at least.  I can't imagine not coming back in the future for one reason or another.  The final concert was last night, and there were SOOOO many people there.  It was lovely.  I think I got more complements for my role as the monster than the Bach I sang, but that's ok.  I was way more excited about the Magic Flute scene anyway.  The Ladies (Siena, Amanda, Claire) and Jeremy, who brilliantly directed, were amazing and hilarious.  After the concert we all had wine and food at a reception the staff organized for our last hoorah together.  Waltraud and Diana came to the concert!  I love them so much.  It's going to be hard to say goodbye to them.

It's hard for me to balance cynicism with gratitude for the next part of this blog.  IES decided to award a spirit award every semester beginning this year, and they gave it out last night after the concert.  Yours truly and my friend, Drew, were awarded the IES Abroad Vienna Spirit Award.  It's funny and easy to make fun of (especially for Siena, with whom I am in love), but it is also pretty cool I think.  I got a sweet plaque, and Drew and I get to pick out some form of IES apparel to wear home or something.  I want to get a hoodie and iron-on the faces of the IES staff.  How's that for spirit?  Sometimes during this semester I have had a really rough time being away from Butler and feeling like I'm not involved and busy all the time, but after last night I realize that I have actually done a ton of things this fall.  It is just a different kind of routine that I think I have gotten used to now. Anyhoo, it was really cool.  I'm flattered and honored.  And full of spirit evidently.