Sylvester v Slovensko! New Years Eve in Slovakia

New Years Eve in Slovakia was the best I've ever had. Like a typical teen I went out with my friends here, and had a great time. We were at a friends flat until midnight and then went into the center city for the fire works, which were much more spectacular than anything I've ever seen Wisconsin do (no surprise there). After the fireworks we went to a different house and finished the night/morning. It was great, I never expected to meet some of the best friends I think I will ever have, here in Slovakia. They help so much with the language, but most of all they make me feel at home here, and I can honestly say at this point I never want to leave Slovakia. One year is not long enough!
The next day after arriving home late in the morning I fought off the urge to fall asleep the whole day, as we spent it with family here. Although I was unbelievably exhausted, it was a great way to spend New Years Day.
I must say, I really do love the way they do holidays here in Slovakia.
As much as I write in my blog, post on Facebook, and talk to people back in the USA, it's honestly impossible to explain exactly what it feels like to be here. The feelings I have experienced go beyond words, and I am continually amazed every day by just how beautiful my new home is.

Hitler gave his first speech to Austria here as Nazi soldiers marched through the city. 

 Most Modern Building in Vienna

 Christmas lights making the streets look like ballrooms

 My personal favorite church in Vienna

Tis' the Season to Celebrate like a Slovak

If anyone knows how to properly celebrate the holiday season, it's Slovakians. Between having champagne for breakfast, and fish in the bathtub, everything is exciting, and I honestly don't know what to expect. Ever.

When I returned home from a long day out with friends the week before Christmas, I was stunned to find four large carps in one of our bathrooms. Actually it scared me quite a bit. My host dad heard my reaction from a couple rooms away and with tears of laughter came in to explain that we would eat them for dinner, and they are kept in the tub so that they will be clean to eat. That was probably the only really strange thing that happened for Christmas. We had a great dinner, opened presents, and went to mass at 12 midnight (not fun after being exhausted from drinking all day). 

After Christmas I went back to Vienna, Austria to see the world famous Christmas lights. I was not disappointed. Spending the night in Baden, Austria (where Beethoven wrote most of his music) was a great getaway from my home away from home.