2+2=4 Even in German

So I just want to say that I got a 2 on my math test the other day. Thats about the equivalent of a B-B+. I'm so proud! I'm not to good at math in English! And there were some word problems on this test. You know whats funny is when you have to study vocabulary for a math test...but hey it paid off!

SO EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!

So today Elisabeth informed me that two of her friends have recording studios, and that she wants me to work on my songs so we can record a cd! HOW AWESOME IS THIS?! I'M SERIOUSLY GEEKING OUT! Watch out piano HERE. I. COME. 

Shrekpoint: #2! Rathaus!

Shrek got to accompany me to the Rathaus to go skating! 

The lights at night were amazing!

He thought he was my prince

So I let him give me a kiss

But he didn't change

Stayed exactly the same

He might be green but he isn't a frog

So maybe thats why it went wrong

(I think I need to stop now)

Anyway, we had a great time. These are two other foreign exchange students that are also in Vienna. The girl on my left is Veronica from Venezuela, and the girl on my right is Perry from Hong Kong. 

The ice rink was incredible. There is one big one right under the Rathaus, and then another one towards the front bordering the street. They are connected by winding loops and pathways of ice. Thats where we are in the photo. I loved it! We were there on the last day so unfortunately I don't get to go back....maybe next year?

Been Busy! Thats a good thing :)

A Ball!

So I believe it was two weekends ago that I attended a ball. It was at a casino in Baden. My host sister's cousin is graduating "high school" and its a tradition to hold a ball. Her, and I believe her entire class as well were in charge of hosting and organizing the event. The casino was a really old beautiful building, with red carpet stairs and a large ballroom. There was an actual opening ball ceremony were a bunch of young couples dance a choreographed waltz. All the girls wear white, and all the boys where a tux with a bow-tie. After they are done with their dance the rest of the guests are allowed to move on to the dance floor. Because I brought my friend Veronica (a foreign exchange student from Venezuela) I didn't have a dance partner. Elisabeth's date was kind enough to teach me the Foxtrot and Waltz, both which I picked up fairly easily. The problem was with all that turning my dress kept sliding over which made things a little awkward... Elisabeth's date's name was Tom. He was born in America but has lived in Austria since he was four. His hair is very long and to the ball he wore a traditional suit, it had ruffles! There was live music in the ballroom and a disco downstairs. The disco was more like the school dances I was used to except for the fact that there was a bar. Which isnt really strange, the strange part was I could order from it if I wanted. The disco was mostly full of teenagers but at one point during the night there was a couple of older ladies getting their funk on haha. Even though this was a "school ball" there were people of all ages. 10 to 80 really. It lasted from 9:00 until 3:00am and I didn't go to sleep until 5! New record for me. It was a lot of fun dancing all night long but my feet hurt like crazy the next day. The last dance was "Amadeus" and we were practically the only ones left in the ballroom. Elisabeth and I danced ridiculously crazy. It was great! All in all it was a great time! And I look forward to the next one in April!

 This is Tim and Sophia :)

 Everyone I give you Elisabeth!

 Tim, Sophia and Tom (see what I meant about the ruffles?)

 Sophia with her two cousins, Mathias and Lena!

 Me at the Disco with some random superhero who was flying around ;). Its one of those photo companies. You take a picture with the guy and then all of the pictures were being broadcasted on a t.v. upstairs outside the Ballroom.

 Me, taking a dance break.

 Me and Tom Waltzing!

 That is a Coke. I swear.

 Elisabeth likes surprise photos.

Backrow: Tom, Tatjana (it was her ball) and Tim
Frontrow: Veronica, me and Sophia!

A Chef is Born

Breaking News! 

- Signe, never before seen in the kitchen, has now revealed to have superb cooking skills

Hi, I am the reporter Einge Sngstrand. Yesterday I arrived in Mödling Austria, to get an exclusive interview with Signe on her sudden change of heart when it came to cooking. 

Q: So Signe, I here from your family that prior to leaving the country, you were scarcely seen in the kitchen? The truth or are the exaggerating?

A: "No definitely the truth. The microwave was my best friend, and my brother he makes good fried eggs. When I was seen in the kitchen my family would call for a national holiday, or bring out the video camera! One time I was home alone, I made a fried egg and set the fire alarm off..."

Q: Really!?

A: "Yes, haha although I'm told that is hereditary. I'm not the first person to set of the fire alarm because of my cooking" She laughs for a moment before saying, "My dad often jokes around saying thats the dinner bell"

Q: So its not like you never cook, you just don't like to?

A: "Ya pretty much, but now cooking and I are getting along better"

Q: So prior to your little transformation, what could you cook?

A: "Mostly breakfast food, eggs, pancakes, I was the best pancake flipper ever! Toast, anything in the microwave, and pasta...." She pauses and thinks "yep thats about it"

Q: Now what can you cook?

A: "Ha, well i'm not a master chef yet but I've managed to get over my fear of cooking meat by starting with chicken. I season and pan fry it, its quick and easy to do which is nice cause my school day is soooooo looonnnngggg. I also can make a pretty great vegetable stir fry!"

Q: Anything else?

A: "Ahhh well" She laughs and looks a little embarassed "Nothing yet, I'm slowly working my way up to the cooking Olympic dishes like Creme Brulee, but right now we are still in training. Me and the thousands of recipes on Google.

Q: What inspired you to begin cooking?

A: "I was hungry I guess" Signe laughs and shrugs before continuing "Here in Austria the typically don't eat large meals in the evenings and I wasn't used to that. My host mom is home late so she can't cook for me, and I wasn't about to ask my 15 year old sister to make me dinner, so it was go hungry or man up and face the stove I guess"

Q: Where do you usually buy your ingrediants?

A: "Thats easy, my flat is literally on top of a Billa grocery store. All the cashier ladies know who I am haha. Its super nice cause if I forget something, all I have to do is walk downstairs!"

Q: What was the last meal you cooked?

A: "Tonights dinner. I pan fried a couple of chicken breasts. First I marinated them with lemon juice and thyme. My spice knowledge is low so I either throw something on that sounds familiar and hope for the best. I heated olive oil in a pan with some finely chopped onions, and then fried away. Before I made the chicken I made a simple guacamole. Avocado  onions, garlic, tomatoes, and lemon juice because we didn't have lime and Billa was closed. I let that sit in the fridge while I fried the chicken so it would get nice and tasty! As a nice side salad I chopped up some cucumbers and tomatoes and sautéed them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Classic taste. I ate the guacamole on the chicken as a sort of sauce I guess. It was really good. My host sister loved it, said she had a foodgasm haha. I guess the reason I never cooked before is because I didn't really have to and I was always scared it wouldn't taste good! So I'm really glad she like it!"

Q: Sounds delicious! Well looks like we have time for only one more question!

A: "Ask away!"

Q: Now that you found that you enjoy cooking, do you think you will continue with it when you return to the U.S.?

A: She pauses for a moment and thinks, "Hmm I'm sure i'll continue cooking, but cooking for two brothers that eat about a chicken each is a lot different then frying a couple chicken breasts." She laughs and says "Maybe i'll make the appetizers!"

Q: Sounds good to me! Well thank you for your time, and I hope I'll get to taste a dish of yours in the future!

A: Your welcome! And yes, if I open a restaurant I'll be sure you to send you a ticket" She pauses and then laughs while saying "What am I thinking restaurants don't have tickets!"
Q: Haha I got what you meant! Well folks, its been great talking with Signe here on the foodnetwork, but we are out of time! Until next Tuesday folks!