T-minus 19 DAYS!!!

With my flight a mere 19 days away and two busy weeks ahead, it is time to start up the travel blog!! I'm creating this so that I can easily update family and friends about my adventures in Austria! 

I'm so excited to share everything I learn about Austrian culture, the German language, and music during my time in Salzburg. 

So why am I galavanting across an ocean to Europe? 

I am studying German and Vocal Performance at a university in Salzburg, Austria in a program through the University of Miami. The program is from July 9th to August 9th: during the Salzburg Music Festival! What better time and place to be studying music in Europe? 

Musically the focus will be on German Lied (german songs) and Opera. 

Current focuses:

• In the program there is a recital competition. I will sing a 35-45 minute recital for the teachers and if I do well (hopefully I do!!) I will get the opportunity to sing a few selections from my recital at different venues in Salzburg!!! It would be quite an honor to receive that opportunity and I am working very hard right now to be completely prepared!
• PACKING: All my suitcases are empty, asking me to fill them :D ...but will all my shoes fit?
• My biggest concern is staying healthy! How awful would it be to start the program under the weather?? I apologize if I offend anyone by avoiding them while they are ill.

Let the travel preparations begin: TO THE SUITCASES!!!!

~~~Rachel~~~