Below are just a few excerpts from my personal journal. During the required class, we wrote in our journal every day. The class discussed the history of the Habsburg Empire. We gave presentations and completed a project. The class helped us realize the importance of the area, and it distinguished what we were seeing. For more information on my journal entries or information from my class presentations, email me at hjel0029@cda.morris.umn.edu.

excerpts from Journal:

5-14-00
I arrived in Munich after a long flight. The possibilities on this trip seem endless. Culture shock has set in.

5-15-00
I worked on my German with kids on the train. These kids are geniuses. They speak German at only ten years of age. I saw some of the beautiful sites in Munich, Germany. These are things that I thought I would only view on the pages of a book. At dinner, culture shock set in. How do I order when I do not speak German?

The Hofbrauhaus offers BIG beers. I noticed an immediate difference with typical alcohols consumption in Europe. The Brunnenburg Castle is beautiful. I feel that the architecture of ancient times far surpasses the present. I can only imagine what historic items have taken place between these walls. Dorf Tirol is a quaint attractive village. I think I will really enjoy my times here. I could write forever on the beauty of this place; what a truly magnificent journey.

5-16-00
Time for class: This topic is a totally new one for me. Coming from the computer science department, we do not spend much time studying history. I have read very limitedly on the subject, but viewing the surrounding area has provoked me to learn more. The castle has provided my imagination with a view and insight into the past. I think I will be able to envision the historical events discussed in class actually taking place. I would like to start my journal by stating it is nice to have a concrete view that I can use to associate my mental pictures. Because of the beauty of the surroundings, I can understand why this area was sought after.

5-17-00
I am starting to learn historic facts about the region. Seems like it would have been a rough area during ancient times. I have noticed that the Ezra Pound connection with the castle seems a little covered up. I have also found that I have a liking to the Treff. Cultural fascination is still prevalent. Because of the beauty, I wonder why I remain a resident of America. It astonishes me. Why do people stare at us? Do we stick out that much. The food is wonderful. The little pockets of culture I have found really interest me.

5-18-00
I walked the path that Sissi used to take. She would have done it with a band of people. Did she realize how vain she was? In Merano, statues and pictures of Elizabeth can be found everywhere. Are my views on her incorrect? I do not feel she deserves any notoriety.

Merano is wonderful. An Italian village set exactly as I dreamed. People speak both German and Italian here. I am surprised that a combined dialect has not formed. We go to Rome tomorrow.

5-22-00
On my trip to Rome, I set out searching for the meaning of the statement, "When in Rome do as the Romans do." I did just that. We arrived in Rome and lived life to its fullest. I have discussed more about my Rome trip in detail and featured this in the other sections of the web page. It was truly remarkable.

5-23-00
Elizabeth is vain. Am I the only one who sees this? Why is she idolized by others, but condemned by myself. I have started researching my topic chapter. The Austrian empire once controlled such a large part of Europe. It suddenly disappeared. It seemed to start crumbling as soon as Karl took control. They had conquered so much; they instantly lost it all. If feel that the influence of the Germans negatively effected the Austrian Empire.

5-24-00
I have figured out the importance of the Brunnenburg Castle. Brunnenburg and the other smaller castle acted as anchors for Schloß Tirol. They controlled the access roads to the main castle. When power started to rapidly switch hands, Brunnenburg fell into ruins. The Pound family (Ezra Pound) has restored it to the form of a palace.

5-25-00
I am approaching the time when I leave my castle. We have toured the surrounding areas and have learned much on the topic. It amazes me that all these structures were built during ancient times. The people trusted and believed in the government that built these structures. I also sense a strong faith in God in the area. I guess I continue my search for a sign of nobility in Elizabeth.

5-26-00
No class today. We spent time reflecting on Brunnenburg. We will soon leave. I have added my reflections throughout the web page.

5-28-00
On this last weekend at Brunnenburg we went out dancing with our friends from the Treff. It was an interesting night, I found it exciting to see how other cultures behave in a disco situation. I would speak to individuals who spoke German or Italian. Most people had a dabbing in English. I think the best way to experience this culture is to go out and meet people. People I have met have discussed cultural and historical facts with me. Our nights at the Treff often consisted of intellectual conversation about the history, culture, and languages of the region. We would use our 'Riddle' knowledge to evoke discussion.

5-31-00
I am very intrigued by Vienna, Austria. Big city life in Europe seems very exciting. I am look forward to the upcoming weeks. I already have planned to see Oasis in concert. My favorite band on foreign soil....could I be any luckier. I touch on my Austria experiences in other sections of the web page.

6-2-00
St. Stephen's was a truly religious experience. It was built before the time of Columbus. It stands as a strong sign of the religious belief of the area. It makes me question my own views. Was the cathedral a religious symbol or just a sign of power?

I have included additional large sections of my journal in the other sections of this web site. I spend a lot of time discussing events and places that have left a lasting affect on me in other sections. The journal focused more on Brunnenburg, but I have written about Austria throughout the other sections. For additional thoughts or more information, feel free to email me.

If I can offer you one tip for your journeys, it would be to live life up. Go out and have fun. Spend your nights and days experiencing the culture and meeting people. On this trip, the world is your classroom. To get the most out of it you must experience the world.

I have included some links that may help you prepare for similar travels:

http://www.morris.umn.edu/cerp/abroad/copy_of_internationalp/brunnenburg_page.htm
http://info.wien.at/

-Kris Hjelmeland