December was nice, Linz got a little colder and we also had snow the first time. The whole Erasmus squad went together to a little field trip. We were introduced to one of the most important monasteries, which still to this day is active. After all that architecture and history we also went to see one of Austria’s most impressive Cribs, which were sculpted by hand from wood and painted and made into a little details of Jerusalem. Almost every part was moving, it was like a diorama coming alive, really nice indeed. Austria has very highly valued traditions and during the Christmas season you will experience the Adventzeit. We have the same Advent time also in Scandinavia and it was quite similar to be honest. We baked cookies in German classes and the whole Hauptplatz (main square) of Linz was full of Christmas spirit. The whole December you could enjoy warm Punsch (warm wine/rum with spices) or have a bite of delicious Lebkuchen (ginger bread).
Our university kindly paid for us also a trip to Salzburg, some of us went to see Theater, and the rest of us explored the city, had a nice dinner and spend quality time together. I left Linz just before Christmas and went home to Finland. The same day i also visited the Zoo of Linz the first time and had a lovely day there since i was the only visitor that day.
We made a trip to Vienna for the Christmas markets and had a view on the city for one weekend, the Christmas markets were a lot bigger than in Linz, and the city was beautiful in the seasons decorations.
Overall December ( Christmas month in finnish /” Joulu” = christmas “kuu” = month ) was really nice with the schoolwork and also to visit other parts of Austria with friends. Christmas is important here and you could feel it when you walk in the snowy streets in the old town enjoying local delicacies from the Christmas market.
– Jani
KAAMOSMAASTA 