And so it has begun...

                   As I sit here at my quaint wooden dinner table with my wonderful new roommates/friends, I could not ask for a more memorable first week abroad. My experiences have only begun to guide me towards evolving into a more well-rounded individual, and (future) music therapist.

                   This weekend I spent my time in Salzburg, Austria, and it did not disappoint. One particularly salient moment for me was standing atop the the Hohensalzburg Fortress. This prominent castle is atop a huge hill and dominants the city's skyline for miles.  It was built in the 11th century, serving as both a place of residence and a prison at different points in history.  After taking a "festungsbahn," or funicular, to reach the top, we were able to gaze across the entire city from a 360-degree bird's-eye view. It was breathtaking. As I peered the countryside, my eyes began to focus in on specific places and details. The light green domes atop majestic churches, the varied windows of all shapes and sizes, the blue-ridged mountains, the river dividing the city into two, the lush greenery. It was in that moment that I was reminded of...the simplicity of life, the beauty found within the details, my mere existence amongst the vast earth, and the replenishing of a clear mind and an
open heart. All of these thoughts encompassed my mind as I explored the castle grounds. I am extremely fortunate to take part of this incredible abroad experience, and I hope to share even more special moments throughout my time in Europe.