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Friday, August 29, 2008

Biking on the Danube



For all those looking for a great weekend activity this fall, I highly recommend biking through the famous Wachau valley along the Danube river. During RA training week, we took the RA's on a bike route beginning in Spitz and going all the way to Durnstein and beyond. It was a spectacular day with stops at the local churches, vineyards, and castles.


We even had lunch at a local heuriger where they serve the new wine for the year along with other local Austrian specialties.

Spitz is only about a 1 hour drive from Gaming so the trip is definitely manageable as a day trip. Cost is only 12 Euro to rent a bike for the whole day or if you have a group, it drops to 9 Euro for the day.

Below are some pictures from our trip:




Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Previous RD enters Dominicans


For all those who knew previous Residence Director here in Gaming, Adam White, you will be happy to know that he has moved on to his new life, new dress, and new name of Brother Sebastian.


His glowing face attests to his deep joy and happiness:


Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Hiking the Otscher Mountain

All those coming to Austria this semester will have the opportunity to hike in many of the most beautiful and serene mountain ranges that Europe has to offer. A personal favorite of mine happens to be the hike to the summit of the Ötscher Mountain which is only about a 15 minute drive from the Kartause. In the summer, one can take a ski lift up part way and then hike another hour or so to the summit. From the tip of this mountain one can see all the way into Slovakia and also glimpse many of the more impressive mountain ranges here in Austria.

As if this opportunity was not enough, during the winter months, the students will have the opportunity to ski on this mountain during the school sponsored ski trip in November.

Here are some nice shots of the mountain during our summit last week:






Friday, August 8, 2008

Meet your Male RD - Vince Granado

Hi, my name is Vince Granado. I was raised in Dallas, Texas. I graduated from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2003. Since then I spent a year and a half doing mission work in the Caribbean and Philippines. I worked as a youth and campus minister in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, and for the past two years I have returned to Franciscan University to work as a Residence Director in Francis Hall. My favorite locations in Europe thus far are: Vienna, Barcelona, and Lourdes. I enjoy good conversations, running, rock climbing, reading good books, playing the guitar, and photography. But perhaps my most enjoyable moments are spent sipping coffee at any of the fantastic cafes that Europe has to offer.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Save Your Boarding Pass!

If you are flying Austrian Airlines from the USA this fall out to Gaming, you can save your boarding pass for extra perks here in Europe, especially Vienna!

To read the introduction for this offer, go to the Austrian Airlines website: Austrian Airlines Boarding Pass Offers

To see all the special deals in Vienna and in the other cities click here

Safe Travels and save those boarding passes!