The celebrations started yesterday when Jarrad, Patrick and I went to lunch together at this amazing Italian restaurant in Vienna. The food was great and the company was pretty damn good as well.
The first time I woke up on my birthday was 12.33am when Majo decided to call me. Granted, I ignored her calls, as I was in no way able to function at that hour of the morning. This did not put her off though as the next calls started coming through at 5.50am, followed by 7.17am, 9.19am and 9.20am when I finally gave in and answered and got "TY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!" shouted at me. Thank you, Majo =D
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| My call list from Majo |
When I got downstairs I got the biggest hug from my host mum which was so great. My little host sisters then came in and said "Happy Birthday" and "Alles gute zum Geburtstag" and I got to drink my morning tea from the special 'birthday cup'; a cup in the family that you only get to use on your birthday.
Even though she is on the other side of the world, I got a message from my Mum that made me cry; tears of happiness of course. It said, "I've been thinking of you all day and we even had birthday cake and sang 'happy birthday' to you". I miss her so much, but hey, how many Australian's can say they spent their 18th birthday in Austria with the best host family ever? It's pretty damn cool. I wouldn't go back and change anything.
Around lunch time, Majo and various other members of my extended host family came around and we sat down and had a big lunch. After, there were some interesting and slightly embarrassing (for Majo) conversations between me, Majo and my host parents before they brought out the cake and the birthday presents.
This next part almost had me in tears for the second time today when my host parents told me that they had spoken to my Mum and got the recipe for my favourite cake from her, had it translated, and made it for me as my birthday cake. I cannot describe how that made me feel as I was so happy that they had gone to so much effort for me!! Sneaky parents going behind my back from two different sides of the world!
Through friends and family, both in Austria and from home, I got so many more presents than I ever thought I would and they are all so great. So thank you everyone!!!
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| Es dauerte 18 Jahre um so gut auszusehen! |
Going back to Thursday now, we said goodbye to one of our own when she flew back to Australia after three months in this wonderful country. Jarrad, Patrick and I made the decision to surprise Chelci at the airport for one last time before she went home. Spending those last few hours with her was so good; with Jarrad playing any sad song he could think of, and Patrick constantly reminding Chelci that he wouldn't miss her at all ~ he's such a liar. That last hug before she walked through security was one of the hardest that I have done since I left home. It's hard saying goodbye to a best friend; however, we'll see you next year Chelci!!!
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| Surprise!! |
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| Best Friends <3 |
Until Next Post.
Adios Amigos.
Tyarna xx
