Since I last posted, I have had an insane day. I went for a bike ride and run down by the river today at around 1:30. We have been leaving our flat unlocked at all times, so I didn't take my key with me because that's just kind of a nuisance to keep up with while running. When I got back, the door was locked and no one was home. I waited around for a couple of hours, and finally I just started asking random people if they knew where I could find a locksmith, if I could use their phone, etc. I was so sweaty and gross from my run and I'm sure I smelled horrible. Finally, this really nice guy told me he didn't have any minutes on his phone, but he went with me to a nearby bar to get change for a 5 euro bill that he gave me. Then, he showed me where a pay phone was so I could try to call someone for help. I couldn't even figure out the phones, nor did I really have anyone whom I could call. I don't know Birgit's number by heart and she went home for a couple of weeks, anyways, so she wouldn't even have been able to help me. I walked around for awhile and luckily a Turkish grocery store was still open so I went in and got an apple and some disgusting fruitcake stuff (it didn't taste nearly as good as it looked in the picture). I came back, sat around some more, and finally went to a nearby dorm to see if I could find the room of this American girl I met earlier that day. I finally did, and she let me in and gave me some water. I left for awhile and came back tonight to see if she would let me sleep on her couch. She did, thank god. I had no idea where my roommates were...I was starting to think they had gone home for the weekend or something. I felt so utterly helpless and disconnected...it was an awful feeling.

I woke up at around 1:45 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep, so I left and walked back to my dorm to see if Gertrud or Peter had gotten home. It was still locked, but I rang the doorbell and finally Gertrud came to the door. I felt awful for waking her up, but she was really nice about it. It all turned out fine, but it wasn't the best day ever. It was really stupid on my part...I am definitely going nowhere without my key again. You live and you learn, I guess. Mom & Dad, I promise I won't be that stupid in the future. Don't worry, though, I have discovered I'm very good at getting myself out of sticky situations. : )

On the bright side, though, my run was really beautiful. There is a path down by the river (the Mur) where there are always tons of people walking, running, talking, etc. Graz is the most pedestrian-friendly city I think I have ever seen. There is also a public climbing wall halfway down the path...pretty cool. Anyways, it was a great run. The weather has been perfect here...upper 70's/lower 80's and sunny. It's even a little on the hot side.

I am finally starting to get my bearings around town. I found a way to the university from my dorm without any help from anyone else...I was pretty proud of myself. It's actually really close and it's a very pleasant bike ride. I bike across the river, past two greenspace/park things, and down a street with some beautiful buildings. I love it. My bike is so old-school and makes the most obnoxious creaking noises when I ride it. It runs really well, though. While I was aimlessly wandering around today, I found a lavender bike basket in a neighbor's trash, so now I can buy more groceries during a single trip, thank god. I just realized I must have really looked like a homeless person today. Oh well. The nice thing about not knowing anyone here is that I can do stupid things like that and not even worry about it. I dont feel silly at all if I have to ask directions or if I stumble over my words because it just doesn't matter. I am out to learn, not impress.

Well, it's about 3:10 a.m. here and I'm getting tired. Sorry for not having any pictures; my camera was locked inside my room all day. I'm sure I'll take some tomorrow. Bis bald!