Graz, Austria

August 9-11, 2008 Jeffrey, a college friend, came to visit me in Germany for a week. He was visiting over a weekend, so we decided to go to Graz, Austria. Graz was the cultural capital of Europe in 2003 and well deserved indeed. Jeffrey is a member of a website called couchsurfing.com - a network of traveling enthusiasts who offer or seek a couch/cot/floor to sleep on when traveling. Jeffrey had a friend, Sara, living in Graz that he got in touch with to see if we could sleep on her "couch." Turns out Sara had a much nicer set up than most people and Jeffrey and I had our own beds in one of her roommate's rooms (the roommate was on vacation). Her flat was enormous by European standards -- 4 bedrooms, full kitchen, full bathroom, pantry room, AND a terrace!! We got to meet one of her roommates and a friend. Graz was a beautiful city with lots of interesting buildings and cultural activities going on. They also had a wonderful guidebook for visitors - highlighting the must see buildings and giving a brief overview of each sight. Jeffrey and I lucked out and saw a street-performing group our first day in front of the town hall. The group was called La Strada and their dancing was slightly provocative but very catching. Jeffrey and I also went to an Organ Concert while in Graz. The trip was a really great weekend -- lazy sightseeing and great company. We enjoyed breakfast on the terrace every morning and Sara even made us dinner one night -- homemade apricot dumplings!! more pictures

View of Graz from the Schlossberg

Austrian colored flower arrangement

The clock tower

Fountain the city park