Europe Bound
We're in the final countdown. Where did the time go? It's hard to believe that finals were just a few weeks ago for the Exec students, and now we're off to Europe.
Just like many of my fellow classmates, this week has been a full-blown frenzy of checklists to complete - things to do, people to see, and unknowns to prepare for at work, home, and for our upcoming trip. Are any of us really prepared for Saturday's departure? I know I'm not! But I am very excited. How lucky we are to be able to visit so many amazing countries and visit companies that most of us would never have access to otherwise.
I cannot wait to arrive in Budapest and visit USE Corp, one of the many companies we will visit while there. And of course there's the Hungarian Opera House, Kiralyi Palota (Royal Palace), and the Gellert Baths. And did you know that approximately 200 caves, formed by natural springs which supply the city's famous thermal baths, have been found underneath this capital city, often only five to ten feet below street level?! This labyrinth of caves was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century due to drainage construction, and the caves are now protected areas. Budapest is known as the only capital city in the world to rest upon such an amazing formation of natural caves.
Next we'll be on our way to Vienna, Austria, where we will have the opportunity to taste some of the world's finest chocolates, caviar, and wines at Julius Meinl. Then there's Cafe Sperl - full of Austrian charm, artistic and architectural grandeur, and great coffee. For those of us who appreciate the fine art of psychoanalysis, there's the Sigmund Freud Museum to tour, and for music lovers, the Haus Der Musik (House of Music). And during all of this fun and excitement we'll have the chance to meet with the folks at the American Chamber of Commerce.
Salzburg, the home of musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, will be our next destination. There we will have the chance to admire some of the most impressive early Baroque architecture north of the Alps - the Salzburg Cathedral. For those history buffs like myself, a short trip south of the city will reveal a story rich in history - Adolf Hitler's mountain retreat, Eagle's Nest. The Spanish Riding School is also a place worthy of attention. It was established in 1572 and is the oldest and last of its kind in the world. Of course, there's the Salzburg Festival, our local business visit, where we will learn about the city's popular summer festival of music and drama. Afterwards, we can relax and reminisce over a liter of beer at the Mullner Brau beer garden.
And finally, there's Munich, Germany. Home to GE Global Research and BMW's headquarters, there's more to do here than time allows. From the beautiful English Garden to the Andechs Monastery, there's plenty to keep us occupied and entertained. My top destination is the Dachau Concentration Camp, located just a few miles northwest of Munich. Many of my fellow companions will be sure to stop at one of Munich's many breweries and beer gardens, such as the famous HofBrauhaus.
Each destination will open up a world of opportunities for each of us. There is so much to see, do, and become a part of. The rich cultures and history of each destination will bring forth experiences that will enrich our lives in ways we can never imagine. We have so much to gain from this experience, and it begins in just a few, short days. Let's make this trip as rewarding as possible.
See you all on Saturday!
