This morning, I took a leisurely stroll through Hellbrunn Park, soaking in the crisp air and the serene beauty of the surroundings. As I wandered along the tree-lined paths, the park seemed to wake up around me. Birds stirred in the branches, their songs filling the air—soft coos from wood pigeons, cheerful chirps from sparrows, and the rich, fluty trill of a blackbird perched high above. Their melodies blended into a symphony that felt both peaceful and invigorating. It was the perfect start to the day, leaving me refreshed and ready for whatever came next.

Back at the hostel, I treated myself to a hearty breakfast: a steaming cup of tea and a plate of buttery toast. The simple pleasure of it set a positive tone for the day. Soon after, I headed to school, the bright sunshine wrapping around me like a warm embrace. It felt like the universe was giving me a little nod of encouragement.

At school, I had five lessons: French, German, Maths, Reading, and PE. Each one brought its own little adventure. In French class, I tackled a text about Charles Perrault, the author behind beloved fairy tales like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. I’ll admit, my pronunciation was far from perfect—I probably sounded more like a toddler babbling than someone reading a proper biography. But you know what? I was proud of myself anyway. Reading French at all felt like a small victory, especially since it’s not even offered as a second language in my German school. It was tough, but there was something satisfying about pushing through the challenge.

German class, on the other hand, was a different story. I mostly stayed quiet, scribbling down phrases the teacher wrote on the whiteboard. I didn’t always understand what they meant, but I figured writing them down was better than nothing. Maybe one day those notes will make sense to me—or at least give me a good laugh when I look back at them!

The highlight of the day, though, was the performance for the upcoming Women’s Day. I absolutely loved dancing in it! The energy in the room was infectious, and for a few moments, I forgot about everything else and just let myself move to the rhythm.

After school, I decided to take a walk around Salzburg to unwind. I started at Mozartplatz, where the statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart stood proudly in the center. The square was lively but not overwhelming, with people milling about and the sound of street musicians in the background. I snapped a photo with the statue, taking a moment to appreciate the Baroque buildings surrounding the square. Their elegance and history seemed to whisper stories of the past.

From there, I strolled over to Residenzplatz, a grand square dominated by the stunning Residenz Fountain. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and the square felt like a scene from a storybook. I couldn’t help but admire the Salzburg Residenz, the former palace of the archbishops, with its opulent rooms and intricate artwork. Standing there, I felt a deep connection to the history and beauty of the place.

Next, I wandered into Getreidegasse, the famous shopping street. The narrow, cobblestone lane was lined with charming buildings, each adorned with ornate wrought-iron signs. I window-shopped as I walked, stopping occasionally to admire the traditional shops and boutiques. When I reached No. 9 Getreidegasse, Mozart’s birthplace, I paused to take a photo. Even though I didn’t go inside, it felt special to stand in front of such an iconic spot. The street had a lively yet cozy vibe, and it was the perfect way to end the day.

As I walked back to the hostel, I felt a deep sense of gratitude—for the beauty of the park, the challenges of school, and the history of Salzburg. It was a day that reminded me how much joy can be found in the simple act of paying attention.

In the evening, I had a private German lesson with my teacher. We spent the class discussing a heartwarming story about a little puppy who was separated from his mum and dad. It was such a touching tale—I couldn’t help but feel for the poor pup! After that, we chatted about all sorts of things: hobbies, relationships, and even a bit about economics (which was surprisingly interesting). The class flew by, and I had a really good time.

Once the lesson was over, I had a quick catch-up with my Russian teacher. It was nice to touch base and share a few updates. By then, I was pretty tired, so I headed to bed, feeling content after a productive and enjoyable day.