Semester Abroad: Pachyderm Pro Goes to Europe

Oh I'm sorry. The thing is, I don't speak English very well, so I automatically translate the pages into French. And when I write a message without disabling it, it translates my message into French instead of English. So I modified it but forgot to change the quote, mb.:oops:
 
Adax said:
Oh I'm sorry. The thing is, I don't speak English very well, so I automatically translate the pages into French. And when I write a message without disabling it, it translates my message into French instead of English. So I modified it but forgot to change the quote, mb.:oops:
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Nothing wrong with it, I thought it was kind of funny. It just really surprised me to see it.
 
Adax said:
Arrh i am sorry, I always have a bit of trouble grasping English humour :((which is a shame, because you're masters of irony).
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No worries. More often than not, us English can't even grasp each other's humour! :p
 
Sounds like an amazing trip Pachy! It’s nice to read that you plan on doing lots of cultural stuff - zoos are great, but going beyond that will significantly improve your trip. Although with 5 months I’m sure you’ll see no shortage of zoos:p. I’m particularly interested to hear your thoughts on places I’ve visited (if you visit them although I would assume you will see at least some of them), along with the cross-continent comparisons.

pachyderm pro said:
Utilizing public transport will likely be the biggest learning experience here. I say I'm from Chicago, but in actuality I'm just a Northern Illinois suburbanite who insinuates he's from the city when asked. Everywhere I go involves either a car or a bike 99% of the time so my experience with train/bus travel is practically non-existent outside of going to Sunday mass at college. It's something I'm just gonna have to figure out on the fly to fully grasp. Traveling around North America excessively using public transport is a non-starter unless you hate yourself (;)) which might be why you seldom see European zoo nerds crossing the Atlantic for lengthy trips like this.
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As a fellow North American who just spent a month using European public transit, I don’t think you’ll have too much of an issue. Obviously it depends on the country, and I can’t speak for the whole of Europe, but if you plan your travel ahead of time using Google/Apple maps then it should be straightforward. It might be strange the first few times but you’ll get the hang of it quickly I’d imagine.
 
pachyderm pro said:
After more than a year of planning and many more spent dreaming, I’m about to make the pilgrimage across the Atlantic that all American zoo nerds yearn for. In exactly one week I’m off to Europe and my excitement knows no bounds. We’ve made it to the big leagues!

But this will not merely be a trip dedicated to zoos; It won’t merely be a trip at all in fact. I’ll be partaking in the great American tradition of studying abroad for my fall semester of college. That gives me five full months (September through January) to explore the old world to my heart's content and create some lasting memories. I doubt I’ll ever have this much freedom to travel for an extended period ever again so while zoos will be a focus, it would be unwise for that to be the only focus. Meandering through parks and city streets, going on scenic hikes, sampling local cuisine, checking out museums, cathedrals, and historic sites, and exploring the night life will all be equally as important.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t somewhat intimidated. The anxiety that comes from being halfway around the world without knowing anybody is unavoidable. I worry about somehow getting stranded in an area where English isn't commonly spoken or getting pickpocketed by some shifty character on a train. It’s also hard to miss out on a semester at my home university with all my friends and a whole Chicago Bears season just as we’re starting to show promise (if I keep saying it, it's bound to be true eventually). No matter; tickets are booked, accommodation is set, and I have a 200+ day streak on Duolingo. Instead of anxiously shrinking away from this challenge, I must face it head on and say yes to the great adventure that lies ahead.

Just to be cheeky, I’m keeping where exactly I’ll be based out of a secret until arrival. All that you need to know is that it’s a major city which puts me at the precipice of Europe’s greatest zoos – naturally the most important criteria when deciding host countries. I’m honestly not sure exactly how many places I’ll hit as I do have interests outside of zoos and I’ve been repeatedly advised not to spend too much time away from my host country unless I’m with others. Currently I’m sitting at 56 zoological facilities: 50 in the United States and a half-dozen from my two-week stint in New Zealand earlier this year. When all is said and done I’ll definitely have eclipsed 70-75 at least and I am low-balling. So many legendary exhibits, newly seen species, and world-class experiences lie ahead. It’s honestly surreal. Expect frequent comparisons between collections on either side of the pond.

Naturally many of the places I’ll be visiting have already been covered extensively on this forum so it doesn't seem necessary to write up incredibly long reviews breaking down every exhibit like I’ve done in the past. Instead I’m thinking of sharing more personal accounts, as well as my general thoughts and highlights which is also conducive to my chronic writer's block that I’m working to overcome. Hope you will all enjoy!
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I really liked reading through your New Zealand adventures, and I'm intrigued to see what's in store in Europe. Good luck and have fun! :)
 
T-minus one hour before takeoff and reality is starting to set in. This last week has been so hectic that I’ve had little time to think about this trip much at all, yet all of a sudden I’m just moments away from charging full speed ahead with no turning back. Made it through the blue shirts at O’hare without delay and now eagerly anticipate what lies ahead. Now seems like a good time to talk about where exactly I’ll be stationed which should give an idea of the zoos I’ll be making a shout to over the next several months. Before I reveal where I’m going however, first I’ll talk about where I’m not.

When deciding where in Europe to study abroad there was a selection of criteria in mind:
  • Home to at least one major zoo (and preferably a major aquarium).
  • Generally known for being safe, clean and maintaining a high quality of life.
  • Preferably be a capital city or among the largest in the respective country.
  • Has significant history and notable architecture.
  • Has good food of a diverse variety, bonus if they have rich coffee culture.
  • In close proximity to other major cities (and their respective zoos of course)
  • Tolerable weather year-round.
Nobody correctly guessed where I’m off to, but some were closer than others. There was no shortage of options: France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden and the UK were all potential candidates. Italy and Greece were ruled out almost immediately as those countries have very little notoriety in the way of zoological parks, while the UK and Ireland are too isolated for my liking, arguably Sweden as well. France and The Netherlands have no shortage of great zoos and other amazing locations, but the host universities would’ve been located in somewhat out of the way areas. So while I’m sure I would’ve loved my time at any of these locations, there was only one that met all of my criteria without exception.

Vienna, Austria!

Ok Berlin probably would’ve been my first option, but no matter. Vienna either meets or exceeds all of my desired criteria and I'm thrilled to call it home for the next five months. I hear it’s a bit quiet for a large city, but if anything that made it more attractive as while I enjoy a good night out as much as anybody, rarely do I full send (no way anybody on here under the age of 25 knows what that means :p). These first couple days are packed with orientations, logistics, introductions, and other welcome activities that will take up a bulk of my time. Later this week is when the fun begins as I take on one of the most important zoos and quirkiest aquariums in Europe respectively, as well as my first day trip via public transport. Wish me luck!
 
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pachyderm pro said:
T-minus one hour before takeoff and reality is starting to set in. This last week has been so hectic that I’ve had little time to think about this trip much at all, yet all of a sudden I’m just moments away from charging full speed ahead with no turning back. Made it through the blue shirts at O’hare without delay and now eagerly anticipate what lies ahead. Now seems like a good time to talk about where exactly I’ll be stationed which should give an idea of the zoo’s I’ll be making a shout to over the next several months. Before I reveal where I’m going however, first I’ll talk about where I’m not.

When deciding where in Europe to study abroad there was a selection of criteria in mind:
  • Home to at least one major zoo (and preferably a major aquarium).
  • Generally known for being safe, clean and maintaining a high quality of life.
  • Preferably be a capital city or among the largest in the respective country.
  • Has significant history and notable architecture.
  • Has good food of a diverse variety, bonus if they have rich coffee culture.
  • In close proximity to other major cities (and their respective zoos of course)
  • Tolerable weather year-round.
Nobody correctly guessed where I’m off to, but some were closer than others. There was no shortage of options: France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden and the UK were all potential candidates. Italy and Greece were ruled out almost immediately as those countries have very little notoriety in the way of zoological parks, while the UK and Ireland are too isolated for my liking, arguably Sweden as well. France and The Netherlands have no shortage of great zoos and other amazing locations, but the host universities would’ve been located in somewhat out of the way areas. So while I’m sure I would’ve loved my time at any of these locations, there was only one that met all of my criteria without exception.

Vienna, Austria!

Ok Berlin probably would’ve been my first option, but no matter. Vienna either meets or exceeds all of my desired criteria and I'm thrilled to call it home for the next five months. I hear it’s a bit quieter of a city, but if anything that made it more attractive as while I enjoy a good night out as much as anybody, rarely do I full send (no way anybody on here under the age of 25 knows what that means :p). These first couple days are packed with orientations, logistics, introductions, and other welcome activities that will take up a bulk of my time. Later this week is when the fun begins as I take on one of the most important zoos and quirkiest aquariums in Europe respectively, as well as my first day trip via public transport. Wish me luck!
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And now you've openly announced where you are going, I can openly say I look forward to being able to meet you in person in a little under a fortnight :)
 
Actually I thought about Vienna, until you mentioned Duolingo ;) For "Kaffeehauskultur" it is certainly a great place.

If you need any advice for zoos or life general at Austria feel free to contact me.

My first advice would be to visit the Museum Niederösterreich (St. Pölten) soon, since it has a very strong collection of European ectotherms and I'm unsure how long all of theme are visible due to the upcoming winter season.
 
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Congratulations on picking the city with one of the best offerings zoo-wise that our continent has to offer! Schönbrunn on its own is a serious contender for best zoo in Europe, and the Haus des Meeres is certainly something you'll see nowhere else.

Should you find yourself in Belgium on this trip, feel free to reach out. I'd gladly accompany you through my "home" zoo in Antwerp, or one of our other zoos :) .
 
With or without zoos, Vienna is no doubt one of the best cities to live in Europe! You will love all the museums, monuments and cafés! Do not miss a visit to the Central Cemetery to see wild European hamsters! They are a delight! Nationalpark Donau-Auen is also recommendable.
Neusiedler See is an amazing spot for a weekend break for birdwatching. And you visit a bee eater colony here: Google Maps if you stay long enough till their return in spring.
 
After chatting and conversing much with you about this trip, I’m really looking forward to finally hearing about your adventures as they unfold! Especially with the little bits and pieces you've teased. Now that you’ve said where you’re headed, like with TLD, I can freely comment without worrying about spoiling anything. No point in me guessing the city anymore :D. I will say though, I’m especially curious to hear about that first stop out of Austria which you've revealed to me.

I hope you've arrived safely, and best wishes on your new adventure!
 
TeaLovingDave said:
Although it should be noted that the Meidling Cemetery in the city centre has even higher densities of the hamsters!
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I haven't been there for a while, but i heard from not just one person that the population at the Meidling Cementry had quite a drop the last years. There are still hamsters, but far less than a few years back.
 
remar said:
I haven't been there for a while, but i heard from not just one person that the population at the Meidling Cementry had quite a drop the last years. There are still hamsters, but far less than a few years back.
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That's quite a pity - my last visit was in May 2024, and at that point in time there were still significantly lower densities at the Zentralfriedhof, although you are right that the densities at Meidling seemed lower in 2024 than they did at the time of my first visit in 2022!
 
TeaLovingDave said:
That's quite a pity - my last visit was in May 2024, and at that point in time there were still significantly lower densities at the Zentralfriedhof, although you are right that the densities at Meidling seemed lower in 2024 than they did at the time of my first visit in 2022!
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Sorry to derail the thread (@pachyderm pro , you will have an incredible time in Vienna, such a lovely city, note that Staatsoper ticketscan be had very cheaply for students), but as I am going to be there the day after tomorrow, where and what time would those who know recommend for the hamsters?
 
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