Mein name ist Vannessa. Und dir?

In German, that means "My Name is Vannessa. And you?" I've signed up for German class so that I can get a hold of the language and decipher what my cousins are saying. So far it has been basic phrases and grammar. Here's the thing. With me, I can comprehend most languages when it comes to grammar, writing and reading. I still have some trouble speaking and conversing in languages. But like they say, sometimes you just need to jump in. I'm still dipping my toe in . . .

This past week, it has been all preparations for the General Conference next week. Apparently, it is a big event where science forums, discussions, panels, etc. occur and delegates and ambassadors from the Member States (a.k.a. the countries apart of the IAEA) come to Vienna and discuss stuff and whatnot. I have a vague idea what my job is, which seems like background information getter. So far that I know of, I will be going to the Isotope Labs and Seibersdorf Nuclear Plant with some ambassadors and maybe their entourage. We'll see how that goes next week. The whole week I will be staying at the Austria Center. Oh fun times!

Just recently, some of my friends from the U.N. and I signed up for a capoeira class together. Student rate is 28 Euros for an entire semester, which is October to January. I've always been interested in the martial art form but never got a chance to do it. I would have to thank my friend San-Po for telling me about the Sports University in Vienna. You can sign up for a whole bunch of sports classes to see what you are interested in. Let's see how this goes.

Last night, which was Friday night, I went with the family to Uncle Roland's brother's book launch. Willy spent a lot of time in Paupa, New Guinea and the book recounts what he did there like help build a school for the children. He's been asked by professors at universities all over Austria to speak about his experiences. Of course, his presentation was ALL IN GERMAN so all I could do was stare and try hard not to fall asleep, like a man behind me. I did get to meet the Rossi side of the family so that was cool. I met Robbie and Raffy's cousins Reiner and Roman, who are also part Filipino and Austrian. To me, they look like they are Chinese because they are so fair skinned as compared to my cousins olive complexion. Ah, genealogy's mysterious ways. So until next time . . . tschus!