Skiing the Alps

Chris and I had a day off school, so we went skiing. The edge of the Alps are only about an hour away from Vienna. So, we rented a car - wohoo - and drove outside of a town called Semmering. I was lucky enough to have my own gear (thanks Santa!). It certainly took some getting used to - the slopes were a little bigger than the ones in Michigan! It was a learning day for sure and Chris was super patient with me - especially since it was like child's play for him! He is quite the skier! By the end of the day I was falling less and skiing more.
Parking in Vienna was crazy - silly Christmas markets! We found a spot right outside of our building when we came home (and drove around for 30 mins), and Chris parked the car beautifully - leaving only INCHES between both bumpers.

First Visitor to Vienna

We had our first official visitor to Vienna last weekend! My dad was on this side of the pond for work and thought Vienna would be a perfect weekend retreat! I, of course, put him to work on a home improvement project! Dads are good at that sort of thing! :) So, aside from putting a small hole in our wall, we have a curtain rod with curtains on it! Privacy -what a concept. We also managed to fit in some great traditional Viennese meals, beverages, and desserts! We spent a whole day walking all over Vienna and seeing the sights. We even managed to catch the new James Bond flick. Chris returned from Zurich in time to squeeze in breakfast before Dad left town. It was a short visit, but a special treat for sure! Next up: Mom!

AIS

   

  

Here are photos of our Sports Bubble, sports field on the hill below, and our playground.

Surprise Party

My students threw a surprise birthday party for me, complete with an 18-kid birthday sign!  They were pumped to be so secretive (I had no idea ;) ) and we all enjoyed cupcakes baked by a room mom... my "I-get-one-every-year-mom" for the year... 

2 Things...

Two things I've noticed about the Viennese.

1. They love paper work. Maybe this is because it creates more jobs for Austrian citizens. Between the paperwork for my Visa and the paperwork a friend needed before she could get a certificate to get her water heater fixed - it's amazing there are trees left! Maybe it's because they don't use checks in Austria. Just cash or your bank card. And don't forget - you must complete all paperwork with a blue pen - otherwise you have to re-do it!

2. They follow rules. ALL THE TIME. For example, you only cross roads at the crosswalks. You only cross roads, at the crosswalks, when the little man is green. There could be NO evidence of a vehicle in sight, yet they all still stand and wait for the green man. If I cross on the red man, as sometimes I have done on account of being unable to bear it silliness of waiting any longer, you get dirty looks from the remaining citizens still waiting. I am getting better at waiting patiently, but sometimes I cross just because my logical side tells me too. We'll see, though, what I think after I get my ticket from the police for crossing when I wasn't supposed to...

p.s. you can also get a ticket from the police for not having a bell on your bicycle.

Mini-Break

With a lovely visit from Chris starting on Wednesday, a trip to Cornwall for the weekend was just the way to get a break from class work. While it was fabulous to have him back in Plymouth, getting away was even better. We met a lovely couple named Archie and Molly who were great dinner companions - it'd be great to run into them again next year. Saturday brought what I thought was an Atlantic hurricane - with heavy rain and strong wind constant throughout the day. The rain was blown horizontally and found it's way in one of our windows! The sea was incredible to watch during this weather. The food was spectacular - three courses of bliss! From steak to fish to polenta each bite was heavenly, especially desert! YUM! Sunday brought sun and calm skies, leaving just enough time to take a walk before returning to town. The trees have become bent permanently from the constant winds, but the small flowers were as happy as ever. Returning to town brought the afternoon of the epic Wimbledon match. We watched the first part at the mall in town, then after a break, we caught the second part at the pub we visited for dinner with Bindu and Michael. We ate through the second rain delay, and were pulled into the action until the very end. It was quite the event. :) Chris has returned to Vienna to take intensive German courses, while I try to survive the next two weeks of classes. I don't know who'll have more work?!

Good News, Bad News

Let's play the good news, bad news game.
Good news: I'm on the same floor as Bindu and Michael.
Bad news: I had to move everything after unpacking.
Good news: The new room was clean.
Bad news: The new bathroom was not.
Good news: I get to get at taste of British culture...
Bad news: ... by being across the street from a rowdy pub. (see photo)
Good news: The pub has no loud customers during the day.
Bad news: It just has a (not-so-talented) rock band practicing for hours upon hours.
Good news: I can actually see blue sky today.
Bad news: Rain in the forecast for the next 5 days.
:)