Salzburg
Mozart's birthplace
Me and Salzburg
Delicious chocolate ice cream at the famous Demel Cafe
Sound of Music happiness
Friday, August 26, 2011
Beauty
I can't get over how beautiful it is here. Austria is gorgeous and I love love Konigswiesen. I took a trip to Salzburg earlier this week and I thought for sure that it'd be my favorite place in Austria. But after so much time in less tourist-filled towns, I am more keen on places like Linz and Konigswiesen. I was emailing a friend about how serene and lovely it is here and how my pictures don't quite capture the essence of the country. I wish I could bottle up the sunsets that I've seen and send them to you.
If you are ever contemplating a visit to Austria...do it! You will not regret it.
Wish y'all could be here with me now...
If you are ever contemplating a visit to Austria...do it! You will not regret it.
Wish y'all could be here with me now...
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
New Life
Today Ingrid and I were reading/lounging on the terrace and she turned to me and said, "Did I tell you about the new life that I'm going to start on Sept. 7th?" (I leave Austria on the 6th.) And I said no. And she said, "It's my new life without chocolate."
She said she couldn't start it while I was here.
She said she couldn't start it while I was here.
Four (or Five) Funerals and a Wedding
A couple of days ago, after playing several intense games of ping pong, Ingrid and I headed to the restaurant for a late night meal and dessert.
Right from the start we got a severe case of the giggles, but it got worse after we ate our food and drank our radlers (beer + lemonade). We couldn't stop talking and laughing. (We were sitting in another section of the restaurant, but I'm sure we were disrupting the entire place.)
We talked about many things that night...and then I ended up getting the hiccups, which threw us into a tizzy. But the main topic of conversation was of all the recent funerals in Konigswiesen.
A 55-year-old man passed away last week and his funeral is this Friday. (On a side note: there was some debate about how he passed. Franz said kidney failure and Ingrid said cancer. I guess it really doesn't matter at this point.) Now, to understand what a funeral or wedding or any celebration or big event for that matter means to the Karlingers and Konigswiesen in general, you have to understand that in a small town (population 3,000), people know other people very very well. So someone's death or momentous occasion means something to just about everyone. And to the Karlingers, since they own a restaurant, this means post-event gatherings at their place.
Anyhow, the middle-aged man passed away and I commented that there seemed to be a lot of funerals while I've been here. Ingrid said she thought so too...an unusual amount. And then I said that maybe the amount of funerals have increased because I was there. And Ingrid said she thought so too, but she didn't say it, I did.
So after this brief exchange, we started thinking back to who died while I was here. I counted four funerals (and one wedding) and Ingrid was convinced that there were five.
Franz informed us that on average there are 15-20 people who die every year in Konigswiesen. I stated that then the deaths weren't that many because it is about five per season. Yes, said Ingrid, but I've been here five weeks and that means there was a death or wedding every week since I've got here and that is not typical.
We concluded that I was to stay away from elderly people the remainder of my time here.
Right from the start we got a severe case of the giggles, but it got worse after we ate our food and drank our radlers (beer + lemonade). We couldn't stop talking and laughing. (We were sitting in another section of the restaurant, but I'm sure we were disrupting the entire place.)
We talked about many things that night...and then I ended up getting the hiccups, which threw us into a tizzy. But the main topic of conversation was of all the recent funerals in Konigswiesen.
A 55-year-old man passed away last week and his funeral is this Friday. (On a side note: there was some debate about how he passed. Franz said kidney failure and Ingrid said cancer. I guess it really doesn't matter at this point.) Now, to understand what a funeral or wedding or any celebration or big event for that matter means to the Karlingers and Konigswiesen in general, you have to understand that in a small town (population 3,000), people know other people very very well. So someone's death or momentous occasion means something to just about everyone. And to the Karlingers, since they own a restaurant, this means post-event gatherings at their place.
Anyhow, the middle-aged man passed away and I commented that there seemed to be a lot of funerals while I've been here. Ingrid said she thought so too...an unusual amount. And then I said that maybe the amount of funerals have increased because I was there. And Ingrid said she thought so too, but she didn't say it, I did.
So after this brief exchange, we started thinking back to who died while I was here. I counted four funerals (and one wedding) and Ingrid was convinced that there were five.
Franz informed us that on average there are 15-20 people who die every year in Konigswiesen. I stated that then the deaths weren't that many because it is about five per season. Yes, said Ingrid, but I've been here five weeks and that means there was a death or wedding every week since I've got here and that is not typical.
We concluded that I was to stay away from elderly people the remainder of my time here.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Puzzles
I've completed more puzzles since I've been in Austria than I have my entire life. It started off innocent enough. Moritz wanted to put a puzzle together so we finished one that was pretty easy...big pieces and smiling animals. A few more of these and Ingrid and I upgraded to a more challenging puzzle they had lying around the house.
The time we all shared working on the puzzle was fun and in some ways therapeutic (I reflected on times spent here and thought about people at home). We enjoyed celebrating in our small victories when we found a piece that fit and we were even more thrilled when we finished the puzzle. We reveled in a sense of accomplishment.
Then, Ingrid decided to purchase a 500-piece puzzle that highlighted all the various sorts of pastas one could possibly consume...rigatoni, penne, fettuccine, linguine, angel hair, etc. The puzzle was difficult and called for more concentration and less talk. We worked vigorously to complete the puzzle and we accomplished it in good time. In between working the last few pieces and the finished product, I realized that I really like puzzles and putting them together. I mean, I REALLY like puzzles. A lot.
There is something about puzzles that intrigues me and draws me in. Maybe it's because there is only one correct piece that fits in one place and no other...or the fact that sometimes you have to try one piece multiple times to get it to fit...or maybe it's because somewhere in the middle of it the puzzle seems impossible and you want to throw in the towel and then you (finally) get one piece to match and then everything seems better and more achievable. I'm not sure. But whatever it is, I am hooked. And I think I'll be a puzzler for many years to come.
Since the pasta puzzle, the Karlingers and I have put together two more puzzles: of New York City (750 pieces) and Schonbrunn Palace (1000 pieces). The next project is an Austrian countryside puzzle (1000 pieces) that reminds me of Konigswiesen. I've been saving it, but I think I'll open the box soon. :)
The time we all shared working on the puzzle was fun and in some ways therapeutic (I reflected on times spent here and thought about people at home). We enjoyed celebrating in our small victories when we found a piece that fit and we were even more thrilled when we finished the puzzle. We reveled in a sense of accomplishment.
Then, Ingrid decided to purchase a 500-piece puzzle that highlighted all the various sorts of pastas one could possibly consume...rigatoni, penne, fettuccine, linguine, angel hair, etc. The puzzle was difficult and called for more concentration and less talk. We worked vigorously to complete the puzzle and we accomplished it in good time. In between working the last few pieces and the finished product, I realized that I really like puzzles and putting them together. I mean, I REALLY like puzzles. A lot.
There is something about puzzles that intrigues me and draws me in. Maybe it's because there is only one correct piece that fits in one place and no other...or the fact that sometimes you have to try one piece multiple times to get it to fit...or maybe it's because somewhere in the middle of it the puzzle seems impossible and you want to throw in the towel and then you (finally) get one piece to match and then everything seems better and more achievable. I'm not sure. But whatever it is, I am hooked. And I think I'll be a puzzler for many years to come.
Since the pasta puzzle, the Karlingers and I have put together two more puzzles: of New York City (750 pieces) and Schonbrunn Palace (1000 pieces). The next project is an Austrian countryside puzzle (1000 pieces) that reminds me of Konigswiesen. I've been saving it, but I think I'll open the box soon. :)
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Holiday in Innsbruck
Our trip included stops in: Kitsbuhel (where the wealthy live...at least in the summer), Innsbruck, Ausservillgraten, and Innervillgraten.
The food was great and the friends we visited along the way even better.
Chock-full of memories.
The food was great and the friends we visited along the way even better.
Chock-full of memories.
One of my favorites
Oreo Legacy: I introduced Oreos to the fam :) The kids love 'em.
Swarovski Crystal World
Crystal Dome
Golden Roof
View from Nordkette Mountain
Franz!
Beautiful view
Bergeisel - over 160 ft. ski jump
View from the top
Patscherkofel - ski venue during the Olympics '64 & '76
View from Patscherkofel. I think the view here was more beautiful than on Nordkette.
And less people too!!
Edelweiss. Only grows in high altitudes...it is forbidden to pick them.
Hotel in East Tirol where Franz used to work as a cook 22 years ago!
We made a stop for coffee and tea.
Hiking in Villgratental
Loacker! Made in Austria
Ausservillgraten
For all my foodie friends: THIS was amazing.
A delicious, soft chocolate torte with vanilla ice cream.
Quality: smoked bacon, sausages, eggs, and cheese.
Everything was homegrown and made...even the flour from the bread.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Branching Out
For the past three days, the Karlingers and I have been on holiday in Innsbruck. And for the past three days, after all our site visits, Ingrid and I have gone shopping.
Now, with a house full of boys, Ingrid doesn't get a whole lot of leeway when it comes to shopping. Usually when she is on location with the family she passes the shops with a deep yearning to look inside. Enter Bo Bae. I like to shop and enjoy looking at all the knick-knacks stores have to offer. (Thus far my biggest purchase has been chocolate. Surprise surprise.) I told this to the boys and Franz and after receiving several sighs and shaking of the heads, Ingrid and I were able to disappear into the shopping world for awhile.
Though we didn't purchase much the past two days, today we did some damage. Ingrid did most of the buying at the Crocs store, but I purchased my first pair of gladiator sandals at Esprit. Now, if you know me, you know that I don't really like to branch out. When it comes to shoes and food and I'm sure other things I like to stay where I'm comfortable. And for shoes that is usually black and basic...not too showy, not too boring.
But, this trip is about trying new things and challenging (if not forcing) myself to go beyond the norm. So now I have light grey, trendy sandals that I'll be wearing for the rest of the summer. I'm actually quite excited about it and am looking forward to sporting them tomorrow.
Small steps. Got to love them.
Now, with a house full of boys, Ingrid doesn't get a whole lot of leeway when it comes to shopping. Usually when she is on location with the family she passes the shops with a deep yearning to look inside. Enter Bo Bae. I like to shop and enjoy looking at all the knick-knacks stores have to offer. (Thus far my biggest purchase has been chocolate. Surprise surprise.) I told this to the boys and Franz and after receiving several sighs and shaking of the heads, Ingrid and I were able to disappear into the shopping world for awhile.
Though we didn't purchase much the past two days, today we did some damage. Ingrid did most of the buying at the Crocs store, but I purchased my first pair of gladiator sandals at Esprit. Now, if you know me, you know that I don't really like to branch out. When it comes to shoes and food and I'm sure other things I like to stay where I'm comfortable. And for shoes that is usually black and basic...not too showy, not too boring.
But, this trip is about trying new things and challenging (if not forcing) myself to go beyond the norm. So now I have light grey, trendy sandals that I'll be wearing for the rest of the summer. I'm actually quite excited about it and am looking forward to sporting them tomorrow.
Small steps. Got to love them.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Birthday Love
Sachertorte is amazing. Oma (grandma) made a homemade Sachertorte for my birthday yesterday and I couldn't help but eat two pieces...one and half before 10 am. The Karlingers' know me so well! I was gifted with expensive and delicious chocolates from Austria and Europe and I can't wait to eat them. I also received two puzzles of Austria...one of the countryside and one of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. (I will blog more about my newfound obesession with puzzles in the near future.)
Moritz hid multiple presents for me in my room...mostly of the snack variety and Simon, not to be outdone, gave me a carton of 10 quail eggs fresh from his small farm.
But the best part of celebrating my birthday with the Karlingers was that I could feel the love and warmth radiating from the entire family. When does one start to feel like they are a part of family? Cause I think I'm getting close.
How blessed I feel and how thankful I am to the One who made me. Prost (cheers) to another year of life!!
Moritz hid multiple presents for me in my room...mostly of the snack variety and Simon, not to be outdone, gave me a carton of 10 quail eggs fresh from his small farm.
But the best part of celebrating my birthday with the Karlingers was that I could feel the love and warmth radiating from the entire family. When does one start to feel like they are a part of family? Cause I think I'm getting close.
How blessed I feel and how thankful I am to the One who made me. Prost (cheers) to another year of life!!
Sachertorte :)
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