The Austrian Alps

We had seen most of Austria and so decided that we should take a glimpse at the mountains. Our plan was to go to Innsbruck for 3 days before heading south to Venice. On arriving, we decided to try out the free hiking program they offered there. They gave us boots, drove us into the most beautiful valley and guided us on a 5 hour hike... all free! We fell in love with the Alpine scenery and could not pass up the free hikes... so we stayed 16 days! We went on 10 guided hikes (enough to get a gold medal in the prgoram!) before we felt confident enough to take on a mountain. On our last day, we climbed to die Hafelekar Spitze. It took 5 hours to climb and another 4 to decend, although we stopped for beer, strudel and espresso!

Pilsen, Prague, Budapest and Bratislava....

We need to try and keep up here...our pictures are running away with us. We have now decided to do blog-combo deals. Four cities for the price of one!
We had ten days in these cities and they were quite beautiful. We went to Pilsen for one reason only...the Pilsen Urquell brewery. This is where the beer we all enjoy and love, the Pils, was born and raised. We did the obligatory tour and were quite impressed with it!
Prague was gorgeous. The main square was probably one of the prettiest we've seen. I think all of those tourism dollars have done the city well!
Budapest was also quite spectacular! Not as busy with tourists and as a result not as restored. However, still some of the most amazing buildings we've seen. We're beginning to get a little 'catherdraled out' so to speak. Every city has dozens of them, and after a while they all begin to look the same. But, St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest was our absolute favourite. Just stunning. We also found a hostel here for six euros each a night! We had to share the room with ten other people, but still...can't beat a twelve euro sleep! Too bad Mike's pocket was picked at the train station. Bye bye wallet! That was a sad moment for us.
And finally, Bratislava. The weekend getaway for all the Viennese. It is a quaint, small city with lots of little cafes, laneways and cute shops. We only spent one night in the city but, if we had a little more money, would have liked to spend more time. Next day, we hopped on a express boat back to Vienna, back to Eggendorf and straight to the local 'gasthaus' for some schnitzel and beer!

Early July in Brussels and Paris

We are definately falling a bit behind with these blog entries. Here´s one from early July: Brussels and Paris! We had a great time in Brussels enjoying all that is Belgian... Waffles, Chocolates and Good Beer! What an underated country! The scenery was pretty nice too!

Paris lived up to our expectations, which was really hard to do. Maybe we were just hoping for romance and so we found it, but the city has a magical feel. A highlight was definately enjoying a picnic of wine, cheese, meat and bagguettes on the eiffel tower lawn! We also enjoyed numerous cafes and bought the most expensive espresso of our lives (4.5 euros!).

Those 10 Days in Austria...

In all our travels, all the beautiful countries we've seen, all the people we've met, never have we enjoyed ourselves as much as in Austria. To begin with, it had been ten months since seeing the Head family, so the reunion was so full of joy and excitment. Our hosts, Bruno and Hedi Murkl, are probably the most hospitable people in the world! There was never a shortage of food, wine, Gosser or conversation! And who, may I ask, actually has room to house six people comfortably? Um...Bruno and Hedi.
We also must mention Bruno's son, Christian, his wife Suzie and their daughters Laura and Melissa. Christian, the chef and grill master of the house, kept us well fed and well entertained with his fabulous voice. Suzie always had time for coffe and conversation. We learned so very much from her about Austria, as she is a history and language professor. I knew upon first meeting her that I would like her very much. Our nightlife expert, Laura, took us to some very hip bars in Weiner Neustadt. She is probably the most well-spoken, mature sixteen year-old we have ever met! And Melissa definately won our hearts as well!
We also met with Tante Elizabeth and her son Rudy in Graz. We were, again, blown away by the Austrian hospitality. Graz was a very special city to visit as this was the city my grandparents lived in before coming to Canada. All the landmarks were so familiar to my sister and I. It was a little emotional to see it all in person.

I could write a book about this trip we took together. There isn't enough time to get all our thoughts down. I will say one thing to my family, who I know is waiting in great anticipation for this entry. The time we spent together in Austria was so special to us. It is not often that a family can share something like that and we are so grateful that you four came. It will never be forgotten. Danke.