You're never fully dressed without a ...................

Scarf!!

What's In:

Scarfs (you would be hard pressed to find a woman in Vienna who doesn't have one wrapped around her neck. Truly), leg warmers (can you believe these are coming back!), skirts (all kinds and styles, although A-line miniskirts are the norm; women usually don't wear pants since they generally dress up when they go out), furs (well, it does get cold here), heels (they walk so much, I'm not sure how they do it), smart phones (like in the States, everyone is always on one), leggings or tights (with the skirts or alone - sometimes not a great look), boots (again, these are everywhere), and...

...guys dressed like those above.  They are everywhere in their trademark clothing.  Luckily for you, these uniforms come in many colors including red, blue, gray, white, neon yellow, neon orange, and many more! I'm sure I can get a discount if enough of you place an order.  Be sure to note color and size.

What's not In:

Anything that's in my closet.  Stilettos seem to have disappeared in favor of the full heel.  Not that I have any of those anyway.   How about this?

Definitely not fashionable without being in a Biergarten so I'll have to correct that.  I'm growing my hair out so I can do the braids, too.  :)  Actually, I get no strange looks when I've worn it.  Traditional clothing is fairly commonly seen.  This is technically not a "dirndl", with a blouse and skirt and apron, so I may keep looking for one of those.  But with my coloring and name, I easily pass for Austrian.

We've been our usual busy selves.  Highlights include:

1.  A guided tour of the Schonbrun Zoo, the oldest zoo in Europe.  We were lucky enough to see a baby elephant (about a month old), baby giraffe, prowling leopards, and giant tortoises, among others.

2. Riding a cable car up the Rax Mountain, about an hour south of Vienna.  We went with a French family that I met in my women's group.  It was a gorgeous, sunny day in Vienna and we had beautiful views of the autumn colors when we reached the top.  Then we walked into the clouds that live at the top of mountains and had a windy, chilly hike.  Enjoyed the lovely Heurige (local tavern) at the top of the mountain, which helped prepare us for the return hike, since it had also started to rain by then.  Despite the absence of what would have been fabulous views if the weather was clear, we all had a good time!

3. Going to "A Long Night at the Museum", where about 150 museums can be visited in one evening for one ticket.  The kids and I did this alone since Craig was at a conference in the Czech Republic.  Carissa got to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic at the Musik Haus, and we got to see the Imperial Jewels and watch gold and silversmiths at work.

4. We also went hiking through the vineyards on the one weekend of the year when the entire Vienna Wine Trail is open (much of the trail goes through private vineyards).  It was a bit chilly but a lovely time hiking, stopping at small huts to sample the new wines (called Sturm - it's so new it's still fermenting as you drink it.  It tastes like fizzy grape juice) and have snacks.  

Maria and Angela

The brave adventurers (Matthew opted out)

Just can't imagine finding one of these in the states. But Carissa loved it.

This was the main winery on the trail, where you could buy wine, of course, and also
cheeses and breads and all kinds of other treats.  They had music and a few games for kids.

The highlight for Carissa was playing a game where you throw a rain-boot from progressively farther away while trying to make it land in the wheelbarrow.  Yup, you read that right.  Unfortunately, she was also stung twice on the neck by the only bee in the entire valley.

5. I was also lucky enough to go on a guided tour of the works of Otto Wagner, a famous architect from Vienna.  The guide was enthusiastic and passionate and had written a book about Wagner and was a delight to listen to.  Wagner was the architect of the wonderful mass transit system of Vienna in addition to various buildings, pavilions and train stations.

So now you are up to date.  The kids are doing fine in school, have made friends, and do not have much that is taxing them academically.  Being in a bi-lingual program is slowing their acquisition of German, but it is coming along.  Craig has been to a couple of conferences and has been enjoying his time with his colleagues here.  Currently, his focus is on the grant proposal which is due in a few weeks that will determine future funding.  I continue to work on my German, go to social activities, explore the area, and spend many hours on keeping the house going.  I did find a good vegetable/fruit market that's not too far away, and a butcher there from Serbia that enjoys talking to me about what he sells.   I've cut back on most of the gluten I was eating, which means I'm feeling better, although I do still cheat at times.  We were all approved to participate in the Austrian health care system, so I need to make an appointment with a doctor for some lab work (just to keep track of my thyroid).  It also means we may be eligible for the "family money" that they pay families here according to how many children they have!  We've decided to just skip the rest of Matthew's allergy shot program as it would just be too much time and trouble.  He seems to be doing well in any case.

Next weekend we will rent a car and go to see our friends in Salzburg.  I am really looking forward to that!  
November will bring the beginning of the Christmas markets, a trip to the western part of Austria, including Innsbruck and Dornbirn (which is the city my ancestors come from) and Zurich.  We are transporting a car for a friend and will take the train back.

So, I'm putting my life out there - tell us about yours!
Enjoy the lovely autumn weather and colors!

Prost,
Maria von Zirbel