First Stop: Paradise

My first stop on my Austrian adventure was in Salzburg. Idon't want to give too much away and the y and the z are in opposite places and the keyboard is all messed up so it's annoying to say the least, but I wanted to share a few amazing things that I have come to realize in the last three days.

First, every SINGLE thing that has happened to me up to this point has BROUGHT me to this point. Since this point is pretty much the most amazing thing I've ever done, my life up to this point must also be equally amazing. So thank you to ALL of you who have played a hand in what has made me who I am RIGHT NOW. Because it is QUITE a joyful existance.

Second, I am blown away at how much of my childhood (and subsequent adulthood) has been influenced by my Austrian heritage. Geraniums, liverwurst, cheese in small foil wrappers, schnitzel, vanilla kipfel, wool, slippers...the list goes on and on. As you might have imagined, since it is my tendancy, I have taken a million photographs and will share when there is a computer available that will let me upload. Not so lucky today in the hostel lounge.

Third, I miss my mother. I wish she was here with me. Strange right? I can't remember the last time we traveled together (Ottawa in first year?), but I know how much she would love it here and so it feels somewhat vacant with her not here.

Lastly, I VERY blessed. I have known this for a long time, but today it was solidified. I am just in a significantly better place now than I have ever been, and for all of the gifts of education, wealth, employment, friendship, family, emotional stability, and equally feeling as though I DESERVE all of these things, I am eternally grateful.

I hope you are all having wonderful days. And if not, know that I am and eventually, you will too. Much love.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEANNE!!!

Oh, I finally finished Lullibies for Little Criminals today on the train. What a heart-wrenching book. Not for the faint at heart, but quite an interesting tale nonetheless.

Saturday Afternoon before Austria

I woke up this morning to torrential rain and an empty house. Headed to school, indoctrinated some young minds, and came home to this scene out my bedroom window. English weather is remarkable: one moment the sky is falling; the next, the sun is gloriously shining. Such is life, non?



I reminded myself that it was mere hours before I would use this...



...to board a plane for Austria. Causing this reaction...



Thought I would show you what the gals at work gave me on Wednesday...



...and how we decorated for autumn on Spring Vale North...



I had a lovely lunch with thick pressed coffee,



...did a little work...



....then headed out into the wet day to do some last minute picking up before the trip.



Have I told you how big of a hit the wellies are at school? Of course I love them, but who knew others would feel the same way?


Here on Spring Vale North,



...the sun seems to always be poking her head out through the clouds...



...no matter where I look.



And this time of year continues to amaze me.



As do the all-so-typical English sights...



After some packing, I headed back home to whip up a stuffed squash for dinner.



I'm all ready now. Backpack is loaded, passport in hand. I'll catch a few z's before the cab comes at 5 tomorrow morning.

See you all in a week!

Korean Hilarity

Thanks to Matt for sending me a little reminder of what Korea was ACTUALLY like. Enjoy!

Can I be

Only as high as I reach can I grow,

Only as far as I seek can I go,

Only as deep as I look can I see,

Only as much as I dream can I be.

Karen Raven

Quote courtesy of the Paris Apartment. I'm swooning over the posts there at present.
Have a great day.

(only a day and a half more until I leave for Austria!)

Breakfasts Out on the Town

It's the most important meal of the day...why not do it in style?

Loving Life in the Kitchen

A kid in my favourite and least favourite (depnending on the day) class said a joke yesterday.

"Why did the woman cross the road?"

"I don't know," was the answer. "Why was she out of the kitchen?"

Yeah yeah, we're all mad, he was in trouble, but part of me thought, "Amen!" I'm serious. Part of me would be happiest if I could cook and clean all day and just take care of those I love.

Small part, but it's there nonetheless.

I recognize how offensive I've just been.

Call it freedom of speech.

A little time at a little pub

Thought I'd post some pics of some humans with whom I spend time. So you don't think I'm buried in work. Well, not ENTIRELY buried at least ;)

Birthday Shoes

Whilst in Camden on Saturday, I just could not resist the urge to pop into Aldo (old faithful) and nab these beauties. They were delivered yesterday, right on time ;)

Monday night at a Russian play

Rebecca knew a professor who is also a playwright. He put on a production of Ivan vs. Ivan at this little theatre in the middle of nowhere on Monday. It was quite interesting: theatre was teeny tiny (only about thirty people filled the place up completely), actors were all Canadian, and the vibe was really quite welcoming. Though it wasn't really my cup of tea and I wasn't all that comfortable in the stout chair, it was nice to trek into the city during the week, eat some British grub, and do something a little different.

On the way, we took quite a few walks in the Covent Garden area. I LOVES it here.

Up the street...

...and looking back down...






Charing Cross Station. Don't you just love the vibe here?






Couldn't resist...reminds me of our London back home...





National Portrait Museum...




Large art installations...

Ah, and at last we arrived at our destination. West Brompton was theatre chic, alternative, and quite posh looking. I was quite taken with it at any rate...

I'm in love with this time of year...

Heading home always seems like a welcome journey when you start off in a magical place like this...

Quintessential bench shot...

And here is one happy little bird.

I hope your Monday was swell as well.

Camden Market

Apparently Camden is Venice of England. We'll have to make a fair comparison and actually go to Venice ;)



The lock...



Child juding for himself if this is truly as magical as they say it is...



My decision to not ride on this boat on this cloudy day was a good one.



The market begins...

There was food there from EVERY culture. We opted for Mexican because what other choice is there?

Inside the horse-themed interior...

...where the old mixes with the new...

...and remnants of days gone by still remain...

We spent WAY too much time at this tea shoppe. The chai I got was more than worth the wait, while the owners were too handsome to leave sooner.

We topped off the day with a pop into the Maple Leaf pub. A little disappointing, but a cross of the must-see list, for sure.

What a sight to behold on the way back home. I do like the over-the-river shots, don't I?

Lovely day spent with lovely girls.