Lange Nacht Der Kirche

Similar to the Long Night of the Museums, Vienna had a long night of churches on Friday night. The best part of this night is that everything is free. So with plan in hand I set out.

First stop: Annakirche. I saw a boys choir that I thought was the Vienna Boys Choir, but I'm pretty sure wasn't.

Second stop: Karlskirche. I had hoped to get tickets to go up to the dome, but didn't manage to get there in time. But, I was able to enjoy a clarinetist in the outside park.

Third stop: Stephansdom. This was by far the highlight of my night. Standing in a huge cathedral with the organ blasting around me was amazing. The nearest I've felt to being in Winds since college.

We also climbed the 343 steps to the "Steffl," the south tower of the church. Out of these windows we could see some of the major sights of Vienna.

First Sandal Day of the Year

Yeah, I know it's late, but it's been pretty rainy here.

Remember my little one who couldn't put on his own jacket?

Apparently he still needs some help now and again.

Race Day Fashion

We some some interesting things that day in Budapest.

Rainy Track Meet

Last Saturday was our season ending track meet/tournament in Budapest. Coach Klein, Mrs. Klein and I traveled with the 2 runners that weren't going to the Junior formal that unfortunately coincided with our biggest meet of the year. Shunichi and Philip did an amazing job, running their best in the one and two mile events.

Those are our boys in blue.

There's hope!

The last couple of weeks have been grey and rainy with sometimes almost winterish temperatures. We even sat through a very rainy track meet last Saturday (more on that later). Unfortunately, the weather predictions aren't very optimistic about next week being any better. But just for a couple of moments, some blue sky has been spotted, and it's quite possible that eventually the sun will be a reality in Vienna again.

Family Fun Day

Last Thursday was an Austrian holiday, Ascension Day. Instead of taking the entire day off we spent the time as a school in Donaupark. There's no program, everyone just hangs out for a few hours. It's a fun time to relax with other teachers and see one's kids without having to be in charge of them.

Although I left my camera at school, I was able to use Whitney's camera to capture a few sights.

A hint of all the activity going on.

Parents hanging out.

Noah playing basketball.

Families settling in.

Gelato in the making

Last Friday Liz and I went out to dinner at a place that makes their own gelato. Liz has been there several times and has established a relationship with the owners. So much so that we were able to go downstairs and watch the gelato being made.

Meet Mohammed...the gelato maker. He's scooping out the sweet milk gelato.

Now he's adding chocolate

Then he stirs it and it turns into chocolate chip gelato.

He gave us each a huge scoop of whatever flavor we wanted for free!

Mother's Day Tea

Yesterday was our annual Mother's Day Tea.

We recited a short poem for the moms.

I got to be Jonathan's "mom" for the day. He sat across from me with Tugi. Once I glanced across the table and I was so proud to hear them playing a letter game they had made up. They were taking turns saying something that started with a specific letter.

Amanda got to be Burney's "mom."

Three cute kids

The kids and their moms

Labor Day

May 1st is Labor Day in much of the world. Vienna celebrates by closing down the stores and flooding the parks. We spent a few hours at Prater enjoying the flowers...

...and Vienna's own special brand of Americana.