Spring is in the air! We had cool weather at the beginning of the week but, now, glorious sunshine with soaring temperatures.
Jenny asked in the comment section of a recent post if I regret anything that I brought on our trip. With such limited luggage space (carry ons only), I had to make a lot of decisions.
It’s a bit premature to make a final assessment of my selections (some of my “summer” items haven’t been touched yet), but I can say with absolute certainty I do not regret ANY of my layers.
I wore them all on the plane which did mean I got overheated a few times, but it allowed me to get bulky items to Europe without having to compromise luggage space.
I’m especially glad I brought my “sleeping” bag puffy vest. On particularly cold days, I wear it over my lined raincoat and it makes a HUGE difference. I’ve also worn my hat, headband, and finger gloves on multiple occasions. Every inch of space used to get them here was worth it. I get cold extremely easily (and then stay cold), so having a lot of warm clothing options is key.
So, my first Happy Thing this week is…
WARM LAYERS
HOME-COOKED FOOD
After a week of grocery store salads and restaurants, it has been wonderful to cook meals from scratch. They’ve been simple: pasta, salads, toast, eggs, sandwiches, fruit, veggies, pizza (on Naan-like bread). But yummy.
A WELL-APPOINTED APARTMENT
You never quite know what you’re going to get with an Airbnb, but I’d say this one has matched the listing perfectly. Of course there are tiny things that I would change, but on the whole it has been spectacular. Clean, large and open. It has a washing machine! It has a microwave! It has a coffee maker! It has two bedrooms with doors! It has blackout blinds! We have a fridge for berries and lettuce and yogurt and milk!
PUBLIC TRANSIT
We’ve done well navigating public transit and we’re already feeling very familiar with the tram system in Vienna.
We went ahead and bought month-long passes at a discounted rate so we never have to think about buying individual tickets or dither about walking vs. taking public transit if we want the option.
ALL THE COOL THINGS
Life is still… life. Kids get sick. Kids fight with their siblings. Nights aren’t always restful. I get grumpy and tired and frazzled.
BUT, even if sometimes my experiencing self can feel harried, my remembering self is already pinching herself about the privilege of getting to live through an experience like this.
A HAPPY ENDING…
I wrote all about an unexpected misadventure this week that drove home “the things that go wrong (can) make the best memories.” (It’s a free post over on Patreon.)
A FAVOURITE MUG
I haven’t found a go-to cafe in Vienna, but I have something perhaps even better—a favourite mug for at-home drinks.
There was one specialty mug at the Airbnb and low and behold it’s of the empress Elisabeth (better known as Sisi).
I mean… is that meant to be or what?
Shakespeare & Company + Virtual Blog Gifts
While Indy was convalescing (mostly back to normal, but still feeling a bit weak), Belle and I headed out one some adventures (John was working, so Indy stayed put and listened to audiobooks).
One stop we knew neither home-bound family member would mind missing was a bookstore.
I’ve been to Shakespeare & Co. in Paris, but liked Vienna’s version even more! It was such a cozy bookshop, and I seriously could have browsed for hours. They had such unique versions of classic books. Lovely. And it was tucked away in this little side alley which felt perfectly European.
While I didn’t buy either of these items, here are virtual shout-outs to Engie (who braved her way through Moby Dick) and Nicole (lover of all things Jane Austen). I saw these items and immediately thought of you both.
BONUS HAPPY THINGS
- Puttering around our apartment and tidying things up at night. Wiping down counters, washing dishes, straightening shoes in the entry way. There’s something relaxing and grounding about these tasks (for me) AND they’re on such a small scale relative to the normal scope of maintaining a home!
- e-Sim and affordable data while abroad, most notably for access to Google maps for navigation.
- Conveniently located grocery stores. We have all sorts of grocery store options within easy walking distance. It’s fun to go every day or two to get fresh supplies and see the different brands and options.
- Hot showers. Always and forever a very Happy Thing in my life.
- Watching the Chinese Grand Prix Formula 1 race live! We’re usually asleep because of the time zone in Canada, so being in Europe was perfect. I’m a big fan of the Mercedes Team and was excited to see a teenager (Kimi Antonelli) win his first race—the youngest driver to win in Formula 1.
It’s Friday morning in Vienna and both kids seem fully recovered (we spent the better part of three days at home). So far, John and I have emerged unscathed. The kids have done a bit of school work, I’ve consumed two delicious cups of coffee and written this blog post. John is starting his first work call of the day, so that’s my cue to head off on some adventures with the kids for a while.
Tomorrow we’re planning a day trip to Bratislava; it’s always fun to cross a “new” country off the list. Slovakia here we come!
That’s a wrap on my week. Now it’s your turn.
- Tell me some Happy Things!
- Do you like eating out or having a place to prepare your own food while away from home?
- Has anyone been to Slovakia?
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Those layers were a power move – slightly overheating on the plane is a small price to pay for being properly warm later. You called that one exactly right!
I think you will need to buy a Sissi mug to take home with you!
The first time I heard about Kimi Antonelli was in a Formula 1 documentary on Netflix just last week. The pressure those drivers are under is unreal, and the way Kimi is handling it at that age is impressive!
Kai goes to Vienna and Bratislava every year to visit clients, and I always opt out (long car trips are not my thing). But now I’m curious what you will discover. I can see that you will convince me to tag along with Kai after all!
Are you watching Drive to Survive??? I LOVE that documentary series. LOVE IT. We just finished the latest season recently.
You have to come to Vienna. It’s gorgeous and I think you’re really like exploring here. I’ll report back on Bratislava shortly 😉
That looks like such a great apt- how nice that it suits you!
Happy thing:
*a different sister asked me about the random tshirt I got in the nail- she sent it to me! So I will keep it- wearing a gift from soneone is like having a perpetual hug from them
*in a few minutes, I’ll wake up a large portion of thr men/boys in my family so they can go collect the car the same sister is giving us. It’s quite a drive, but a free car in great condition is worth it. She’s such a blessing.
Enjoy your travels this weekend.
Aww. That’s so sweet that the shirt was from your sister; much nicer than it being a scam.
And a free car! That’s amazing. I’m so glad you have family members like that in your life. Safe travels <3
I read Moby Dick once and don’t plan to again lol. Whenever I hear Moby Dick I think of the scene in Matilda where the girl says she’s reading it and the dad says ‘Moby what?!
I haven’t been to Slovakia. I got sick this week which is not a happy thing, but I’m happy I could take some time off work and I’m happy that I feel better now! Spring is in the air!
I’ve never read it and after Engie’s review… don’t plan to!
Ugh. The bugs are definitely going around in Europe right now. Glad you’re feeling better now. Spring is definitely in the air and I’m loving it. Especially when I hear about the weather back home in Canada which does not sound very appealing.
I am SO happy you thought of me when you saw Jane Austen playing cards!!! My girl! Jane!
It’s so funny you mention Slovakia. Rob has been talking about our…well…it’s not our next trip or the one after or the one after that, but another trip in the future? I don’t know, he has so much on the go. Anyway, one of the places is Slovakia. His grandpa came over to Canada from Slovakia at age 15, and didn’t see his family again for over 50 years. Imagine! He was sponsored by a family in SK, and it kind of sounds like it was indentured servitude. Anyway, at some point he’d worked his x number of years, met Rob’s grandma, and the two of them drove in a model T from SK to Kelowna, eventually working to own the vineyard and house that we live in now! What a story, right? Man, life was hard back then. He worked picking grapes and doing agricultural work, and Grandma worked at the laundry in the hospital. This is in the 30s, so IMAGINE.
Anyway, I totally lost the plot there. What were the other questions? Lol. Oh! I know. The thing about picking up and being in a different place IS that life is still life – but what a cool experience you are all getting! I used to say when the boys were very small and we’d come here for vacation, that it was just like being at home, doing everything I always do, but in a less convenient place. That’s kind of a negative take, but that’s what it was like when they were small. So yes, life is still life, but your kids will always remember this incredible experience!
I spied them the second we walked in the shop and thought NICOLE!!!!!!
Oh my goodness, that is an incredible story and heritage. Also, 50 years? That’s insane. And really sad. And, also, I feel like past generations were so tough. Eeks.
It can be so much work to make life go seamlessly for kids. I guess my parents did the same for me. But, yes, the kids will have these experiences for life.
I’m glad you have so many happy things!!! And glad both kids are better (were they both sick??? Yikes!) I love the trip to the bookstore and the “Elisabeth” mug. And I’m loving the photos of Vienna- it was one of my favorite cities in Europe.
Happy Things here- this week my daughter was on spring break so I slept later every day! Tomorrow is my race (!!!) and then I have two days off work. It’s all happy things around here!
Yes, they BOTH got sick. Eeks. The worst.
Vienna is so beautiful; I can see why you really like it!
Yay for sleeping in, and TOMORROW IS YOUR RACE. THIS IS SO EXCITING AND I CANNOT WAIT TO READ EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!
I love staying in Airbnbs or apartment or house rentals because it makes me think about my own space differently. What do I find convenient or inconvenient about the way it’s set up. Also, there is so much less stuff, it always feels easier to maintain. Glad your crew is on the mend! Fingers crossed you and John stay healthy.
What a great perspective and one I hadn’t really thought about. But… yes! It’s a fresh chance to test different things out.
Yes to not having as much to maintain and I know no one is randomly going to pop over so I’m not fussed about leaving a mess behind if we head out to explore. Mess is relative since we don’t actually have that much stuff with us!
I am so glad that John and you avoided the stomach bug – I hope that you remain healthy! It sounds like your trip is off to a fantastic start. I love that Treble Clef photo! Piano is front and center in our lives now as Paul is preparing for his spring recital where he’ll play a Beethoven song (hopefully… he had a breakdown last night when he put the hands together after playing them separately for the last several weeks…).
We much prefer airbnbs to hotels. We like being able to make 2/3 meals so we only have to eat out once. We get burned out on eating out quite fast. I also prefer to have a separate bedroom for the kids as it does not work well for all of us to sleep in 1 room. I did get a hotel room for the 2 nights I spent in Chicago with Will last summer, though. I have so many Marriott points so it made more sense to stay for free v getting an airbnb. Plus he was thrilled to share a bed with me (I was less thrilled… he is an active sleeper).
The treble clef is in front of the Mozart monument! Very fitting.
All the best to Paul; Beethoven already? That’s amazing. I bet he’ll do an amazing job.
Indy loves to share a bed but he can somehow contort his tiny body into a shape that will fill a king-sized bed. It defies logic.
Haha, I can so relate to that feeling of being in an airport with TOO many layers on and really no great place to put them, because if you try to drape it over suitcase, surely it will fall off and get lost, or something like that… so you just opt to… be hot and maybe a little cranky and feel a bit like a marshmallow. lol! I am VERY GLAD you have layers though, because early spring is a tough time weather-wise! I’ve been to Europe a couple times now in March and have found many cold days, too. Hopefully it will warm up soon though- seeing the changing seasons in a new place will be fun! So glad you are all feeling better! And yes, I would also totally like to putter around my temporary “home”- those things you describe definitely make it feel like regular life.
Yes! I was a semi-cranky (black) marshmallow. But, SO GLAD FOR THE LAYERS. SO GLAD! Early spring is so fickle.
Tomorrow is supposed to be overcast and chilly so I’m planning out what to wear right now and it will involve… lots of layers. Haha.
It’s not badly written and I’m glad I read it, but once is enough! I’m just not that emotionally involved in whaling expeditions (and any books which lack women).
Hooray for all the happy things! Your Air B&B looks lovely, and getting groceries and eating at “home” sounds wonderful to me. The book store looks amazing! I mean….everything looks amazing. What a beautiful place.
Vienna is stunning; every building is gorgeous! It’s a feast for the eyes!
The Elisabeth mug is perfect for you!
I love eating out when I travel, but the novelty is starting to wear off and I know that I don’t make the best nutritional choices in restaurants. So I’m starting to work in more meals from home and some healthier grocery store options.
I have to admit I am loving seeing Elisabeth with an “s” so frequently!
It’s only last year that I realized eSims were a thing and it was magical how it made that one aspect of travelling so much less stressful. I never want to pay for the international plan for my phone because it is so expensive, especially when we’re going to be somewhere for more than a week. When we were in the Netherlands two years ago my sister in law told us there was wifi everywhere so we wouldn’t need new sim cards, but it really wasn’t that convenient – it was super annoying to have to duck into a grocery store to check location of something or to message her plans for meeting up. I’m sure eSims are something I’ll take for granted one day, but right now it’s still pretty earth shattering for me.
I prefer cooking when I travel – I like going to grocery stores and making familiar food but also seeing what food is like in other places. Restaurants stress me out a little bit – so many choices and often unfamiliar choices – and they are always more expensive than I want. But of course the food can be really amazing too.
Yes to feeling overwhelmed by restaurants! And it’s so expensive.
I like buying street food the best; tends to be less expensive and you get to try bits of this and that.
That said, I’m NOT a foodie. I can see how for some people, trying out new restaurants might be the highlight of their trip. I think that could be me if I wasn’t so frugally wired. I know how much cheaper I can prepare food for myself at home!
It’s funny: the first home-cooked meal we had the kids were SOOOO excited. Even a week of not having a kitchen was enough to drive home the fact that eating out is overrated!
So glad to hear that this AirBnB is to your liking. It makes a big difference. We stayed right downtown in Vienna and there was a noise ALL NIGHT LONG that drove me nuts. In the morning we realized it was the pigeons on the window ledge. It sounded like a dying dog.
Glad you and John avoided the illness. Enjoy your adventures today.
Happy things in my world: Curly just got a full ride offer. The school is farther than she wants, but great nursing program and she clicked with the team and coach.
We’re well outside the main core and it is completely QUIET (thank goodness).
What incredible news about Curly and her schooling options <3
Yes to “home” cooking and having your own little corner of the world to look after! And it *is* so much easier when you don’t have a whole house worth of stuff to manage.
That bookstore looks positively heavenly and I love the serendipity that you and Belle were able to fully enjoy it.
My favourite mug is a 16 oz tall purple mug that was left behind in our Rome apartment in 2018 and I brought it back to the US with me when we returned (it was a faculty apartment managed by the seminary, not an AirBNB, and the family who lived there before left MANY things for us to enjoy and do with what we willed when we left). It’s got some chips around the edges now and Nick glued them for me so I can keep using it. I think you’ll need to get an Empress Sisi mug of your own!!
Such a great bookstore. I could have stayed so much longer (and spent buckets of money).
I have loved seeing all the Elisabeth with an “s” spellings here in Europe.
I got so excited about the Moby Dick board book! What on earth do you suppose it is? I’m intrigued. That bookstore looks so cozy and inviting.
Happy things!
Lovely weather on a Sarurday that meant I could sit outside and read a book
The dog rolling around with a stick in her mouth looking as happy as I’ve seen her in months
A low-key, restorative weekend
Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies
The cat ate both her meals today after a couple a days when she didn’t have a great appetite
But the BEST news is that colleague’s biopsy results came back and it looks like her cancer treatment has been effective!! Yay!
I have to admit I’ve never seen Moby Dick for kids before. Engie, you would have LOVED this bookstore. It was so cozy and utterly charming tucked away on a side street <3
Hannah is expressing what we all feel about the fact spring is finally coming.
But all of that is overshadowed by the wonderful news about your colleague's clear biopsy. Treatment is such a slog, so it's truly incredible that it has worked. I'm so, so happy to hear this Engie and thanks for the update <3
I love the coziness of your puttering routine while on this trip! Tidying up the Airbnb at night must feel a lot less stressful than your actual house, especially because you still have that vacation-like feel! So fun. It makes me long to be able to do slow travel where I could just stay in one place for a few weeks, rather than being in a cramped hotel room!
Happy things: buying new furniture, an upcoming rheumatology appointment where we can hopefully change my meds, healthy bloodwork for Lila even if she is a chonker, and our incredible weather lately!
Yes! There’s so much less to clean up AND I also feel no need to do deep cleaning because I’m literally paying money for someone to do that at the end of our stay.
All the best with your upcoming appointment; it can be exhausting to deal with health challenges, but worth the effort to find a combination that works <3
Your B&B does look lovely and well-appointed. As much as I love eating out and ‘being served’, it gets old, and eventually I want to control my salt intake, portions, etc.
That mug is so cute!
What is it about book stores that draws us in, and we don’t want to leave? I have to stop myself from visiting them!
The book store is SO quaint. And I know this is probably a horrible thing, because #Tourists, but it made me so happy to see a bookstore where every single book was in English and I could really appreciate it all. Of course, RIGHTLY SO, most books are in German in Austria, and I felt a bit bereft looking at titles.