Happy Things Friday: 20 March

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?