The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Europe on a Budget: Dispatch #2 — What’s Saving Us Money

Travelling is expensive. Shockingly expensive at times, especially with the current EUR-CAD exchange rate.

So we’re absolutely spending a lot of money. (This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our family!) But we’re also trying to…

Visiting Vienna’s Palace of Justice Building (Free Hidden Gem!)

Who knew justice buildings would turn out to be some of the best hidden gems in European cities?

We LOVED the Justizpalast in Munich…

So, we decided to check out the equivalent building in Vienna!

I knew…

Visiting Vienna’s Austrian Parliament: Free Tours, Tips & What to Expect

I’m going to share two posts today (one now, one later) about two free places we’ve visited in Vienna. (I debated combining them into a single post, but it was easier to sort through…

Never Have I Ever…Part 16

Who’s ready for a palate cleanser after so many long, photo-heavy travel posts?

I couldn’t think of anything better than a fresh list of Never Have I Ever…

Eaten at Taco Bell.

Ridden a Segway.

Gotten…

Vienna Travel Diary: Our Third Weekend in Austria

I realize I am churning out travel posts like CRAZY, but I also realize just how much I want a record of all our little (and big) adventures on this trip. I’m finding if…

A Family Day Trip to Sopron, Hungary: Old Town Highlights & Tips

We knew that we wanted to make a day trip to Hungary. Originally, I’d been eyeing Győr, but John has a work connection with someone living in Budapest, and he was very clear that…

Visiting Vienna Crime Museum + Haus des Meeres (Vienna Aquarium) with Kids

Last Friday, I opted to divide and conquer with the day’s activities. There’s something special (AND EASIER!) about taking one child at a time. You can give them your full attention and lean into…