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Highlights

Time is passing quickly in Vienna as we have finally fallen into spring. I can’t believe it, but my time here is almost up. In less than a week’s time I will be leaving Vienna and beginning a new adventure.

In the meantime, I have been doing my best to soak up Vienna and take in the sights and sounds I don’t want to miss. Life has been full with preparation for my impending departure as well as exploring Vienna and beyond. Here are some of the highlights!

Donauturm (Danube Tower)

We visited the Donauturm as part of the celebration of the fair Anne Marie’s 7th birthday. In addition to a meal in a slowly rotating tower with panoramic views of the city, we got an unexpected bonus. It turns out they have bungee jumping from the tower. No… we didn’t go bungee jumping. Just watching people lean backwards and fall off the tower was enough excitement for me. Unbelievable. If you look closely at the photo on the right you can see a faint black line to the left of the tower. That is a bungee jumper dangling in mid-air after their descent. After completing their jump they were slowly lowered down to the ground.

Wiener-Symphoniker Konzert

Upon the advice of my hostess, I headed to the Musikverein to see a classical Vienna concert, something not to be missed in Vienna. As tickets sold out quickly, I was only able to purchase a general admission ticket. I arrived a bit early to see if I could buy a better ticket informally outside of the concert house. Lucky for me a kind older man had an extra ticket as his wife couldn’t attend. He was an Austrian man who was generous with introducing me to the culture and tradition of the Musikverein. Our seats were quite good even though we were a bit clumsily arranged in a tiny space, shuffling our seats this way and that way to fit comfortably. My “ticket salesman” and host for the evening said, “Austrians may not be the most organized but we have a lot of heart.” And indeed they do. We continued to watch the passionate concert featuring the music of Richard Strauss and Franz Schubert.

Art of Silence Course, Bad Antogast, Germany

It was almost ten years ago that I discovered the Art of Living. An international spiritual and humanitarian organization, they made their way to New Orleans not long after Hurricane Katrina. Their intent, led by Indian guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is to teach practical techniques to assist with managing stress and emotion. Over the years I have found their techniques helpful and the organization and leader filled with nothing but integrity. I simply couldn’t pass up an opportunity to attend one of their pillar courses, the Art of Silence, held at their European Center in Bad Antogast, Germany.

Getting there (and back) was a windy tour through many of Germany’s train stations. The lengthy but leisurely train journey was certainly worth the while. Nestled in the hills of the Black Forest, the Art of Living Ashram was the perfect location for my 5 day dive into the Art of Silence Retreat which included a 2.5 day period of silence. With 25 other participants from an international array of countries, it was indeed a juicy journey. The experience has left me altered in a deep way and connected with something within me that is unexpected and cannot be replaced. It was one of the most profound, insightful and healing experiences I have ever had. I have a renewed spirit for my daily spiritual practices and a new set of tools to assist me on this continued journey of being human.

The founder of the Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, made a one day appearance at the Ashram during the course. An internationally respected spiritual leader who attracts audiences of 1000s, it was quite an opportunity to connect in a more private and intimate setting. Just being in his presence felt like a gift and celebrating in a community with him was nothing less than pure joy.

Madame Butterfly, Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera)

I didn’t want to leave Vienna without going to the Opera. I have never been before and it was an experience in Vienna I didn’t want to miss. And now I have seen an Opera… well, mostly seen one. It was the Friday night performance of Madame Butterfly and all tickets were sold out. I went to the Opera House on the chance that I could buy a ticket on the street before the performance. I found an eager if not slightly crafty group of gentlemen selling tickets outside the entrance. I took a leap and bought a ticket from them and found my way in. I was relieved at least the ticket got me in the door without anyone batting an eye. I was disappointed in part when I was led to my seat. The location was great, the second level not far from the stage. The problem lie in the position of my seat. I was in one of the small rooms that encircled the opera house. It was filled with 6 seats, all quiet good except, unfortunately… my seat. From sitting relaxed in my chair I could only see 3/4 of the stage at best. How frustrating! But in truth I took a risk in buying the ticket and the costs was not that expensive. So, all in all, I was happy to be inside watching instead of not.

Throughout the performance, if I leaned to the left… and on occasion stood up and leaned far to the right I could catch most of what was going on. Not quite the relaxing trip to the opera I was hoping for. But still the beauty of the opera, the music and the opera house itself were well worth the visit. Unforgettable.

What’s Next?

And so, for now, I remain in Vienna grateful for a few more days here, but earnestly preparing for my next stop. And while I am not yet going to share my next destination, it won’t be long before you will be hearing from me from my new location.

Bye for now from the warm spring days in Vienna as I prepare for a new adventure.

Tags: Art of Living, Bad Antogast, Danube Tower, Madame Butterfly, Musikverein, Silence Course, Vienna State Opera, Wiener Symphoniker

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Categories A Sip of Wisdom, Art of Living, Austria, Germany, Travel Stories

Salzburg

3 Apr

It was a quick trip to Salzburg. I left Vienna on the Westbahn, the local train with regular trips to Salzburg. I enjoyed the easy two-plus hour ride with roomy trains, leather seats, and wifi and in no time I arrived. I was greeted by the cold and rain. With my umbrella in hand and luggage in tow, I steadfastly made my way to my meeting point.

I was connecting with my generous host for my stay in Salzburg, the cousin of my friend and host in Vienna. We met at the Cafe Wernbacher, a local establishment on the “new” side of town. I arrived soggy but in no time I was warmed with friendly company and peppermint tea. We had a great lunch including a soup made from a local root similar to garlic (I forget the name! What is that called?…) that grows fervently in the area, traditional Austrian prepared pork, risotto, and fresh kraut salad. It was a yummy and hearty beginning to my interlude.

My purpose for going to Salzburg was part “business” as I was taking care of my visa needs for my new and upcoming adventure. It was also a good reason to go to Salzburg and see a little bit more of Austria. In fact, it turns out I also got to see just a bit of Germany as I went with my host on Monday just a hop, skip and a jump into Germany. We spent an easy afternoon there doing a little shopping and drinking tea.

When I was reading up a bit on Salzburg, one of the recommended places to visit is the mountain Untersberg. There is a lift that takes you all the way to the top of the mountain. I had to laugh when I arrived at my host’s flat that she literally lived right next to that mountain. The tram that takes you to the top you could see out her back window.

The next morning the first business of the day was getting my visa. Luckily my host did a “pre-run” the day before in her car showing me the way to the office neatly tucked away down a tiny street. She looked at the directions on the map and casually said, “Oh, you’ll walk through the mountain…” Walk through the mountain? And indeed it was true, en route I had to pass through the mountain Monchsberg. A quick tunnel easily leading me through to the other side.

Afterwards, I meandered around the old town of Salzburg. I shopped along the famous Getreidegasse. I took a peek in the Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom). Soon I made my way to my next destination, the Fortress Hohensalzburg.

I bought a ticket on the U-bahn tram that goes up the mountain to the Fortress Hohensalzburg (you can see the tram in the photo above at the top center right). It was an easy breezy trip up, but when I arrived at the top I was in for a big surprise. When they opened the doors to the tram, the wind was whipping and people were blowing by like tumbleweeds. It took me a moment or two to get off the tram. I was a little less than enthused. I cautiously explored a bit, but the gusts were so strong that I and other guests periodically had to lean our bodies flat on the sides of the building for shelter. The wind lifted a table off the ground and nearly flung it over the rail. I went to the scenic lookout points, but I stayed far away from the edge for fear I would be blown away. I made my way around, took some pictures, visited the museum, but in truth I didn’t want to stick around for long in the crazy wind and mostly wanted return to ground level.

Thankfully the descent down was smooth. I was grateful to be on the ground and made my way to get some lunch. While happily taking refuge in a local Bio Burger with avocado and zucchini, I couldn’t help but notice… it was a little windy down here too. Is Salzburg always this windy? It looked like a storm was moving in. So I escaped the weather to the local Europark mall and then made my way home in the evening.

After a restful night sleep, I woke up the next morning to this….

Wait, wasn’t there a great big mountain outside her back door? Um, where did it go? A few hours later… there it is…

Hmmm… I thought… perhaps not the best day to do sightseeing in Salzburg. Later I connected with my host and we made the best of the day. We did a little shopping. The weather extravaganza continued with hail storms and a surprising peek of sun and blue skies. I learned that the wicked winds the day before and continued crazy weather were not typical Salzburg but in fact a real storm with an actual name, Storm Niklas. It even had hurricane strength winds! Not the best time to be on top of a mountain!

We finished the crazy weather day with a late lunch at a local cafe called Cult, an eatery nestled in the Künstlerhaus (artist house) in Salzburg. I savoured my simple fish and salad lunch as its fresh taste and quality preparation melted in my mouth. A satisfying completion to a quick and quirky visit.

I left, visa in hand, content to return to Vienna, but grateful for the diversion.

Tags: Cafe Wernbacher, Cult Cafe, Europark, Fortress Hohensalzburg, Kunstlerhaus, Salzburg, Storm Niklas, Untersberg

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Categories Austria, Travel Stories

Valentine’s Diversion

15 Feb

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day. A day in truth I typically forget and don’t pay much attention to. When I exited the underground into the heart of the city, I was greeted by the always impressive Saint Stephen’s Cathedral and a feisty (in a laid back Viennese sort of way) assortment of costumed workers selling tours in a wide selection of languages. I turned the corner and noticed a few men selling brightly colored roses. I paid them no mind and continued on my way, enjoying the sunshine and focused on navigating to my tourist destination for the day.

Ever the bad navigator, I walked in the wrong direction. But perhaps not wrong after all. I passed by an impressive building, doors open with a red carpet welcoming a steady collection of people. I paused and looked hesitatantly, curious what was happening. A kind man offered me a red envelope and then said something to me in German (which mostly I still don’t understand…) “Ich spreche Englisch…” I offered. Like many Viennese, he easily flipped the switch and changed his conversation to English. “I have a Valentine letter for you from God” he said as he offered the red envelope in a friendly and gentle manner. The building as it turns out is the home of the Archbishop and once a year he opens the doors… on Valentine’s day. I was invited in for a spell to have some tea and rest a bit in the chapel if I like. “Sure” I said. Who am I to turn down a Valentine’s invitation from God. So, gratefully, I accepted the letter and made my way inside.

I followed the red carpet elegantly escorting me into the courtyard with friendly yet reserved folks there to welcome me and others guests. There were lit torches along the pathway that eventually led to the chapel. At the entrance I was offered a sheet of paper to write down my prayers or intentions as well as some candles to light. I made my way into the intimate space filled with gentle music being played and sung live from the first few rows. I took a moment to pray and made and effort to hold back the tears and sobs that often want to come rolling out when I enter a place of prayer. I did my best to lay down my burdens for the day and took a moment to reflect surrounded by the quiet energy of the other visitors who seemed somewhat like me, a bit unsure but also enchanted by this unexpected diversion.

I brought my written intentions to the front of the chapel and dropped them into the bowl collecting them, lit my candles and selected a bible verse printed on strips of paper in a bowl to the right. I took a glimpse at the verse thinking perhaps my A-2 level German had prepared me to understand just a bit…. but that was not the case. Shortly after, I left with my bible verse and Valentine’s letter from God, both in German to be understood or translated at a later time I suppose. But still, a gift nonetheless.

After that, I continued on my way. I reworked my navigation, became clear I went (sort of) in the wrong direction, and shortly after arrived at my planned destination. But still, appreciative of my unexpected Valentine’s diversion and grateful for the gentle reminder of love and the simple but generous act of a small collection of volunteers in the heart of Vienna.

Featured image, a burst of light through a narrow corridor in the heart of Vienna.

Tags: Archbishop, Valentine's Day, Vienna

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Categories Austria, Travel Stories

Life Without Sugar

14 Nov

It’s a gray Thursday afternoon in Vienna. Today I have few plans or responsibilities and I have treated myself to a day of leisure spending most of the day in my pajamas. I appreciate having a day to myself to tend to the quieter indoor things that I truly love and need from time to time.

As many of you know, a big part of my life, traveling and living in foreign lands, includes negotiating a way to eat healthy. For me this means eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, healthy protein and carbs, as much as possible no glutten, and absolutely… no sugar. This is not always an easy pursuit within the larger adventure of living in new places around the globe. But the benefit for me far outweighs the complications.

Considering the health benefits that life with no sugar has brought to my life, it seems worth mentioning here from time to time.

The truth is, life without sugar and eating healthy has become sort of my… hobby. When traveling, I actually enjoy diving in to new “bio” or organic shops, finding new and healthy foods to eat. I have become a bit of a health food nerd. In Vienna there are plenty of options which is a big change from the more limited selections in South Korea. But still, it is an adventure… Learning to read labels in German. Asking strangers for help translating when I don’t understand something. Over the years I have learned, paying attention to what is in my food is of the utmost importance for myself and my well-being. So, regardless of the discomfort or inconvenience, I take the time to find out what is in my food.

Ten Years of No Sugar

I first quit sugar about ten years ago. I was going through a terrible health crisis and was willing to do simply anything to feel better. A friend at the time had read the book Sugar Blues and was trying out life with no sugar. “What the heck!” I thought and bought the book too. Bottom line, the message of this book is sugar is poison… and we shouldn’t eat it. End of Story.

After reading the book, I went “cold turkey” and stopped eating sugar. I immediately noticed some difference in my health and well-being. What was most interesting, however, was how I felt, after quitting sugar, when I accidentally (or on purpose!) ate some sugar. It was off the charts. I was 100% clear that sugar made me feel terrible, emotionally and physically. I had eaten sugar all my life and until I quit it, I had no idea what it actually did to my body.

My body has a negative physiological reaction to sugar, but the most notable reaction for me is my mood. When I eat sugar my moods are dramatically more erratic. My anger is easily lit like a fuse. So after years of experience, I do my best to stay away.

Traveling

It is not always easy to live in other countries, be with new people and maintain this diet that is healthy for me. When I lived in Korea I had a friend write a note in Korean saying that I did not eat sugar and please recommend something on the menu without it. I took a picture of it with my phone and had it available for when needed. My experience is often in other countries they just don’t GET why someone would not want to eat sugar… when it is such a wonderful treat. When I was in Germany I was told that people actually think that sugar is good for their kids and give them a spoonful of sugar for their health. In Korea, sugar is added to MOST of their foods. In restaurants it is often considered rude to ask for food a special way or ask what is in it.

In the United States, more and more people are considering that sugar is worth taking out of their diet. When I was back in the States recently, it was a relief to discover a restaurant or two that didn’t scowl at me when I asked what the ingredients were and even happily provided a meal for me with no sugar, guaranteed.

The tricky thing about not eating sugar is that is is everywhere. In the States (and other countries as well) it is hidden in the spaghetti sauce, kidney beans, corn, salsa, turkey… just to name a few. I feel like I have to be a super-food-detective because if not, likely some sugar (or other terrible things!) will sneak in to what I eat. The other challenge here is there are foods that can react in your body like sugar. Some of these are obvious, such as alcohol. Additionally, simple carbohydrates like white rice, white bread and pasta break down in our bodies more rapidly and turn to sugar quickly. Other foods for me that trigger my body like sugar are potatoes and corn.

Is Quitting Sugar for You?

I can really get that people don’t want to give up their sweets! But if you are struggling with physical or emotional challenges, it is worth taking a look at quitting sugar. The truth is, you don’t really know what it is doing to your body until you stop eating it. If you would like to explore a bit more, here are a couple of good resources:

Hungry for Change
This popular video on health and nutrition is a good introduction to changing our eating habits. Their discussion includes the topic of sugar.

Sugar Blues by William Dufty
This is the book that I read ten years ago that first opened my eyes to the hazards of sugar.

Radiant Recovery
This program is based on the research of Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. who introduces a concept called sugar sensitivity. She offers a simple and balanced approach to eating a healthy diet that supports emotional health and well-being without the need for refined sugars and other overly sweet foods. The foundation of this diet is, every meal, eat healthy carbs and protein. Her approach is simple and clean and when taken one step at a time, a great way to easily get sugar out of your life. She also features a child-friendly site called Little Sugar Addicts.

Sugar Free Recipes

I am a steadfast collector of no sugar added recipes on Pinterest. Most recipes featured include simple, healthy ingredients and no sugar added. When cooking sugar-free I never add artificial sweeteners and also do my best to stay away from or minimize even natural sweeteners like agave nectar and honey. Here are some links below if you’d like to check them out:

Healthy Soups and Sides

Crockpot Recipes

Rice Cooker Recipes

Breakfast and Desserts
(I have learned it is best for me to mostly stay away from sweet things of any type. It just feeds the need for sweets. But still, here are some healthier sweet recipes options…)

The bottom line when exploring a no sugar and healthier diet is to pay attention to your body and see what does… and doesn’t work for you!

Here is wishing you happy eating adventures! If you have any no-sugar or healthy eating adventures to share, wherever you are in the world, I would love to hear from you! And feel free to ask any questions you may have. I am happy to respond.

Good night for now after a quiet day in Vienna!

Featured photo, a sweet day in Vienna at Stadtpark with my Austrian hosts.

Tags: eating healthy and travel, health, Healthy Living, Life without sugar, no sugar added travel, sugar blues, sugar free diet, sugar free recipes, Travel, Vienna

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Categories Austria, No Sugar Added

Parting with Familiarity

22 Oct

A friend of mine recently submitted the new featured quote for this Gypsy Woman blog. Her chosen theme couldn’t have been more timely… or appropriate. It’s message is, simply, that if we want to grow we will have to part with some things we are attached to… including, and at its base, habits and ways of life that are familiar to us.

While I admit there is nothing wrong with a gentle dose of familiarity… sometimes our cherished habits and ways of being can set limits on our dreams, goals, wishes and desires. After nearly four years of international travel, parting with familiarity has in its own way become familiar to me. But still, it seems that each new destination requires that I strip off a layer of familiarity in the name of my own growth and development.

The larger truth of this gypsy escapade is that growth has become a lifeline for me, a required text for this course in my life. And while for me there are elements that are UNCOMFORTABLE as I face each new experience and circumstance, it is undoubtedly true that without this discomfort… I would not grow…

I write this presently with an equal doses of pleasure in the foreignness of my new surroundings coupled with the inevitable sense of loss that comes with departing more familiar scenery. Each day in Vienna offers somethings new and inviting, but simultaneously are daily entanglements with my losses of familiarity. After living in South Korea for nearly two years, Vienna comes with certain comforts for this American bent mind. Most notably, it offers an alphabet I can recognize and a culture that is more at ease with speaking English. But oddly enough, in many ways Korea too became familiar to me… and so that is swimming in my pool of loss, change and growth.

A wonderful traditional Austria meal overlooking the city from the Vienna Woods.

A hazy overlook of Vienna from the surrounding woods.

New to me on this journey is studying a language. I am taking a German course! So far on this international road I have found it quite possible to travel many places speaking only English. More and more, it seems English is a global language. However, when the opportunity to take a German class while in Vienna was presented, I thought it was a no-brainer to finally take a leap and explore a new level in my travel. The idea of speaking another language has always appealed to me… it is the practicality of it, the sea of new words and rules and my adult English-formed neural pathways, that always seemed to get in my way…

After five ultra beginner German classes, I am already knocking loudly on the door of unfamiliarity. My instructor shared just the other day that to speak German we will slowly have to let go of our own language… and not try to translate every word from German to English as often… you can’t. When first she said this I felt a little panic like being asked to give up a favorite childhood toy or blanket. But as I relax more with the German sounds and phrases we learn in class, I can see this makes good sense.

Unfamiliarity and foreignness do have an allure and charm of their own. There is the innocence in exploring a new language and land. The child-like pleasure of learning to count to ten again and communicate the simplest of things in a new way. The simple pleasure of doing ordinary things, like going to the grocery store and finding new foods or spending new money.

In my present circumstances, I am living with and assisting a family with the care of their child and family life. This too in many ways is unfamiliar. In my past years of wandering, I have taught the youngest of students and at times lived in community with a wide array of “others”. As most of my adult life has been independent living and the past four years a gypsy, family life lives in the realm of unfamiliar. It is new to me to sit next to my new young German-speaking friend and let her head rest on my lap as she trickles tears and wipes her nose after her mom and dad leave her alone with me for the first time. And still new to me to find my place, be of service, and meet my own needs within the life and patterns of an established family, generous and giving as they are.

So this new beginning, as the others have been, is met with the push and pull of growth and loss… joy and challenge. And for now, for this moment, I am content with the balance of the two. After a lovely morning attending my german class, and now some quiet time in the afternoon to write, do yoga, drink tea… I am delighting in the balance.

How about you? Any stories of growth to share? Any new explorations being met with resistance? If you’d like to share, it’s always great to hear from you!

I was told yesterday would be the last warm day until April. Yikes! I woke up today to grey skies and chilly temperatures. Good-bye for now from the newly fall weather and historic streets of Vienna.

Tags: familiarity, German, international travel, James Hillman, learning German, Vienna

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Categories Austria, Travel Stories

Exploration

15 Oct

It is early afternoon and I have recently returned from my second German class. This class is a pleasant experience, but humbling nonetheless as I gently wade into the pool of speaking German. Intended for the very beginners, instruction is delivered all in German with students from around the globe including Turkey, Mexico, Spain and South Korea… and me, from the USA. It seems it will be a while before I can converse in German. But after two classes, I can ask your name and sort of… count to twenty.

This past week has been a gentle introduction into the world and life of Vienna and Austria. In truth, much to my natural pace, I have been exploring little bits at a time. I have just begun to see the sights of my neighborhood, the 7th district in Vienna, and appreciate simple finds like snacks at a local bio (organic) store suitable for this health-conscious traveler.

My hosts have been generous with their weekend, taking time to show me around. Twice we hopped in their car, not their standard mode of transportation in public-transit-friendly Vienna, and set out beyond the city limits. Saturday we had a lovely dinner with friends of theirs and also took a quick look at the Klosterneuburg Monastery on the way.

On Sunday we headed out to Gumpoldskirchen (say that three times fast…) and took a little stroll among the vineyards and countryside. We couldn’t have been luckier with blue skies and a sunny summerish day. After a modest hike we took a brief respite in a perfect outdoor spot featuring local wines, grape juice and light snacks. We sat with others amongst the tables and haystacks for chairs and just let the beautiful weather sink in. Next we went to a near-by restaurant called a Heuriger featuring the local wines of the year and simple local foods. We found a sunny spot on the deck on the second floor and finished the day with a leisurely meal and some good company.

On my own I have found my way to a few local places including the Belvedere Palace and most recently a long stroll down the Donaukanal (“Danube Canal“) that runs through the heart of the city. I have found folks in Vienna so far to be friendly and helpful. Many are willing to speak English and offer a kind word or… directions when needed….

I have taken note of a few unexpected things so far in Vienna. I learned that Vienna has the best drinking water right out of the tap! In fact there is a pipeline that brings water direct from the alps! Amazing! I was also surprised to see a taxi that was a Mercedes-Benz. A far cry for the modest models of taxis in the States. I asked, “Is it typical for taxi’s to be such nice cars?” “Yes,” they said. In fact, they shared that all taxis are mostly Mercedes or Toyota hybrid cars.

With Fall still somewhat at bay, I continue to slowly sink into my new chapter in Vienna. Reaching out to a few new connections and possibilities. Knocking on a few doors for freelance work opportunities. My hosts’ daughter and I are gently getting acquainted. As I only speak English (for now…) and she speaks German, we have a funny little dance of getting to know each other…. a common word here and there, a few German words on my part, translation from mom and dad. In less than two weeks, her mom and my host will be off an adventure of her own. While she is away, things will change here for me as I take a larger role in childcare, cooking and the like. After nearly two years of living on my own in Korea, that too is an adventure in its own way.

Early evening is setting in. Tonight I cook my first simple meal for the family. And tomorrow, well, more exploration. Good-bye for now from the historic streets of Vienna.

Featured photo at top taken along the Donaukanal in the heart of Vienna.

Tags: Belvedere Palace, Donaukanal, Vienna

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Categories Austria, Travel Stories

Hello Vienna!

7 Oct

I am at home on a cool Fall afternoon eating delicious leftover goulash. But this home is none that I have known before. I have left the midwest and my business in DC is complete. After a three-hour layover in Istanbul courtesy of Turkish Airlines, I now find myself… newly at home in… Vienna.

How one gets from South Korea to the US and then to Vienna is no common road. I did not simply wake up one day and think… hmmm, perhaps I will go to Vienna. It seems, somehow that it was Vienna that wanted me to come to her… with of course, some mutual agreement.

It began simply with an introduction. A friend noticed on Facebook that I have the exact same birthdate (day, month and year) as a friend of his in Austria. “Perhaps it would be fun to connect you?” he shared. Whole heartedly I agreed and we began exchanging stories of ourselves and lives, comparing notes from where our personalities and preferences were similar. She soon shared that she would be traveling twice to the US this year to work on an e-book project. When she mentioned her need to create a way to support her husband and child while she was gone, it didn’t take long for both of us to have the thought… that I could come to Vienna!

A little anxiety, some well-organized planning, and an unexpected Visa trip to DC later… and before I knew it I was leaving Dulles airport on my way to Vienna.

Over my past 3 1/2 years of travels, it has been purely by accident that each major destination is separated by a time of respite in the States. And so just as my mind and body start to sink back in my American ways, it is time to leave again. This transition is frequently met with at least a little distress but overshadowed by the excitement of what is to come. I find as I transition from one “life” to the next, it is easiest for me to stay in the present moment, take it one step at time, and allow the change to unfold in my reality as it happens rather than in the fortress of my mind and imagination.

I was greeted at the airport in Vienna by an exuberant friendly face. I felt a rush of emotion as I saw face to face the woman I had been writing to and came to think of as friend. Her home was a pleasant taxi ride away from the airport and just minutes after my landing, I entered into the world of Vienna.

My first experience of Vienna was unlike any city that I had ever lived in before. Beauty and history gently surrounding me. When we arrived at her home, I was shocked and delighted to enter into a lovely courtyard in the heart of the city decorated in Viennese historical stature. “This is your home?” I thought in delight. And for now, for a little while, it is also mine.

I slowly began to move through my jet lag, spending much of my first day on my own in my pajamas. Today, however, I ventured out into the neighborhood a bit. I can’t help but be giddy and perhaps a little intimidated by the beauty, culture and architecture that surrounds me. Never before have I taken a walk around my local block only to easily stumble upon historical empires, museums and theaters.

I left armed with a simple map and no real plan except to turn left when I exited the small corridor where their apartment is located. After being in Korea for nearly two years, it is a noticeable difference to begin to negotiate a city that, while still foreign to me, at least has an alphabet I can recognize. I couldn’t help but take note of how comfortable and at ease I felt wandering around. My friend and host shared that Vienna is a safe city. And while you may still have your pickpockets from time to time, there is not much to be concerned about. That was apparent in my little outing today. Even when I had ended up in an area where I was “not quite sure where I was”… I felt in my bones that all was well.

And now here I am, content to have successfully negotiated my way home. And more content to feel the warmth of inside and enjoy more of my hosts delicious cooking.

I begin to delve into the German language on Monday with a beginners German class that will meet three times a week. It is a great treat for me to be entering a new country with the opportunity to study the language in a more formal way. My hosts are quite generous giving me time and space to first settle in and adjust to my new environment.

Good-bye for now from my new place in the world. I am grateful for some quiet time as I ease into a new chapter of life and adventure in Vienna.

Featured photo: A sneak peak of the courtyard from my cumfy room here in Vienna, Austria.