Verona, Italy

This place is beautiful, full of fashion, and is home to the story of Romeo and Juliet. I saw a castle, looked at many expensive store, bought a pair of Puma flip flops since my old ones are wearing thin, and touched Juliet's breast for good luck in love. I say it was a successful day in Verona.

Found the Rhine!

So, I decided not to go to France and hike a mountain---can't say my dress attire was appropriate for the job. No one told me about possible nature hikes, so I brought skirts, dresses, and flats. I was purely thinking of better Europe than Austria when packing, that meant cobblestone streets, shops, cafes, and prettier boys. Hiking was not on my mind. But, I did find my way to the Rhine while they were in France and ate my lunch at a park in Neuenburg, Germany. Yes, I climbed up and down those steep steps. I succeeded in my plan--Proud of me! It was pretty, and the journey total was kept short since it was hot and I was hungry, but wouldn't let myself eat until sitting down in shade, which was not available at my little entrance to the Rhine. So, I took pictures and left.

Donauinselfest 2010

Here is the largest party of the world--spent total...5 hours there. Haha, not the greatest, kind of like large WashMo fair, but without the livestock and tractor pulls. Wish I would have seen it at night, but had to go to an opera...

But the kids loved it! They enjoyed it so much, they wanted to work with cobblestone and chip away at a large stone... They also made hearts out of copper piping and worked with leather and electricity. I have to say, they enjoy educating their youth, while WashMo was all about alligator shows and cheap jewelry. I think WashMo should set up a place where kids can practice brick laying, that would be interesting and rewarding for the youngsters--maybe learn appreciation for the trade.

First Adventure: Hiking in flip flops

So, I decided to go hiking in flip flops. Forgot socks, but remembered tennis shoes =) Will get socks soon.

It was my first Saturday and I knew I needed to explore to immerse myself into my new environment and shake off jet lag. I walked up our long hill, along the stone all and entered the old royal hunting grounds, that are still used today during certain seasons.

I walked to the Hermesvilla, a country house built for Austria's last princess, Sophie. It was closed, but I sat on a bench, took pictures and enjoyed my apple. I can see myself returning with picnic and book in hand!