Quality of Life

For centuries Vienna has attracted artists and musicians whose immortal music was inspired by this breathtaking city. Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, to name a few. Vienna is full of museums, art galleries and concert halls---of which we got to see none. You see, when you're traveling with toddlers they pretty much rule the roost. Our daily challenge was simple---find a park or a large area in which they could run their cute little faces off. We suceeded in Vienna.







Here's an intresting tidbit, an international human resource consulting company Mercer ranks Vienna No. 1 for having the world's highest quality of life. Pretty impressive, huh?. For us, our 48 hour quality of life was spent doing laundry


enjoying a traditional ferris ride



and relishing 20 minutes of silence as both children (don't judge) were hypnotized by German translated TV shows.


As we drove out of Austria on our way to Italy, we stopped by Hochosterwitz Castle. Since it was Mia's special day and since she loooooves picnics, we decided to pull over and have lunch in the shadows of this mysterious property. Apparently, Disney used this castle as their inspiration for their famous Sleeping Beauty castle. I was a bit creeped out by it's enormity. Bella on the other hand, was desperate to meet Sleeping Beauty. I informed her, that unlike Disneyland, she doesn't come out for autographs. She didn't buy it. It was when I told her that Sleeping Beauty was napping that she finally understood.


Like Sleeping Beauty, Bella napped too. I particularly love this picture. If you look closely, you'll notice her teddy tucked into her sweatshirt and strapped into the stroller with her. She wouldn't have it any other way.

The Sound of Salzburg

Of all the cities we planned to visit, Salzburg was by far the most anticipated, due to our unnatural love for the Sound of Music. We left Munich early morning and spent the following two hours listening to Do Re Mi over and over and over again in anticipation. I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived. What a classy city! The architecture was very prim and proper with it's soft shades of pales and impeccably clean streets.




We immediately unloaded the car and began our Sound of Music Scavenger Hunt. Imagine Bella's surprise when she discovered Maria plastered all over a bus. (and please take note of her two hour car ride hair-do)


Mia, clearly not buying into the hype.


Our first stop was Mirabell Gardens. We were excited to see the fountain and of course the tunnel.



Next stop, the famous 16 going on 17 Gazebo.


Bella couldn't contain her excitement---she took it to the streets.


All the running around was making us really thirsty. Feeling a little adventurous I bought her some, apple juice--which is a treat since all she's really allowed is water and milk. Knowing she was going to be so happy, I watched as she took her first sip. Suddenly, she started screaming and slapping her tongue, "it burns Mommy, it burns." WHAT? APPLE JUICE BURNS-- DON'T BE A DRAMA QUEEN BELLA! Then I looked a little closer......aarrgghh it's carbonated apple juice. OOPS. "Look, Mommy, it has dots!" Dots. By dots she means bubbles. Just as I was about to say suck it up girl, Eugene (being the softie that he is) bought her a non-carbonated replacement. Score for Daddy.


I loved how Salzburg had both the bustling feel of a big city as well as the serenity of the countryside. We spent the second half of the day mozying around overly manicured gardens. It was really lovely.





Tired, sweaty and hungry we headed back into town for some dinner at a restaurant Eugene remembered well. After a couple beers, an awesome meal and a beautiful sunset we headed back on foot. Eugene, thinking he's super creative (alcohol induced) thought it would be funny for a renegade stroller clip.

Salzburg was so quiet in the evening. I'll never forget how peaceful it felt. Although, I don't quite look peaceful in this picture, I definitely felt it.

Bella found her inner peace as well. In the form of her favorite television show. Caillou. IN GERMAN!!!!!

Although we only spent one day here, we definitely made the most of it. So long, farewell beautiful Salzburg.