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| traditional Austrian frankfurter |
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| view from the top |
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| keepin' cozy in the wind |
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| having fun! |
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| OttoHaus |
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| hiking with Sabba And Savta |
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| amazing Leder Hosen on Austrian hikers |
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| Lewis men waiting for the bus |
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The Hills are Alive!
On Friday we left Vienna and took our first (of what will hopefully be many) trips into the Austrian Alps. We took the train about an 1 1/2 hour to Reichenau an der Rax (http://www.reichenau.at). When we got off the train we took a bus to the gondola/cable car that took us all the way up the mountain. There were some lovely school children on the bus and the other people riding the gondola enjoyed Hersh's "singing." When we got to the top of the mountain we hiked to the OttoHaus where we enjoyed some apfelstruedel and Hollersaft gerschpritz. Being on top of the mountain was beautiful and the ferocity of the wind made it an even more powerful experience. The air was fresh and crisp, it felt like fall. I look forward to our next Alpine outing and would like to extend an invitation to anyone that comes and visits that we will take you to Reichenau an der Rax!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Universitat Wien
On Thursday afternoon Jacob and I ventured to the Universitat Wien, where Jacob's office is and where he will be working each day. Hersh stayed home and spent the afternoon with his Sabba and Savta, which they all enjoyed very much.
The University area is very nice and felt very much like other University areas that we have frequented. While Jacob worked, I had the chance to walk around the neighborhood, sit in the sunshine in the park, read my book ("Four Seasons in Rome" by Anthony Doerr, I highly recommend it ), and have a cappuccino. I was ready to come home before Jacob was, so I pulled out my map, found the nearest U-bahn stop, and ventured home. Overall, it was a lovely afternoon.
Yet, throughout the afternoon something felt strange and I couldn't quite figure out what it was. But, as I sat on the train coming home, it occurred to me--I was alone. Here I was, for the first time in months, completely anonymous. No baby, no partner, in a city where I know no one. To those around me I was just another woman riding the train. I wondered, "can they tell that I am a mother?" Even when I got off the train at our stop, Huttledorferstrasse, I still had this feeling of, for lack of a better term, normalcy. For a brief moment, I was just me again. As I think about how I felt more and more, I realize that this must be the way lots of women feel after they have a child, and what I realize is that now and forever, my new normal will be slightly different. I can still be me, but there is now an extension of me, Hersh.
The University area is very nice and felt very much like other University areas that we have frequented. While Jacob worked, I had the chance to walk around the neighborhood, sit in the sunshine in the park, read my book ("Four Seasons in Rome" by Anthony Doerr, I highly recommend it ), and have a cappuccino. I was ready to come home before Jacob was, so I pulled out my map, found the nearest U-bahn stop, and ventured home. Overall, it was a lovely afternoon.
Yet, throughout the afternoon something felt strange and I couldn't quite figure out what it was. But, as I sat on the train coming home, it occurred to me--I was alone. Here I was, for the first time in months, completely anonymous. No baby, no partner, in a city where I know no one. To those around me I was just another woman riding the train. I wondered, "can they tell that I am a mother?" Even when I got off the train at our stop, Huttledorferstrasse, I still had this feeling of, for lack of a better term, normalcy. For a brief moment, I was just me again. As I think about how I felt more and more, I realize that this must be the way lots of women feel after they have a child, and what I realize is that now and forever, my new normal will be slightly different. I can still be me, but there is now an extension of me, Hersh.
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| flags flying outside Universitat Wien |
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| Scottish Pub on the ground floor of the building where Jacob's group has their offices |
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Give us a ring!
Thanks to the internet and to Vonage we now have a home phone here in Vienna. Our home phone number here is the same as our home phone number was in Seattle: 206 774 4069. Please feel free to give a call and if we're not home leave a voicemail. But, please remember that depending on where you live in the States we are somewhere between 6-9 hours ahead of you, so please do not call in the middle of the night!
Today we walked to the municipal building that is shared by the 13th and 14th Districts of Vienna. We had hoped to fill out paperwork that would allow us to receive a certificate that says that we live here, enabling us to get cell phones. But, we were missing a signature, so we will go back on Friday after we have the signature of the gentleman from whom we are renting our flat. It's funny, most things here take multiple tries--applying for Visas, getting groceries, finding the right coffee shop, etc.
We did have a lovely walk and strolled a bit through Schonbrunn Park, which is a huge beautiful park. Tomorrow afternoon I hope to walk to the BioMarkt which is the organic grocery store here. Happy Fall and Hag Sukkot Sameach!
Today we walked to the municipal building that is shared by the 13th and 14th Districts of Vienna. We had hoped to fill out paperwork that would allow us to receive a certificate that says that we live here, enabling us to get cell phones. But, we were missing a signature, so we will go back on Friday after we have the signature of the gentleman from whom we are renting our flat. It's funny, most things here take multiple tries--applying for Visas, getting groceries, finding the right coffee shop, etc.
We did have a lovely walk and strolled a bit through Schonbrunn Park, which is a huge beautiful park. Tomorrow afternoon I hope to walk to the BioMarkt which is the organic grocery store here. Happy Fall and Hag Sukkot Sameach!
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| Family outing in the park |
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| Palm Haus in Schonbrunn Park |
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| mmmmm...carrots |
Sunday, September 19, 2010
How does my new washing machine work?
We have officially arrived in Vienna! The plane ride went relatively well, in that Hersh really held it together and charmed lots of people. The biggest problem was that our plane from Chicago to DC (we were then to fly DC to Vienna) got cancelled due to mechanical problems. Thus, we were rereouted--Chicago to Paris and Paris to Vienna. This added a few hours to our trip, in the end we travelled 24 hours door to door. Our stroller and carseat also got "rerouted" but fortunately, we received both courtesy of Air France yesterday. I would like to give a shout out to Air France--they were very kind and helped to minimize our stress.
So, here were are in Vienna. Our apartment is beautiful. It is the top two floors of a seven story building. We have tons of natural light and two beautiful balconies. We have made numerous trips to IKEA and slowly but surely everything is coming together.
We have had lots of moments where we cannot believe that we live here, both in an exciting way and in a "did we make the right decision to move here" sort of way. The weather has been amazing, it is nice to be back in a city where we can walk to everything, and the people here have been so kind. Children are held very dear and Hersh has been admired by many. The city is also beautiful. At the same time, it has been hard for Hersh to adjust to the time difference and I really miss the Central Market, which was our amazing grocery store in Seattle. What Jacob and I are trying to remember is that this is a true adventure and opportunity. We are fortunate to live abroad and have the chance to get to know a new culture, country, and people, as well as learn a bit more about ourselves along the way. As we remind ourselves and each other of this, a natural time keeper is in place for us--yesterday was 11 years since Jacob and I first got together and what an amazing 11 years it has been.
I went grocery shopping for the first time the other day--whooo--it was intense. We are also trying to figure out how to use our new washer dryer combo. Mattress shopping--another area of "cultural difference" that we have overcome.
We haven't set-up permanent new phones yet, but we can be reached on Jacob's temporary Austrian #: 011 43 650 371 7769. Feel free to give a call. We will post more of our contact info as it becomes available. We also do not have internet set-up at home yet, but we are working on it. Our address is:
Jacob, Darci, and Hersh Lewis
Kuefsteingasse 20/15
1140 Wien, Austria
This afternoon we plan to head to the countryside--will post pictures soon!
Auf wiedersehen!
So, here were are in Vienna. Our apartment is beautiful. It is the top two floors of a seven story building. We have tons of natural light and two beautiful balconies. We have made numerous trips to IKEA and slowly but surely everything is coming together.
We have had lots of moments where we cannot believe that we live here, both in an exciting way and in a "did we make the right decision to move here" sort of way. The weather has been amazing, it is nice to be back in a city where we can walk to everything, and the people here have been so kind. Children are held very dear and Hersh has been admired by many. The city is also beautiful. At the same time, it has been hard for Hersh to adjust to the time difference and I really miss the Central Market, which was our amazing grocery store in Seattle. What Jacob and I are trying to remember is that this is a true adventure and opportunity. We are fortunate to live abroad and have the chance to get to know a new culture, country, and people, as well as learn a bit more about ourselves along the way. As we remind ourselves and each other of this, a natural time keeper is in place for us--yesterday was 11 years since Jacob and I first got together and what an amazing 11 years it has been.
I went grocery shopping for the first time the other day--whooo--it was intense. We are also trying to figure out how to use our new washer dryer combo. Mattress shopping--another area of "cultural difference" that we have overcome.
We haven't set-up permanent new phones yet, but we can be reached on Jacob's temporary Austrian #: 011 43 650 371 7769. Feel free to give a call. We will post more of our contact info as it becomes available. We also do not have internet set-up at home yet, but we are working on it. Our address is:
Jacob, Darci, and Hersh Lewis
Kuefsteingasse 20/15
1140 Wien, Austria
This afternoon we plan to head to the countryside--will post pictures soon!
Auf wiedersehen!
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| Scary toilet seat cover left by previous renters--this will be replaced. |
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| Ready for the Farmer's Market! |
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| View from our bedroom window--Schonbrunn Palace with foothills of the Alps in the background. |
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Little Rockin' it out
A week ago we flew from DC to Little Rock and let me tell you Southwest Airlines receives a √! Since they had extra seats on the plane, they offered for us to bring Hersh's carseat on the plane and use the third seat in our row for it. Oh, and did I mention that Southwest also does not charge for baggage--amazing!
Anyway, upon arriving in Little Rock we spent the weekend with our good friends from college. Craig flew in from Atlanta and Jordan drove in from Dallas with his wife Misty and their children, Beatrice and Henry. We had an amazing time!
On Wednesday night Rosh HaShannah began and Hersh helped welcome in his first new year--5771. Hersh has really enjoyed being with his great-grandmother, Bamom, and his Sabba and Savta. The other big news of the week is that Hersh tried sold foods for the first time. Yams were the cuisine of choice and I must say, I think he liked it (check out the video and see for yourself). Hersh has also been rolling over every now and again and can sit-up on his own in the "tri-pod" position!
Tonight we will go to the football game--go Hogs! Should be fun. Razorback football is like a religion here and people are psyched for the game. Most home games are played up in Fayetteville at the U of A stadium. But each year there are a few games played in Little Rock. I actually just came back from the grocery store and let me tell you, people are getting ready to do some serious tailgating. Everyone has on their Razorback gear and come six o'clock this evening the streets will be empty because the whole state will be cheering on the Hogs!
And believe it or not, moving day is just around the corner. We leave Tuesday morning and it feels like we are getting closer and closer to being ready to go. We are busy trying to do whatever we can to organize ourselves before we get to Vienna so that when we do things like open up a Viennese bank account and get European cell phones, maybe the process will be easy?
Once we know our Viennese cell #'s I will post them on the blog. Also, my US cell phone #, which I have had for years and do not want to give up, will become our home phone number in Vienna thanks to Vonage. Next Thursday we plan to visit IKEA Austria to outfit our apartment. Should be an interesting experience.
Hope you all enjoy the pictures and videos! The next post will be written from our new home, Vienna, Austria!
Anyway, upon arriving in Little Rock we spent the weekend with our good friends from college. Craig flew in from Atlanta and Jordan drove in from Dallas with his wife Misty and their children, Beatrice and Henry. We had an amazing time!
On Wednesday night Rosh HaShannah began and Hersh helped welcome in his first new year--5771. Hersh has really enjoyed being with his great-grandmother, Bamom, and his Sabba and Savta. The other big news of the week is that Hersh tried sold foods for the first time. Yams were the cuisine of choice and I must say, I think he liked it (check out the video and see for yourself). Hersh has also been rolling over every now and again and can sit-up on his own in the "tri-pod" position!
Tonight we will go to the football game--go Hogs! Should be fun. Razorback football is like a religion here and people are psyched for the game. Most home games are played up in Fayetteville at the U of A stadium. But each year there are a few games played in Little Rock. I actually just came back from the grocery store and let me tell you, people are getting ready to do some serious tailgating. Everyone has on their Razorback gear and come six o'clock this evening the streets will be empty because the whole state will be cheering on the Hogs!
And believe it or not, moving day is just around the corner. We leave Tuesday morning and it feels like we are getting closer and closer to being ready to go. We are busy trying to do whatever we can to organize ourselves before we get to Vienna so that when we do things like open up a Viennese bank account and get European cell phones, maybe the process will be easy?
Once we know our Viennese cell #'s I will post them on the blog. Also, my US cell phone #, which I have had for years and do not want to give up, will become our home phone number in Vienna thanks to Vonage. Next Thursday we plan to visit IKEA Austria to outfit our apartment. Should be an interesting experience.
Hope you all enjoy the pictures and videos! The next post will be written from our new home, Vienna, Austria!
Taking some time on the east side...
Upon leaving Seattle we flew to my native land--the east coast! Hersh did really well on the direct flight from Seattle to DC. Upon reaching DC we spent a few days with Uncle Lowell and Aunt Nina. We also had a wonderful time at the "Aplebaum Family Reunion" and took Hersh swimming for the first time! I wouldn't exactly say that he loved it, but he definitely didn't seem to mind. We then drove to the glorious Garden State where we stayed with my mom and our dearest friend LT. We had the chance to introduce Hersh to our friend's and their children. I have to say, it is pretty incredible to see Hersh and the children of our friends all together. It will be amazing to watch them as they continue to grow. We also took Hersh to the Jersey Shore for the first time. He shnoozed at the beach both on days, but we did dip his toes in the Atlantic! We then ventured to Long Island where we stayed with our friend's Danny and Sara and their son Simon. We had beautiful weather and really enjoyed being with good friends. We then drove to Philly to spend time with Aunt Addie and Uncle Craig, which has been a joy! Tomorrow,back to DC and Friday we fly to Little Rock. This has been busy, but wonderful. It has been amazing to introduce Hersh to the people we love and it feels good to be on the east coast.
I've been asked by many, "How is Hersh doing with all of the traveling/transitioning?" Overall, Hersh is doing really well. He is a mellow, happy, friendly, inquisitive baby. He loves going on hikes and is always interested in meeting a new friend. He does not love traffic and seems to be thinking about rolling over. As for his parents, how are we doing with all of the traveling/transitioning? Well, since you asked, we are doing pretty well. It still hasn't totally set in that we are not going back to Seattle and it will be nice to be in Little Rock for ten days and then to finally get settled in Vienna, if nothing else, to not be living out of a suitcase. But, for now, hopping around is working for us!
I've been asked by many, "How is Hersh doing with all of the traveling/transitioning?" Overall, Hersh is doing really well. He is a mellow, happy, friendly, inquisitive baby. He loves going on hikes and is always interested in meeting a new friend. He does not love traffic and seems to be thinking about rolling over. As for his parents, how are we doing with all of the traveling/transitioning? Well, since you asked, we are doing pretty well. It still hasn't totally set in that we are not going back to Seattle and it will be nice to be in Little Rock for ten days and then to finally get settled in Vienna, if nothing else, to not be living out of a suitcase. But, for now, hopping around is working for us!
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