Settling In

This past week we bid farewell to Rich and Emily, and began to settle into what our life will be here in Vienna.  Rich and Emily were amazing help and support to us, and we truly cannot imagine how we would have been able to move here without them.  Hersh loved spending time with his Sabba and Savta and we look forward to our next visit with them.

After their departure, reality set in, and so far it's been ok.  Jacob is getting to know the people in his group at the University and I have been researching expat playgroups that Hersh and I can attend, so that both of us can get the socialization that we need!

In an effort to get to know our new city, Jacob, Hersh, and I went to Simchat Torah services at the Reform congregation here in Vienna.  It is a very beautiful, small synagogue with stone interior.  The rabbi is British, but lives in Berlin, and comes to Vienna once a month.  There were about 30-40 people at the service, most of whom seemed to be Viennese.  We had hoped/heard that some expats attend this congregation, which was our motivation for going.  But, this was not the case, and to be honest had we not introduced ourselves to the rabbi we wouldn't have met anyone.  Overall, it was a fine experience, and I think that we will most likely give it a try again at some point.

For the remainder of the week Jacob went to school and Hersh and I continued to make small explorative outings.   One afternoon we walked to the BioMarkt in the Ottakring neighborhood, and a different afternoon we went and walked around the Volksgarteen by the museums.  On Friday I attended a Yoga class at a studio in our neighborhood.  It was really nice to do yoga, although I had no idea what the instructor was saying, being that everything was in German, and much of the guided meditation was lost on me.  Regardless, it was a familiar experience, and I hope to continue practicing while we are here.  It's actually sort of funny, at this point, we have figured enough out that we seem to blend in fairly well, which means that people often talk to us, yet we have no idea what they are saying (well, Jacob has much more of an idea than I do).  I've taken to smiling and nodding a lot, which seems to allow me to pass as not too rude.

Yesterday, all three of us went to the Naschmarkt, which is very similar to the Pike Place Market in Seattle, only much bigger.  Part of the Naschmarkt was flea market like--very similar to the Englishtown Auction (this reference will only make sense to NJ folk) and the other half was spice stands, pastry stalls, wonderful restaurants, etc.  Walking around, I felt like an episode of Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations: Vienna" could have been filmed at any one of the amazing restaurants/bars.

We then walked to the Museum Quartier, but not without a brief stop on Maria Hilferstrasse, which is the main shopping street here in Vienna.  We only walked about two blocks, because Jacob and Hersh were not that interested in the shopping.  I will have to go back without them!  I did score a cute linen dress for 10euro and we passed the most ridiculous hair salon--could've been the hair salon in Zoolander--see pictures below.

We then headed into the actual Museum Quartier, which is like a big walled compound with courtyards and museums.  There was wonderful music being played outside of the MUMOK: Museum moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien.  It is an amazing building and I can't wait to go back and check out the art!  We then met up with one of Jacob's collegues, his wife, and son.  We went to a kid friendly cafe next to the Kindermuseum and enjoyed some treats.  It was a really great day. 

With today being Sunday, not much is open, so we will see where the day takes us.  Hersh is napping right now,  but he is super busy working on sitting up unassisted, which he can do as long as he isn't too tired.  His babbling has also progressed from just vowels to include consonants.  Jacob is convinced that Hersh is often saying, "Abba, Abba" and Jacob will promptly answer, "I'm right here."  I am also working on the signs for "more" and "all done" with Hersh, when he is eating.  

Some images from around the Museum Quartier:

This is a picture of the jewelery showcase that is in the subway at the stop where Jacob changes trains.  He thinks it's hilarious for obvious reasons.

Delicious potato "wedges" purchased for 1.5euro from a man on the street.  He also had latkes, which we'll try next time.

What we thought was candied etrog, but after purchasing, Jacob decided it was candied pomello.

Typical assortment of delicious pastries available everywhere in Vienna.

Zoolander hair salon.

This lady was standing outside the Zoolander Hair Salon--so tan, cigarette, and foil still in.  I think she knew I was taking her picture, but I had to!

He's my sugar pie.

Toy bin--so many choices.