Savoring each day

Now that we are in the home stretch, I find that we are truly savoring each moment and each privilege that our life in Vienna has afforded us.  From the outings we are taking to the midday naps that we enjoy while Hersh naps, this has been a sweet year.  That is not to say that this year did not have its ups and downs, which it did, but overall, this year has been a gift.

It feels like the end snuck up on us.  It always seemed like August 2 was far off, yet now it is almost here.  We have spent much of the past week packing, sorting, having International Movers come and assess our belongings, and start to sell our things  We have also been doing some more touristy outings, as the clock is ticking and there are a few more things to see!

Last week we visited the Leopold Museum, which has a wonderful collection.  Although, I have to say, it is the least child friendly place we have been in all of Vienna.  In my opinion, Vienna is an incredibly child friendly city.  Well, let's just say that when we asked the coat check at the Leopold if we could leave our pram so that we wouldn't have to drag it around the galleries, it was like we were the first people to ever bring a child or a pram to the museum.  We also visited the Naschmarkt one more time, and just had our final meal at Cafe Dammeyer.  We are also enjoying our zoo membership as much as we can before we leave, and I must say, yesterday morning's visit to the zoo was amazing!  We saw the baby giraffe, which has a spring in its step!  We enjoyed nice view of the lioness, and got so close to two hippos that we literally could have reached out and touched them.  In fact, as the hippos got closer and closer, Jacob started to tell me all about how hippos are the most dangerous animals in all of Africa, and kill the most humans.  Well, that is when I suggested that we begin to step away.  We also saw panda bears and a baby panda, giant turtles, black and white salamanders eating fish, and flamingos.  It was really amazing!

We will see what this last week will bring, but we plan to enjoy every minute!

Mini Heirlooms--delish!

Grasshopper on our balcony during the rain.

Exploring the grasshopper.

Naschmarkt:

Leopold Museum:

Tiergarten Schonbrunn:

Giant turtle.

Inspecting the statue.

Getting ready to climb on the lion's back.