Wow & Seckau rhyme. Or, at least in my head they do. Perhaps we should have a third party verify this and give the title of this post a stamp of approval.
Or not.
December 23, 2014 –
Today is going to be an AWESOME day! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! Why??? It's because we're going to visit a family that used to live in China and they moved back home …to Seckau, Austria. We're going to see Petra, Willi, Toby and Katrina! Yahooooooo!!!!!!
While I love living in China there is a some what unique bond that forms between the expat friends. I know I'm not a huge extrovert (I'm actually quite the opposite) but friendship is a crucial part of having a successful life as an expat. I'd be NOWHERE without all my friends (Chinese or other expats). So, it's really nice to get to see my friends outside of China (like Angela in Pittsburgh and Debbie in South Africa).
Squeeeeee!!!!
But first, we need to start with a good breakfast:
It was a quick drive down here (Opa came along for the day as well…he's never been here before!). And …again…I'm lousy when it comes to remembering to take photos! We arrived at Petra's house in the morning. They have a lovely house in such a gorgeous area. You'll just have to take my word for it! It's also very…GREEN! Unexpected for this time of year. After some hellos and school friends becoming reacquainted we were off in search of a place that was open for lunch (which happened to be at a small ski resort which was *actually running through some miracle*). Mark just had to show everyone his lunch (is that what I think it is? Bacon wrapped hot dogs??? Eep! Heart attack on a plate!):
After lunch we drove on a bumpy, narrow, winding road that lead up to a small lake. Apparently it's pretty unusual that we can drive up to it this time of year as it's usually blocked with loads of snow. Not today!
Here are our friends:
Of course we had to get the four kids to pose:
and maybe do some goofy poses for us:
Petra & me (heart):
Kids…and some …ummmm..Big Kids…playing in the snow and ice along the edge of the small lake:
Some of us were just content to stand back and take in the view:
After the adventure to the lake we had to check out the Seckau Abbey (which is *very* close to where Petra lives). Both Toby and Katrina go to school here and this was also the location of Petra and Willi's formal Austrian wedding (I drooled over their photos).
Opa entering the abbey:
We wandered around while the kids raced upstairs to see if their classrooms were open (they weren't).
The church inside is…beautiful and COLD. I just wasn't expecting it to be cold but of course these places weren't built with heaters! Petra attends church mass here…oy! How do you not freeze? The church was very beautiful ….and I always feel guilty about taking photos inside a church so I end up taking very few photos. Katrina lighting a candle:
Very old wooden reliefs:
I love the simple Christmas decorations. I'm not sure if you can tell but the trees down close to the alter are decorated with straw stars. That's it. Simple. Elegant. Lovely:
Check out that sky!
After the abbey we made a quick stop at the "gluehweinstandl" (hot mulled wine stand) for a quick drink. Ahhhhh…..I do love gluehwein (especially the smell of the spices used to make it). So pleasant! And after that we drove back to Petra and Willi's house. We chatted for hours- asking Willi and Petra about their jobs and how life has changed since they've been back. Petra made the yummiest toast.
And now it's time to leave. WAaaaaaah! This is the part I really hate! Thank you Petra, Willi, Toby, and Katrina for hosting us for the day! We loved seeing you. <3