Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Our Austrian Balcony
I never really cared whether I had a balcony or not. Honestly, I can't remember every living anywhere that had one. Not that there's anything wrong with balconies. I just never had the opportunity to think about it. Balconies in Austria are pretty common. I suppose they're common in California too, but more popular here.
The typical house out here has a basement and two stories above it with at least one balcony. We live in a built-out apartment on the second floor of my wife's parent's house and it has two balconies. One off the master bedroom and a larger one for the kitchen and living room. Noah, our son, has his own strawberry plant on it he tends to, or well, his mama does at least. The wooden tray that spans the railing holds tons of colorful flowers. There seems to be a silent competition between the neighborhood wives about who has the prettiest flowers. I'm not a flower kind of a guy, but I must admit, our flowers are right up there with the best.
This morning I woke up to my daily Austrian cappuccino. Instead of drinking it in front of the BBC, CNN, or the other english speaking channels, I decided to head out to our balcony. The sun was out and the snow topped mountains reminded me that winter is coming, which also reminded me that it's time to put the snow tires on the car, inspect the skis, locate my winter clothes, bring up wood for the tiled heater, and all the other stuff that comes with living in the Alps. The view from our balcony isn't just a view; it's a four season alarm clock.
I like balconies now. Maybe I'll get one someday when we move back to California. I can pretend I'm in the Austrian Alps overlooking the unreal landscapes, or get some flowers to hang over the railing. The friendly neighborhood wives could join in the fun right? Perhaps I'll sit at a table, drinking a 'California' cappuccino this time, and wait for the seasons to change too. But I suppose we need seasons for that.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Driving Down to Croatia
Slovenia lies between Austria and Croatia to the south. Croatia, our destination for 7 days, 7 nights at the amazing Falkensteiner Resort in Zadar. You hear the word Croatia and may conjur up images of war, AK-47s, deperate people doing desperate things. At least that's what I invisioned. In fact, it's quite different than that.
Slovenia should have been experienced more. Driving down to Croatia from Austria, it's more of a mediator between the overly visited countries of Europe and the up-and-coming. We didn't even buy gas there - only breezing through it on a foggy night. Like shaking hands with a stranger, you've touched him, but don't know him. The border crossing was effortless. Nobody was there. European Union border crossings are invisible within each other. The Slovenian/Croatian border is a whole other issue.
We left Austria at 2am for a reason. Horror stories of three hour border traffic jams after daylight were plenty. 'Leave Austria early,' everyone said, 'or pay the price.' So we left early, and consequently, the Slovenia/Croatia border took us only 20 minutes.
Croatia is popular with the Austrians. Even more so with the Germans. But you'll see other people there too. Slovenians, Algerians, English, Italian, French, and so on. I was the only American at the resort. English and german were the common languages. The Croatian children learn german as a rule, but lately english has reared its head of importance. You will be humbled by the Zadar locals; their ability to switch languages is an art within itself. Just don't be 'that tourist', the guy who expects everyone to know 'your' language. In fact, ask them about the Croatian language. Learn a few words. You just may find a new international friend.
I liked Zadar better than Paris, Rome, Vienna, Prague, and the other popular cities combined. I used to think the big, and well traveled, cities must be loved first. Not anymore. The warm weather, the mild Adriatic Sea, the layed back atmosphere, food, and the mix of culture and architecture may remain my favorite forever.
Meeting new friends in Croatia.
Don't forget to leave your hotel for the tourist stuff!
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