From Now to January......: Wrapping it up and other random thoughts

The day before we left for Europe, Josh asked me if there was anything I was really going to miss beside my pets. My immediate response, French toast and iced tea. I was able to solve the French toast issue, when I had my brother bring me maple syrup! The bread here is very good so the French toast turns out well. We have had it several times. As for iced tea, you do see it on the menu, but they put stuff in it and I just like plain old iced tea, no sugar, just lots of ice. So I did make some tea here at the apartment, but it takes forever to make ice in my little fridge so it was not a complete success. Speaking of ice, when you do ask for ice the wait staff is very accommodating, but they bring you one or two tiny cubes. Oh well.
I have enjoyed my time here in Europe, it has given me a taste of what it would be like to live overseas. There are definitely positive and negative aspects of living abroad. The ease of using mass transportation is a definite positive, not being dependent on a car has been somewhat liberating. But there are times when I miss just being able to jump in my car and take off to go somewhere or run an errand. The lifestyle of sitting at cafes, having coffee, ice cream or wine is very seductive. The smoking at the outside cafes is a real turn off. I am always scanning to see if I can find a place away from others and no matter where I pick someone sits down near me and starts smoking. The outside markets are wonderful so I know we are lucky to have a nice one in Blacksburg. Less choices in grocery stores, which I think is good overall, but it is frustrating trying to figure out what I am buying. Metric system sucks...I can do kilometers, but the weight thing throws me off. Love cappucinos, but I wouldn't mind a good old latte from Starbucks or a salad from Paneras'. Ice cream and pizza! Not sure if there is a better place to get good ice cream or pizza, except maybe the ice cream in Eugene. I like how dog friendly it is, you can take your dog anywhere! I miss watching current TV shows, but I don't miss the political ads, CNN and all the other hyped up news outlets. I do miss NPR in the morning. I miss sitting at my kitchen bar reading the comics and doing the crossroad puzzle while I have either a cup of tea or coffee. I wish I had a dvd player or the ability to stream a movie. There is a probably a way to do it, but I have not figured it out. I don't miss college football but I do miss watching the Broncos.

Except for a few days, I have not had time to be homesick. However, I do miss Kona terribly, I miss talking to Nick and Lauren whenever I like. Texting and email helps. I have not talked to my sister, Lisa since late August and that is weird. Again texting helps! I miss having coffee or lunch with my friends, my massages, our social groups. Again texting and emails help. I miss my book group, but I do have lots of time to read! I miss my pillow...I think Rick is tired of me talking about my pillow. So the pillow is going to Australia! I miss my cats, but not Chewy sleeping on top of me. I do miss the fall and all the beautiful colors. The leaves have changed here, but not as brilliantly. Okay....I think I am a little homesick.

I think the last week is always difficult, I want time to reflect on the past 7 weeks and everything we have done, the people we have met, experiences we have enjoyed. Part of me wants to sit by a cafe all day and read the other half just wants to veg in the apartment. I am already thinking about Australia and what awaits us. I an anxious to see Lauren, Josh and Kona and at the same time worry that Kona will be confused and not understand when we leave a few days later. I can't wait to get a haircut and a massage (even if it won't be at my favorite Eucalyptus in Blacksburg) and beverages with ice!

So here is quick recap of our 7 weeks in Europe:

First stop St Gallen, Switzerland. Rick taking a coffee break before we head to airport.

Next stop; Vienna, Austria. A stroll in the Volksgarten and a stop at Demel for coffee and cake

Train ride to Italy

Now we are in Riomaggiore, Italy Cinque Terra

Gelato after a long hike in Cinque Terra

Romantic dinner at Riomaggiore Harbor

Over night stop in Pisa, Italy then off to Siena

Siena is lovely and fun to walk around. Great meals as well. Probably one of the best lunches on our trip was in Siena.

Now we are off to another region of Tuscany to stay at our agriturismo, La Falconara and Carol and Don are joining us for a week.

Whiskey and Donut, two of the eleven cats residing at our place.

Coffee break in Tuscany

Wine tour with Alex

Dinner one evening at our apt.

Tuscany, near Monteciano

Wine tasting at Fanti

Wine tasting at San Polino

Now we are off to Ljubljana, but not before a very quick overnight stay in Venice.

Grand Canal in Venice

We finally are in Ljubljana and really love the market and architecture.
After a week on our own, Jerry, Jean, Carol and Don join us.

Coffee break and cakes at Lake Bled

Touring around Slovenia with the family. The weather was not the greatest, but we still had fun.
Then Carol and Don left, and we went to Vienna for a quick weekend trip.