Frozen Morning

We were early for our visa interview at the US consulate this morning, and went for a walk in Stadt Park to kill time. Although the Siberian winter conditions have left Vienna, the city is still frozen. According to the weather forecast the weekend will bring sun and 6 (S I X) happy degrees.

We got the visas. Well, except from Silja, whose newly issued passport has been delayed from the Danish authorities. Hopefully it will get here soon though, so she can come along. Vienna is nice, but we don't want to leave her behind. Next on the to-do list is to find a rental van to take to Hamburg (and leave there) with all our stuff that will then be shipped to Boston. Oh, is it nice this endless to-do list is getting shorter.

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Glugga veður

There's an Icelandic expression that I like, and which fits perfectly to this weekend, where Wien like most of Europe has experienced double digit minus degrees. Brrr! Glugga veður or window weather is when the weather is sunny and beautiful, but only enjoyable from the (warm!) inside looking out. We didn't stay inside the entire time, but the trips outside were minimized and shortened as it was just so freaking cold!

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Break

When completely stuck in the writing mode, it's good to be dragged outside to see the winter sun, go on the big swing at the play ground and eat cake, and remember it's just a long university paper after all and not something the entire world depend on. Now I'm back, ouzo in hand (not a big fan though), and ready with the outline for a rearranged final chapter. As oppose to earlier today I can see an end to this. Yay.

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Dreikönigsfest

Well, turns out today is Epiphany, which in Austria is a public holiday: No work, no Kindergarten... A whole day off and a long weekend! Thank you. I realized it late last night, and was surprised how it was all of sudden weekend already. I will miss all these public holidays that are conveniently spread out over the year, when we leave Austria, but then there will be Memorial Day, Labor Day and so on.

We went for a sunny but freezing walk in the park, and came back for hot chocolate and house searching in Boston. We are in the middle of quite big logistic puzzle that requires long lists and a cool overview, and sweet Bjarni is so on top of it!

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Propaganda

Bjarni has for a while tried to convince me to be open to the possibility of moving back to the US/California after we are done in Vienna. He has lots of convincing arguments lined up, but I still stand firm on my wish to stay somewhere in Europe. Now, somehow, the weather forecast of Los Angeles has been added to my phone. And while I must admit that such a weather forecast looks incredibly tempting on a day, where it is snowing - again (#%$&!!), I still prefer central Europe over California.

(By the way - in case anybody is reading from the US - my choice of Europe over the US is solely connected to me wanting to live in proximity to my family back home. That's the super short argument to a rather complex discussion of ours trying to figure out where to live in the long run. Ayy.. If only one could have the best of both worlds...)

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Ice Skating with Penguins

These penguin ice-skating aids are just the cutest. From Wiener Eistraum in front of Rathaus.

Happy New Year from Iceland

I hope you entered 2011 with proper celebration. We spent the night at Bjarni's parents, who always throw a big new year's party for friends and relatives.

Our trip is soon coming to an end and we are enjoying a couple of quiet days before traveling back to Vienna. We made it up north to the grandparents, met old friends, had the obligatory hot dogs from this place, as well Icelandic lamb and fish. What is still missing is my favorite ice cream (bragðarefur!) and some paper work for Silja, who by the way is her usual content and happy self up here, so we take that as a sign that she likes Iceland.

The past weeks' traveling and a baby have not given much time to reminisce about 2010, but of course this past year stands out from any other, because of the arrival of our sweet little girl. I feel extremely and overwhelmingly lucky and happy because of that! 2011 will for us continue to be in Vienna and what will happen after that is completely up in the air. But no need to worry too much about that just yet. There is so much to enjoy right now. First off is the ice-cream...

Gleðilegt nytt ár / happy New Year!

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Christmas in Denmark

We had a wonderful WHITE Christmas in Denmark. As usual time went by way too fast, and I did not manage to see all of those I was hoping to see. Nevertheless it was great to hang out with the family, play with the nieces and nephews and eat a lot of (Danish) food. We left Denmark with even heavier suitcases than when we arrived, and are currently R E L A X I N G in Northern Iceland. We are on an equally tight schedule in Iceland, but Bjarni is down with a stomach flu, which has resulted in a small but much needed breather.

Pictures from our Danish Christmas days:

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Count Down

The countdown has begun for our holiday back home. We leave on Monday (the weather better behave!!) and can't wait to see everyone again. First stop is Denmark for the Christmas days, and then off to Iceland for New Years. This will be Silja's first trip to the land of ice and fire, and I know Bjarni can't wait to finally show her to relatives and friends up there.

Until Monday we will be busy with old friends visiting from Denmark. They were suppose to arrive two hours ago, but are currently waiting in transit due the crazy winter weather. So let's hope they are able to get here soon. I have been looking forward to their visit for long.

Some pictures from the past week, where the cosy Christmas gatherings and the stressful shopping really kicked in.

1. Christmas party with the Baby Club

2. Drinking Glühmost with sweet Kerry at the Christmas Market (Altes AKH)

3. Wrapping up presents (Little Miss Curious were done playing by herself and had to partake in the activities by the table.)

4. And this where I'm at right now: trying to figure out how the heck we are going to fit all our warm winter clothes, baby stuff and family Christmas presents into two suitcases and not exceed 2x20kg. Hmmm...

I'm not sure I will be able to post more in the following days. If not then HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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Christmas Spirit

Lots of snow prevented us from going anywhere this past Friday, so I made a bunch of Christmas cookies and admired the advent calendar I found at one of Christmas markets in town. I'm enjoying this month with all the Christmas preparations more than I have for years.

PS. Look! Bjarni made it snow in here too... :)

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Relaxing in Reykjavik

This is the last post from Iceland this time around. We have been enjoying Reykjavik for the past few days. News Years eve went by with a big party at Bjarnis parents' place and lots of fireworks. After two weeks with lots of time to sleep, watch movies, meet up with friends, read books, walk the dog and indulge in Icelandic food (I'm not talking about sheep heads and the like...), we are ready to fly back to Vienna with renewed energy. Ayy!

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Christmas Days in Sauðárkrókur (2)

We have been taking massive amounts of pictures, so here's another bunch from Sauðárkrókur.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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