Rewind to Austria!

After an incredibly relaxing time on the island Hvar in Croatia, we were then to be picked up by Ryman's other uncle, Hubert. But upon arriving at the main port, we again had to go on an awkward wild goose chase trying to find Ryman's uncle with neither knowing what each other looked like and no cell phone.

It's always kind of odd going up to people and saying "um are you Hubert?" but finally, we sat down to have coffee and I saw a man just outside and said "hey Ryman, I think that could be him." So Ryman went outside and passed him, staring at him, then went back and forth passing in front of him until I saw out of the glass them awkwardly talking to each other and then all of a sudden shaking hands and laughing...it was like watching a silly silent film--ah we found him.

We then spent the next few days up at his mountain house in Styria. The mountains of Austria were absolutely beautiful and it was really great spending time with a lot of Ryman's extended family.

Beautiful Styria, Austria 

King of the Austrian Mountains--Hubert 

Ryman and his Uncle and Cousins "hiking"

Then off to Vienna!

Vienna is an absolutely wonderful city that we would both love to go back to--and we are definitely not city people. The city is incredibly clean, safe, uncrowded, and offers a lot of beautiful things to do and see.
We hit up the Natural history museum first, which was AWESOME . . . I must have taken over 200 photos of just rocks, they were pretty freakn amazing . . . or maybe i'm just a huge dork who might or might not use to have a rock collection . . .

One of the beautifully preserved animals..Ryman's favorite ;)...he actually had to rush out of the snake section because he felt like throwing up

Some of the most beautiful rocks and pounds of gold

My favorite! It's like a futuristic ice city

Look close...it's made of stone!

Found in Pune, my home away from home in India!

Whaa?! Seriously scary to think about

My Woolly Mammoth 

Oh Ryman :)

From 25,000 BC!! I finally got to see the Venus in Willendorf in real life!

Funny art exhibit

We then spent an evening with Ryman's cousins, Eva and Lucia

A ride on the 1897s Reisenrad Wheel at the Prater

View over Vienna

Yes, we had difficulty with names of just about everything :)

The Prater

We watched Romeo and Juliet in the largest Opera house in the world...for $2.50! They charge such a small amount so they can make shows available for all to see

Watching Romeo with my Romeo..snort snort

Then we met up with our friend, Evelyn, 

which was so nice

Just one of Vienna's Gems, the Beautiful Belvedere

The two rascals

We got the grand tour 

 Then Climbing Of Course!

We had to get our climbing fix at which may quite possibly be the coolest "gym" we've climbed at, the Flakturme. The Flakturme was a WWII watch tower that was too difficult to tear down so they stuck some holds on it and put an aquarium inside :)...Hanging from the top of the tower def provides one of the best views over Vienna!

And of course we had to get our gelato fix--Vienna actually has some of the best ice cream and sushi we have ever had!

Fun fact about Vienna: In the subway station, there are no barriers where you have to insert your card and then you can go into the station...you just walk right in. They have employees randomly check people's tickets sometimes so you can test your luck but may end up with a big fine of 200 whoppin Euros!


Unfortunately, we didn't get many photos with Ryman's family but they were truly so sweet and generous and we are very grateful for them hosting us and showing us such a great time, thanks so much. We hope to see you again soon!

Mwa*~!