Time for a Tune-Up

Well I am sitting here at the airport in Vienna…we got here plenty early with all of our luggage to ensure a smooth trip on our part.  We did take an adventuresome cab ride here.  Troy is convinced that we were going 140 Kph.  I really don’t know what that means in mph, but it sounds fast and I know it felt fast.  We also will be having a “burning of the luggage” party when we return.  One of the wheels on my bag is missing an entire side of rubber, which kind of defeats the purpose of a wheel,  and Troy’s handle is coming apart from his suitcase all together.  The last two trips have been a workout lugging that stuff around!

Austria has been wonderful.  Aside from a change in food, the culture is so different.  For example, the first night we arrived in Salzburg we went for a run along the Salzach river.  We then got cleaned up and went to find something to eat around 10pm.  This would have been the perfect time to head out for dinner in Italy, but in Austria things were closing down.  We did get a great recommendation from our concierge and made it in time for dinner, but not for dessert.  I could probably spend a week in Salzburg alone.  It is surround by beautiful lakes, mountains, and of course has a very rich musical heritage.  We did get to go on the Sound of Music Tour…yeah!  I loved it and Troy is definitely a trouper for going along.  Our guide was a bit on the dramatic side and insisted on singing every song from the movie soundtrack…she also insisted that we join her!  I am not sure that Troy has actually seen the entire movie of Sound of Music, but I doubt that he will now.  I, on the other hand, had a wonderful time.  The Sound of Music has been one of my favorite movie’s for a long time.  I think I might have even worn out the VHS 2-tape edition that my Aunt Mary let us watch over and over again. 

Yesterday we spent the day at the Schonbrunn Palace.  Unfortunately, that was all we really got to see in Vienna, just not enough time!  The Palace is an amazing place to visit.  You can go into the living quarters, see where Mozart performed, walk through the beautiful gardens, visit the zoo, find your way through the maze gardens, and visit a few other museums along the way.  

So this trip has come to its conclusion and now it is back to the real world.  I have to admit that I am ready to get back into my regular running routine, start preparing for next school year, and get this recital in shape.  Don’t forget that my recital will be held on the 16th of August at 2pm in the Center Grove Performing Arts Center.  Everyone is invited and I would love to see you in the audience.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me as I have been away for the past month.  I have really enjoyed recounting this trip for you.  It has been an experience of a lifetime and now that my life is giving me a new adventure, I feel ready for the challenge and feel that I have been truly blessed to experience these countries over this summer.  Again, thanks for staying tuned in with me and I’ll see you all soon!