For the latest of what is going on in Ciara and Andrew's world we had some esteemed guests visit in the last few weeks. Jack and Renae Foster showed up in Vienna on the 15th of March, much to the excitement and pleasure of the Leckie family (Europe Post). They immediately brought a smiling attitude to our home. They came bearing gifts, we felt like it was Christmas all over again. Two of which being some of the most missed things from home, Emergen-C and a half loaf of Tillamook Medium Cheddar. What a delight. They also made us a personalized calendar with pictures of family and friends. Those Fosters always take care of us! Where would we be without them?
Once they got settled we immediately got them out on the town. We headed out for drinks and dinner and got them exploring the splendid public transportation we've come to love. We kept them up the best we could in an attempt to avoid jetlag.
The next day we ventured out in Vienna. We stopped in a local Biergarten style restaurant in the center of town and had a good meal. I introduced Jack to some Austrian Bier's-which he welcomed whole-heatedly the entire trip. Coming in at a close 2nd-the Kaiser Krainer (sausages filled with cheese) was also a favorite.
While here, they got a chance to see Ciara's school, shop for produce and eat fallafel sandwiches at the Naschmarkt, shop on Maria Hilfer, roam around the 1st district and visit Schonbrunn Palace with its Easter Market and delicious food. Being the best of running friends that they are, Ciara and Renae got to go on a few runs together like old times. Through the course of their 10-day stay, we started with snow, a day of rain, and then sunny 70 degree weather.
Thursday we went to Semmering to go skiing, and enjoyed a wonderful spring ski day. From the scenic restaurant on the top of the mountain, we of course got our fill of Kaise Krainers and Biers! It was great to get in a good day on the slopes in mid-March.
For the weekend we got out of town and went to Prague. We packed up the necessities-cards, nose cups (courtesy of Alice), assorted cheeses, snacks, chocolate, and of course a few beverages. Well equipped for the trip we ended up having to run for the train! Miscalculation in the time of departure. Barely making it on before the doors closed, we made it in the nick-of-time. Always an adventure. If we counted the rounds of cards we played on the train and throughout their entire stay, I'm sure it would be well over 100. With sore losing and heated contests aside, it was a fabulous time. Once in Prague, we checked-in to our suite in the Castle District. During our time there, we had a traditional Czech dinner, roamed the picturesque city, checked out some new restaurants and visited the Easter market in Old Town Square. That Sunday, Jack & Renae walked along side Prince Charles and snapped a great photo of him.
Back in Vienna, we spent time having pajama parties, making meals, going to dinner, playing games, roaming the city, and just spending time together before they left. It is so nice to have a little piece of home in our new home abroad. Thanks for visiting Jack & Renae-we had a wonderful time! Next on the books.....Destiny & Eric meet us in Greece. Only 3 days away now...
