June 27, 2007
Well, I haven't been keeping up with my blog. Must be a week
since we were in Graz. This is the first day we have stayed in
and tried to catch up. We have been on numerous cable-cars,
chair lifts etc. I think we have avg. about 150 mi each day. It
seems even more, as the roads are as curvy as a snake.
Here's a story:
A few days ago we were driving through this small valley. I saw
a old building with flowers that I thought might be a nice picture.
So I turned around and went back (something I'm good at)
Parked, whipped out the trusty camera and snapped off a picture.
Out of the corner of my eye appeared a man with no shirt, and
a somewhat large belly. Carrying something he was talking to me
in German. (and of course I understood) Anyway I did get the idea
he wanted me to take his picture. At first I thought "naw" but afterall
I did take a picture of his house or barn? So I zoomed in on him.
Clicked one off. Smiled, gave him a couple "See you later alligator"
and roared off. That night, putting my pictures on my laptop, I came
across the picture of "The Shirtless Man" To my amazment he was
holding up a Chicago Bulls Jersey Now there was no way he could
have known that we were American's. He was too far away to hear
us. And where did he come up with the clothes on a hanger so fast??
Anyway an Austrian mystery for me.
Tom,and Gene: Gene your part Austrian. Do you know this man,
could he be a relative??
Story's over
have to go
Lowell
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Graz, Austria
June 19th
We made a day-trip to Graz, which is east of here about 100 mi. It is a busy city about 300,000
It is amazing to find your way thru these bigger cities as the streets twist and turn! and you never
are sure which way you are going. You just keep driving and hope you see signs to get you on the
right roads. BTW. getting lost and backing up are what I do best! After all you have to expect it.
One of the most enjoyable things we do, is to just take the map and explore. The Austrian countryside is very hilly and beautiful with small clustered villages and winding lanes. I feel sorry
for my tires!. The weather has been warm and humid. A lot like Minnesota. It sometimes will rain
in late afternoon but mostly at night. The thing about here is, if it is not so nice where you are,
5 miles away the sun will be shining. Gloria wants to tell you about one of her favorite things!
"A MAGNUM ICE CREAM BAR" They are double the size of a Eskimo bar, and come in a few different variaties. My favorite is the "double caramel" Chocolate on the outside than caramel than
vanilla. We have yet to try them all, so Gloria hasn't decided yet. Of course they are calorie-free.
I wish I could send some larger images. The blog pictures do not do them justice. I can attach images to an email and send, so if someone wants to see some larger pictures, Email me.
Have to go. Chow Lowell
We made a day-trip to Graz, which is east of here about 100 mi. It is a busy city about 300,000
It is amazing to find your way thru these bigger cities as the streets twist and turn! and you never
are sure which way you are going. You just keep driving and hope you see signs to get you on the
right roads. BTW. getting lost and backing up are what I do best! After all you have to expect it.
One of the most enjoyable things we do, is to just take the map and explore. The Austrian countryside is very hilly and beautiful with small clustered villages and winding lanes. I feel sorry
for my tires!. The weather has been warm and humid. A lot like Minnesota. It sometimes will rain
in late afternoon but mostly at night. The thing about here is, if it is not so nice where you are,
5 miles away the sun will be shining. Gloria wants to tell you about one of her favorite things!
"A MAGNUM ICE CREAM BAR" They are double the size of a Eskimo bar, and come in a few different variaties. My favorite is the "double caramel" Chocolate on the outside than caramel than
vanilla. We have yet to try them all, so Gloria hasn't decided yet. Of course they are calorie-free.
I wish I could send some larger images. The blog pictures do not do them justice. I can attach images to an email and send, so if someone wants to see some larger pictures, Email me.
Have to go. Chow Lowell
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Middle of June
Hello all. Last week we enjoyed a 4 hour boat trip on the WortherSee (Lake)
It is 10 mi long and quite warm (75-82 degrees)and greenish-blue.We left from
Velden (very nice resort town) on the west end of the lake. The trip to Klagenfurt
on the east end took about 2 hours as we had to transfer boats at the 1/2 way pt.
Did the same on the rtn. My thinking its so people have a choice to do only half
the lake?? The weather has been warm and humid. Some days T'storms in the afternoon.
As is quite normal in the Alps this time of year.Last monday we went to Ljubljana,
Slovenia. (pronounced "Lublana") It is only 50 mi. south but took us 1 1/2 hrs as
the roads over the mountains are VERY curvey and steep. It is a nice city. I believe
it is the smallest european capital. There are only 2 million people in Slovenia.
Its quite progressive and a lot of people speak English, which differs from Austria.
This afternoon there s a Folk-lore concert (whatever that means) in our small village
We are laying low and staying out of peoples way today. Catching up on our email and
such. Next week we may go yo Graz, Austria.Its about 80 miles east of here and is the
capital of Styria. Its in the Mur Valley, close to the foothills of the Alps in the
hilly S.E. of Austria. Hard to believe we have been here (Europe) already 1 1/2
months. I'm sure July and August will go by quickly and we are returning to the States
on Sept 5th. (a month earlier than we had planned) As some of you know a small project
awaits us!!! We hope all of you are doing well. We are healthy as Gloria keeps the
vitamin store open daily. In this remote part of Austria, no known virus' have found
out we are here (yet)!!
Gloria learned a new remedy for ants, as I was sprinkling black pepper in the door-
way, the owner of the hotel passed by and suggested baking powder. She said
or motioned that when they eat it they swell up and explode! We both had a good
laugh. Chow!
Lowell and Gloria
It is 10 mi long and quite warm (75-82 degrees)and greenish-blue.We left from
Velden (very nice resort town) on the west end of the lake. The trip to Klagenfurt
on the east end took about 2 hours as we had to transfer boats at the 1/2 way pt.
Did the same on the rtn. My thinking its so people have a choice to do only half
the lake?? The weather has been warm and humid. Some days T'storms in the afternoon.
As is quite normal in the Alps this time of year.Last monday we went to Ljubljana,
Slovenia. (pronounced "Lublana") It is only 50 mi. south but took us 1 1/2 hrs as
the roads over the mountains are VERY curvey and steep. It is a nice city. I believe
it is the smallest european capital. There are only 2 million people in Slovenia.
Its quite progressive and a lot of people speak English, which differs from Austria.
This afternoon there s a Folk-lore concert (whatever that means) in our small village
We are laying low and staying out of peoples way today. Catching up on our email and
such. Next week we may go yo Graz, Austria.Its about 80 miles east of here and is the
capital of Styria. Its in the Mur Valley, close to the foothills of the Alps in the
hilly S.E. of Austria. Hard to believe we have been here (Europe) already 1 1/2
months. I'm sure July and August will go by quickly and we are returning to the States
on Sept 5th. (a month earlier than we had planned) As some of you know a small project
awaits us!!! We hope all of you are doing well. We are healthy as Gloria keeps the
vitamin store open daily. In this remote part of Austria, no known virus' have found
out we are here (yet)!!
Gloria learned a new remedy for ants, as I was sprinkling black pepper in the door-
way, the owner of the hotel passed by and suggested baking powder. She said
or motioned that when they eat it they swell up and explode! We both had a good
laugh. Chow!
Lowell and Gloria
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Living in Eisenkppel
We have been at our apartment for over a week now. This is a new experience
For us, as we are used to moving about every 5-6 days. The weather has been
Somewhat foggy with some rain. We find that if we travel away from where we
Are staying the weather changes. Yesterday we went near the Ossiach See (Lake).
And went on a boat ride. Also went up high on a gondola and a chair lift. The day
Was not so good on top of the mountain. Very windy. Seems like we stop at a market
every day to buy something. One day we went to four. They are small and have different
(strange to us) brands. The names of the stores are:- “Billa”, Spar, Lidel, Norma, Penny’s,
Alde. It is interesting trying different foods. We do get fooled sometimes, so it is, when you are in a different culture. Cereal is a real bug-boo. You never know what you will get unless you buy it in a see-through bag.
We have put 2500 miles on our lease car and 5000 miles on the tires! There are NO straight
Roads. You have to drive quite fast or the crazy people behind you will pass even on a curve.
There are no, “No Passing” signs. That should tell you something. Diesel fuel here is a lot
Less than gas. Diesel is $5.07 and gas $5.90. But their cars get much better fuel milage.
The turbo-diesel car we have gets us 40+ mpg. The same size gas car in the states would
Be lucky to get about 20-25 mpg. Do the math. Its all about TAXES! In Austria 80% of the
Cars are diesels. I think Europe has it right. They are not going down the “Hybrid” road.
Enough for now.
June 9th 2007
Lowell
For us, as we are used to moving about every 5-6 days. The weather has been
Somewhat foggy with some rain. We find that if we travel away from where we
Are staying the weather changes. Yesterday we went near the Ossiach See (Lake).
And went on a boat ride. Also went up high on a gondola and a chair lift. The day
Was not so good on top of the mountain. Very windy. Seems like we stop at a market
every day to buy something. One day we went to four. They are small and have different
(strange to us) brands. The names of the stores are:- “Billa”, Spar, Lidel, Norma, Penny’s,
Alde. It is interesting trying different foods. We do get fooled sometimes, so it is, when you are in a different culture. Cereal is a real bug-boo. You never know what you will get unless you buy it in a see-through bag.
We have put 2500 miles on our lease car and 5000 miles on the tires! There are NO straight
Roads. You have to drive quite fast or the crazy people behind you will pass even on a curve.
There are no, “No Passing” signs. That should tell you something. Diesel fuel here is a lot
Less than gas. Diesel is $5.07 and gas $5.90. But their cars get much better fuel milage.
The turbo-diesel car we have gets us 40+ mpg. The same size gas car in the states would
Be lucky to get about 20-25 mpg. Do the math. Its all about TAXES! In Austria 80% of the
Cars are diesels. I think Europe has it right. They are not going down the “Hybrid” road.
Enough for now.
June 9th 2007
Lowell
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