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