Day: July 25, 2019

Auf Wiedersehen!

Our last 3 days in Austria were busy packing and mailing last minute yellow boxes back to America! The post office workers often would laugh and say “Ein anderes karten nach Amerika?” “Ja, Ja, Bitte”, we would reply. They enjoyed talking to Robert and I about our time in Austria and asked questions about America. We spoke in German and the workers in English so everyone got to practice! The last two boxes were mailed out on the 24th.

  • Last 2 boxes headed to America
  • Our local Post Office

The whole family enjoyed final meals in Graz at the Greek Restaurant on the 22nd and Burgerista on the 24th. We also said farewell to our favorite gelato shop and the owner wished us safe travels.

  • Our favorite restaurant in Graz served Greek food
  • Only place in Graz where you could get free refills on drinks!
Best Gelato in Graz!!!

On the 24th we rode the tram one last time and walked up the “hill” to our home together as a family. We’ve all bonded over our dislike of the 1.5-minute hike up the steep hill to the house! Needless to say we are very fit now!

There was a nice little neighborhood garden next to our tram stop: Wetzelsdorf 7
Hauptbahnhof:
This is the hub for all trains, trams, and buses in Graz.
Jakominiplatz:
Located in central downtown Graz, this is where all 7 tram lines converged.
Walking down the “hill”
We walked by this lovely WWI and WWII war memorial every day. It was very well kept and a nice reminder that life was lost on both sides during the wars.
Last trek up the “HILL”!!!

On the morning of July 25th Anita and Uli, colleagues of Robert’s from FH Joanneum, came to drive us to the Graz Airport. We said goodbye to our landlords Johannes and Gundi Minutillo and then drove down the hill and out of Graz.

We took this photo on the 24th of July before heading out to eat our last dinner in Graz.
We are standing by our front door.
This toaster and teapot came with the rental and were well used during our time living in Graz. The toaster always burnt the toast and the teapot never kept anything warm more than 5 minutes. But we grew attached to the pair and have many fond stories to tell about these two kitchen appliances.

Once at the airport, Anita took a family photo, we exchanged hugs, and went through security. Our flight to Amsterdam was uneventful. Once in Amsterdam we had plenty of time to have a nice late lunch. Unfortunately our international flight was delayed 1.5 hours due to refueling, but we left Europe around 6:30 Central European Time.  

  • On the plane in Amsterdam
  • About to leave for America
Auf Wiedersehen, Österreich (Austria)!!!

We arrived in Atlanta safely and then onto St. Louis. My brother came and picked us up around 2:00am the morning of the 26th of July. Seeing the old green truck was nice, but it was even better seeing our kitty cats Merlin, Beefuzz, and Tigerlily! All the kitties recognized us and slept with us all night.

I really enjoyed our time living in and exploring Europe. We had several adventures and made wonderful memories. The difficult times strengthened our family and the cultural immersions changed our family’s perspective on life. I am grateful to God for blessing us with this truly life-changing experience!