Alive and hiking in Austria

Hello faithful followers of the Flamie blog. I'll try to post some pictures and such soon, but for now I want to say that Rowan and I are still alive and having a great time in Austria. We'll be in Vienna in a few days (still in Gosau for those that were up-to-date on our location), and hopefully there the internet situation will be more conducive to blogging. Here, I have to sit, slouched down, on an uncomfortable couch to use the internet in the entrance way to the Pension. Hope to post again soon...

My first Post as Flamie-Wife!

Things I have Learned in Austria...

1) The Hills are only alive with the sound of MORE COWBELL! 2) Austrians are part mountain goat.. seriously, I grew up hiking in the Rockies and some of the trails are scary! 3) American beer is like having sex in a canoe... it's f***ing close to water (but we knew that already). 4) Doppelmalt is heaven! 5) A whole lot can be conveyed with hand gestures alone! 6) Those two years of German I took... useless! 7) Those two years of German I took can save my ass! 8) No one is Austria speaks French, therefore my now seemingly vast knowledge of the French language helps me not at all! 9) Leiderhosen is actually everyday wear! It's a fashion thing around here... people over 30 often wear "traditional" garb! 10) Cowbells can be heard from 3 mountains away! 11) Ich stricke eine Socke 12) Bröt ist güt! 13) Käsespatzlen ist wunderbar! 14) Married=Geheiratet 15) Ich bin ein Geologe, ich studiere versteinerte Korallenriffe! 16) That Al Fischer Guy on my committee is somewhat of a celebrity over here! 17) The Port Mark gave us is really good when watching the sun set over the Gosaukamm! 18) My German sucks!... But again, I knew that!

London Day 3: The Museum of Natural History

On our final day in London, we went to the Museum of Natural History. Our primary reason for being there was to see a Professor that Rowan wanted to talk to, but we also took sometime to walk around the Museum. It is a very well done museum with many exhibits that are interesting to see and often are interactive.

London Day 2: The Tower of London

The vast majority of our second day in London was taken up with touring the Tower of London. If I say nothing else of it, let me just say that it was impressive and that the Beefeaters give excellent tours. Among many things, we saw the Crown Jewels, some siege weapons fired, knights fighting, and "The Bloody Tower". I would highly recommend visiting the Tower of London if you get a chance.

London Day 1: Walk along the Thames

Walking past the Parliament buildings, we wandered along the Thames all of the way up to London Bridge. It was a very enjoyable walk, passing many beautiful and interesting buildings.

London Day 1: St. Margaret's Church - Westminster Abbey

We continued our walk down Whitehall after leaving the Cabinet War Rooms, then seeing Big Ben, we started heading towards the Thames. When we were across the street from Big Ben and the Parliament buildings, I looks around and noticed some very interesting buildings that looked like churches, and decided to investigate. Not surprisingly this turned out to be Westminster Abbey. Unfortunately, entry cost 15 pounds per person. Thankfully, St. Margaret's Church was free to enter, so we went inside and despite no photography being allowed, I snapped off a few pictures... this should make my Dad proud (he always seems to enjoy taking pictures in places where he shouldn't).

London Day 1: The Cabinet War Rooms and The Churchill Museum

Upon the recommendation of David Whitton, Rowan and I visited the Cabinet War Rooms and the Churchill Museum. After Trafalgar Square, we walked down Whitehall, then up a little side street to the Cabinet War Rooms. Everything was in pristine condition. On VE day, everyone simply walked out and sealed up the place, and it wasn't opened until about 20 years ago. The Churchill museum was quite an educational experience for me. I knew vaguely who he was and some of the things he was known for, but now I have a much better feeling for who the man was. Quite the character; I definitely enjoyed reading and listening to a few of his famous speeches and quotes.