We had the pleasure of hosting my parents during the week of Thanksgiving. They actually came the week before and stayed 10 days, which was so great! It was such a great time showing them around our stomping grounds around Salzburg before we head back to the States.
Instead of heading straight to Salzburg, we decided that we wanted to show them a bit of Europe. Jason took some time off work and we went to Zurich, Lucerne, Innsbruck then Salzburg. It was mine and Jason's first trip to Zurich and Lucerne, so it was great to explore both of those cities together with my parents.
Zurich was just beautiful. It was really cold (I didn't bring near enough warm clothes because darn weather underground told me it was going to be ten degrees warmer than it was!) but we still had a fabulous time. While we were in Zurich we rented a nice apartment that was real close to the train. If you have never used airbnb.com, I totally recommend it! When we arrived we immediately had lunch at an amazing Italian joint. It seriously had some amazing pizza! We then got to our apartment and unpacked and off we were to walk around town. We walked by the lake, which was just gorgeous. My Mom and Jason were taking hundreds of pictures... literally. My Dad and I enjoyed our coffee by the water. We walked the city and of course took a stroll window shopping down Bahnhofstrasse. We searched forever to find a good restaurant for dinner and settled on another nice Italian place. The good thing about this is that Italy is so close, it was all very authentic and delicious. I can't ever get enough!
The following day we walked around the city some more and visited Grossmunster and Fraumunster, two gorgeous churches. Then, off we went on a boat tour of Lake Zurich. Afterwards we had dinner at a traditional swiss restaurant that is just below Hotel Adler. The cheese fondue was amazing! After dinner, Jason and my Mom took night pictures of the city. Although I fully appreciate the pictures now, I was less than pleased to be sitting around in the cold while they were taking them. I obviously didn't realize what I was getting myself into having both Jason and my Mom on the same trip--the pictures were never-ending! But I admit, I am very thankful because they got some amazing shots!
On Sunday, we were off to Lucerne. When we arrived, we walked around the Old Towne. I didn't account for the fact that it was a Sunday and that everything would be closed, one things that disappoints me most about Europe. We visited the Lion of Lucerne, walked to Chapel Bridge and water tower and visited the Lucerne Jesuit Church all before we even ate our late lunch. We checked into our hotel and that's when exhaustion hit me. Jason and my Mom wanted to walk the city wall and take pictures and I was the party pooper that went back to the hotel for a nap (that's what pregnancy does to you, I suppose). My Dad went along with them. Did I mention what a trooper he is? He kindly carries my Mom's camera bag in case she needs to switch lenses or something. Boy does he have patience. I'm sure Jason says that I need some of that. ;) After they all came back to the hotel, we went out to eat. What an experience this was! We thought we were going to a traditional swiss fondue restaurant. I guess we should have been clued in when the owner was Chinese and when we walked in, we were the only guests the WHOLE night. Don't get me wrong, the food was good but the price was just ridiculous! Oh well, it definitely was a great/funny memory! You have to roll with the punches when you travel as much as we do.
On Monday, we woke up bright and early and were off to Innsbruck. On the way we stopped at the Swarovski Crystal World (in case you didn't know, Austria is where it is from!) that is just outside of Innsbruck. It was just gorgeous and so neat to see! It took everything in my being not to buy every single sparkling thing in the place! I did get a Christmas ornament since we collect those from all of the places we've been. Jason lucked out. We checked into our hotel and then went to a traditional Austrian restaurant/brewery for dinner.
The next morning we woke up and strolled the beautiful Christmas markets in Innsbruck. There were several of them and we shopped 'til we dropped. We ate yummy pretzels, walked by the river, attempted to visit a church (we didn't want to pay the cover charge so we left) and went to Stiftskeller Brewery not once but twice (once for beers and a rest and then again for dinner)! You can pretty much say we were there for a good part of the day. After dinner, we went back to the hotel so Dad and I could relax and play cards and Jason and Mom could get things together for their night photo shoot. I am glad that Dad and I stayed in and played cards because Jason and my Mom were out taking pictures in the freezing cold for over two hours! Now that is dedication!
The next day, Wednesday, we were off to Salzburg. On the way we took a little detour around the mountains of Innsbruck looking for the best picture spot (gee, I wonder whose idea that was!). ;) We got to Salzburg and went grocery shopping then relaxed a bit before we went to my favorite restaurant, Pasta & Vino. If you ever visit Salzburg, I totally recommend it! Best pasta and wine ever!!
Thursday was obviously Thanksgiving but it didn't feel like it here. That is one of the things I miss most when we are not in the U.S. Fortunately we planned a party for Saturday so I would get my fill of turkey and all of the trimmings. Jason was off to work and my Dad walked around the city while Mom and I went to the market and met up with some friends for coffee. It was officially "turkey pick up day". My friends here are so amazing they helped me order the two turkeys for the party and came with me to pick them up just in case I needed a translator. Seriously-- best. girls. ever!! Afterwards I rested while Mom and Dad went around the city for a bit. Then when everyone got home we watched some football and ate pizza. Pretty American if I do say so!
On Friday, Mom and I started cooking some of the items for our big Thanksgiving dinner. We put together the sweet potato casserole and the stuffing so we would just have to heat it up the next day. After cooking, Jason and I were off to a baby doctor appointment (my 12 weeks scan) while my parents walked around the city. After great results, I finally made it FB official. I am surprised I made it so long because I just wanted to shout it from the rooftops ever since we found out. We celebrated by going to dinner. Although trying to find a dinner spot without reservations proved to be challenging. It was Friday night at 7pm and everything was fully booked. 3rd time was the charm and we ate a tasty dinner at Stiegl Brewery in the Old Towne. Yummmmy.
Saturday morning was crazy. In case you didn't know, my oven (along with everything else in Europe) is really tiny. I had to get two turkeys so I could feed everyone. Mom and I woke up at 6:30am to start cooking the turkeys. I was having 20+ people over for our Thanksgiving dinner and had to make sure everyone had enough to eat. My oven also doesn't cook things very well so I was constantly basting and rotating the turkey. While cooking, Mom and Dad walked around town to finish their last minute shopping since they were leaving the next morning. Then 3pm arrived and the party officially began. It ended up being a huge success and a ton of fun. It went by so fast and I am very sad that I was so busy I didn't even take any pictures. I am so sad about this! It was a lovely time though spent with some of my closest friends here in Salzburg and to have my parents here was the icing on the cake! I am seriously blessed to have such an amazing family and group of friends.
The next morning, Sunday, Jason and my parents were off to the airport at 4:30am! Jason went to Australia for work and my parents went back home. The trip went by so quickly. It was so great to spend time with Jason and my parents and to experience Europe together. I am so thankful that they could all take off work so we could spend quality time together. It was such a blessing to all be together, especially over Thanksgiving.
Mom and Dad, thanks for everything and thanks for visiting. We can wait for our next adventure with you guys in Singapore. We love you!! xx
P.S. Pictures are on Jason's camera and my Mom's camera so I will add them soon! :)
