Guests & Great Times in Gaming

We had our first guests in Gaming the past four days! My friends Janna and Karen, who I taught with for Teach For America, came to visit. We packed a lot in during the few days we were together (and they're continuing onto do much more during the rest of their Winter Break from teaching).

We started and ended our trip in Vienna at the Schönbrunn Palace, visiting the Advent Market, the Palace, and the Tiergarten (Zoo).  The zoo, founded as an imperial menagerie in 1752, is the oldest zoo in the world!  From its imperial baroque architecture to its 160 meter-long (and 10 meter-high) suspension bridge through the Vienna Woods to its polar bears, penguins, and reindeer -- it was all amazing!!

When we first arrived in Gaming it was dinner time, so we stopped in town for some kebabs -- and to our surprise ran into (and then ran from) 10 Krampuses (and other odd creatures)!! People had gathered to celebrate the Eve of the Winter Solstice and apparently the Krampus was invited. They followed us around - whipping the back of our knees, rubbing our heads, and posing for pictures. After about 30 minutes, they lit what looked like a big sparkler and smoke and then dropped down to the ground before removing their masks. Their falling to the ground symbolizes good overcoming evil. A little scary, but a fun way to welcome my friends to our often very quiet town!

They also got to do some hiking and enjoy the beautiful outdoors while in Gaming!

And, maybe the highlight of their stay, was skiing in the Alps! We went to Hochkar Resort about 45 minutes away and the views were amazing!! Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so I'll have to wait to share those photos.

Thanks so much for visiting!! 

Who's next?! :)