Wrong coordinates turned out right

Earlier in the week, on a sunny day, we decided to visit a nearby town to view some sights. I did a little preliminary research on Google before we left, then plugged in the "point of interest" on my GPS.

We started out going the right direction, and it should have taken no longer than 10 minutes to our destination. Shortly after a couple of turns we surprisingly ended up on the highway. This was pretty scary for not only Mike, but the passenger as well. We were unsure of where we were headed but followed the GPS as it said.

(Side note: This was Mike's first time on the highway while driving the manual vehicle. )

Austrian Hwy

We ended up driving about 14 miles away, to a town called "Leoben". The town I originally had in mind is called "Bruck an der Mur", and is home to a very old water fountain in the center. However, this center ended up being appealing as well. We didn't have much time to look around but I snapped a couple pictures before heading back.

Monument in the center.

Buildings in the center.

So, I ended up putting the wrong destination in GPS. But it turned out to be a neat sight anyhow. AND Mike got some good driving experience on the Austrian Highway. Nothing can stop us now!

Microwave delivered!

First of all, the Austrian living is a bit more challenging than the previous countries.

We are living in a very small space, the best way to describe it is as a dorm, (Mike refers to it as a "Cracker Box".) The dorm's kitchen came with a small toaster oven, 2 heating surfaces and a pot. This is the challenge; cook for 3 (Mike counts as 2 people) with that.

We bought a big pan and miscellaneous other items to compliment the kitchen best we can and we have been getting by just fine. Unfortunately, there are some favorite dishes that we are unable to cook under these circumstances. And some sides aren't always kept hot while waiting for the entire meal to be ready. Also, last week while at the supermarket we spotted popcorn and put it in the cart. When we got to the checkout, I realized we don't have a microwave so would be unable to eat it and had to put it back. :(

However today...SURPRISE! Mike came home with a microwave!

When recently talking to the other guys on the team, they said they asked for a microwave and the team delivered. So Mike did the same, and we got a brand new one a week later! So...tonight all of our food was hot for supper. And later tonight we are having a popcorn snack! Super excited! :)

Austrian "Hooters"

Mike had another day off yesterday, post away game. We spent the day practicing driving the manual car, shopping at the supermarket and a late lunch at the nearby American restaurant, "Hooters"!

A cloudy day in Kapfenberg.

The driving is going well. We found a big, vacant hill on a side road to practice on. We did this until I got nauseous, (about an hour.)

We next checked out the Hooters hotspot. The waitresses wear the same outfits and the menu is very comparable. We got a "platter for two" and enjoyed salad, ribs, wings, chicken and curly fries.  Mike was also very excited to find a Miller brew on the drink menu. He enjoyed his Wisconsin beer very much all the way in Austria this day!

The only downside to the restaurant was the many smoking customers, however we can't escape this. I guess Austria is one of the few countries that allow smoking pretty much anywhere! Even in the airport we arrived in was smokey.

Kapfenberg

Mike next to a Kapfenberg city sign.

Mike had his first day off yesterday since I have been here. So, we took advantage of it and explored more of the town. The driving lessons are going well, however Mike still doesn't feel 100% prepared. So we are still walking to get around…

One of the team cars Mike is learning to drive.

I was starting to feel like we were going to "roughing it" in the mountains among the other mountain people within the surrounding nature the next couple of months. UNTIL- we walked about 2 miles West of where we live and we finally hit a more populated area. I was so excited to discover many cafes, restaurants, salons, a movie theater (unfortunately no English movies-I asked) and a MALL! It was so comforting to know we have access to more of the world.

Liked this building as we were exploring.

Just past the mall and to the left we found a small river that had many beautiful sites around it as well.

After today, we have discovered that we have a little bit of everything good in this little town; the quiet, serenity neighborhood where we live, along with an active downtown not too far away. And this small city even has a train station to go even further into Austria.

This morning we walked down another path in the other direction and got the shots:

Us in Kapfenberg!

I land in Austria!

Last Sunday I took the same route as Mike to join him in Austria. A teammate and him met me at the airport in Vienna then we all drove to Kapfenberg. Unfortunately, it was in the evening so I was unable to enjoy the sights on the drive.

We got back late and I was tired from all of the travels, so went to bed early. The next day, we walked to a nearby grocery store for a little shopping. On out little journey, I was able to get a little glimpse of the town.
It is a very small town surrounded by hills and forests. The scenery is nice, we are settled in the foothills of the alps.

Pictures along our walk to the store.

Mike really enjoys his team/ teammates. And at the moment, he is out with a couple of them learning to drive a manual car. (There are 2 cars for 5 guys to share.)…So I am hoping that he learns to drive it comfortably enough to get the opportunity to explore more of the city and maybe even other neat cities in Austria!

Mike lands in Austria

Mike accepted an offer in Austria to finish out the basketball season!

We have been living with Ben and Amanda in Northern France for about a month hoping Mike's agent would find him a job. Every once in awhile there would be talks of a possibility in a small France league, a Poland team and even Austria. But nothing 100% for certain. We were most recently in the mindset that we would have to head back to the states because our deadline was coming up quick.

And wouldn't you know it, we were planning on booking a flight home on Monday(yesterday) and this last Sunday Mike accepts an offer to play in Austria.

So he left by train yesterday from Calais to the Paris airport, then boarded an airplane to Vienna, Austria. He arrived late last night where he was greeted by his new coach. It took a little over an hour drive from Vienna to Kapfenberg, Austria. He will be joining the Kapfenberg Bulls Basketball team.

Currently, I am still in Gravelines while Mike settles in. I am looking at flights to join him soon!