Ice-capades

Ice-skating is a required part of P.E. for students in Austria, so on Friday morning the elementary classes went ice-skating at a nearby rink. It was a blast to see the kids on the ice in their skates! Some are experienced skaters and others were new to the sport, but we all had a wonderful time! Even Ms. Stevens got on the ice! The elementary classes will continue to skate on Friday mornings through the end of February.

These funny first graders posed for a picture while waiting for their teacher to return with their rental skates. Now that we know exactly what size skates the students need, the process will go faster next time.

Before leaving the ice rink, we posed for a class picture to document our first skating excursion together. On the left are two girls who have been volunteering in my classroom this year. It was fun (and helpful!) to have them along on this field-trip.

Sunset View

We've had a lot of overcast weather in Vienna these past weeks, but the sun peeked out today and the sunset was glorious tonight. This photo was taken from my apartment window at dusk.

New Year's Eve

Fireworks were a huge part of the New Year's celebration in Austria. This photo was taken off my apartment balcony, but it doesn't even begin to capture the magnitude and brilliance of the fireworks that were going off all around the city that night. It was an incredible experience to be a part of welcoming in the New Year in Vienna.

Christmas Market Treats

Chocolate-covered cherries? Eggnog? Candy canes? I didn't see much of those here at Christmastime, but yummy treats abounded at the Christmas Markets. Here's a peak at some of the Austrian pastries and desserts.