Two weeks in Austria: Finally experienced winter after all!

5.3. - 18.3.

The reason for my return home was unfortunately not pleasant at all, and I have to say, I still can't quite understand it to this day.

But I am very glad that I went to Austria and was able to say goodbye to my grandma. I wouldn't have been able to do that in New Zealand!

It was a short visit to my home country, and I tried to spend the most time with my family. Especially with grandpa in Ischl and grandma & grandpa in Gmunden - I never hear from them while I'm on the road, and they only get to know about my trip through stories or my postcards. So spending time with them was really really important to me!

And it was the same with Marcel! I was really happy to see the little guy so often - we even went skiing together! That was really great!

I was very pleased that many people took the time for me, and I really hope that no one is upset if we didn't get the chance to meet!

For me, the visit to Austria was not that easy. I had imagined my return home very differently and at a completely different time.

But being able to spend this time with my family definitely made it easier. I was glad that we have such a great family bond! And I know that my grandma would have been happy that I came home.

And finally, I was also thrilled to see snow again!! And to be able to go skiing!! I was at the Laudachsee, saw the Traunstein, and even baked Keksal. Of course, I couldn't resist trying out some typical Austrian dishes (schnitzel, smoked meat with semolina dumplings, pancake soup, semolina dumpling soup, farmer's snack, sliced meat, feta cheese, cheesecake strudel, minced meat loaf, cheese sausage, etc.) - Mmmmm!! So delicious!

After 2 weeks, I was on my way back to New Zealand. By train to Vienna and then by plane via Shanghai to Auckland (including an 8-hour layover in China). I was on the road for about 33 hours. So I left Gmunden on Sunday morning and arrived in Auckland on Tuesday morning.

The journey was exhausting, but I was really looking forward to seeing Mexi again and spending a few fun days with the two boys (and especially to finally see a bit of the North Island!)