Alphorn Concert:

At the end of October I had the opportunity to go to a concert featuring one of the world's oldest instruments: the alp horn (or alpenhorn), as seen below, is what you might easily recognize from Ricola ads. We listened to French horn music (ranging from classical to the Beatles) and also a reconstruction to an instrument which Pythagoras supposedly invented. All this provided a fabulous time for our ears AND at the end, our eyes got a treat as well. We viewed a selection of wildlife photographs taken by 3 professional Austrian photographers.

Fall

October-November! Time for a quick update from the Zillingers! We've been enjoying Fall here. The weather's been great and we've been up to some great things!

In October there was a big lunch after the church service! Thomas and I brought an apple cake (that's what's behind the aluminum foil) and we really enjoyed connecting with some good friends of ours at church.

We enjoyed cake and coffee after the meal! These Austrians sure know how to make good food! Yum!

This is Anne, (former roomate, bridesmaid and good friend) me and Damaris (wonderful woman and pre-marital counselor!).

These a couple of pictures outside of our apartment, where we generally wait for the tram to take us into town.

Back in Austria

After a 3 week trip around the States, visiting family and friends, we've made it safely back to our home sweet home in Graz, Austria.

Jet lag almost got the better of us. Saturday evening we rolled into Graz. Sunday we were able to sleep in until 11ish and somehow managed it through the day without napping. Then Monday came...the moment of truth. We both had to get up for work that morning. My alarm was set for 6:15. Thomas' for 7. We woke up...sorry to say, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, at the ungodly hour of 3 am. In denial, we managed to pretend we were asleep/resting until 5 am. Then we simply caved in. Breakfast it was and an earlier than normal start for the work day.

Besides that, it's been great to be back in Graz. We've enjoyed meeting up with our friends and getting into the swing of things. Thomas is back to work and I have started up a few additional classes this semester. I now teach 2 adult evening courses, both conversational English, in addition to my company courses. It has been really great thus far and I truly enjoy my job!

This semester Thomas and I have also started working with the teenagers at our church. We've already participated in a weekend retreat and also the regular weekly Saturday meetings so far. I am confident that we will have more to report as the year continues!

It is FALL here. And that means PUMPKIN time!!!! Just a little FYI: 'Kürbis' is German for pumpkin. If you go to one of the local farmer's markets you can have your choice of any number of pumpkins and their fixin's. You can get shredded pumpkin, chopped pumpkin...and in any color from orange to green it seems. The list goes on and on, but you get the point. Last week I stopped by one such farmer's market and picked up a small portion of chopped orange pumpkin. I was going to make some Kürbiscremesuppe!!!! (Pumpkin + ...yes, you did just learn that word and now you just recognized it, too! You're a natural!' + cream + soup = pumpkin cream soup!) Together with Thomas and Rebecca Honts we enjoyed a lovely Kürbiscremsuppe, complete with all the toppings: a bit more cream (for good measure), pumpkin seed oil AND pumpkin seeds (did you catch the theme??). It was delicious!!!!

The big day!

March 15th was the big day! We had lots of friends AND family come into Graz for the wedding. It was so great to see so many familiar faces! We only wish we had somehow mangaged to spend more time with everyone.

The ceremony started at 2pm and afterwards everyone moved outside for the "Sekt Empfang" - receiving line with champagne where all the guests were able to greet and congratulate the bride and groom. It was a bit chilly outside; despite the forbodeing gray clouds, we didn't get a single raindrop! Then the real evening got under way.

We started off with a much deserved meal - for guests, bridal party and the happy couple alike - with all sorts of really great Austrian food. We had a selection of soups (my favourite being the pumpkin cream soup!), entreés (Schnitzel, Mostbraten - roast in an apple wine sauce - and a few more good tasting dishes) and lots of salads on the side.

The evening program was next on the list. There was fun for everyone. We enjoyed a funny slide show about the happy couple, watched a personal video from a good friend in Canada wishing us all the best, enjoyed a live performance of a song for the couple. There was even a competitive part of the evening as members of Rebecca's family and Thomas' family competed to answer the most questions correctly about the happy couple and their respective cultures. It was great fun and the prize was a coupon for a romantic evening for Rebecca and Thomas! After a heartfelt speech from the father of the bride, the dance floor was opened. There was all kinds of dancing to follow - everything from the couple's first waltz, to cha-cha-chas, the twist and even a traditional Austrian "Schuhplattler" dance and an American "do-si-do!"

The wedding cakes made a grand entry with sparklers and everyone seemed to be thoroughly impressed! Not only were the cakes good to look at from the outside, but they tasted fabulous on the inside! There were several flavors to choose from - a Styrian inspired cake with apple and pumpkin seed oil (it was amazing!), a tangy orange and a black forest cherry!

Finally, as it came time for the new Mr. and Mrs. Zillinger to leave, the guests formed a long line and on both sides they held candles to light the way to the get-away car!

All in all it was a fabulous day and one we will never forget!

Video Transmission of the wedding

Rebecca and Thomas!