Last year was the first time I embarked on growing my own veggie garden. I detailed my escapades in Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. This year, I won’t take you on such a long and winding journey, but I will give you a quick rundown of how it all went.
Short trips – Budapest – third time’s the charm
When I met my friend Jodie in Budapest in August, it was my third visit.
The first time was pretty much unsuccessful – not Budapest’s fault.
The second time was also relatively unsuccessful – again, not Budapest’s fault.
The third time’s the charm.
A European holiday with Australian flair
In August I was lucky enough to have a visitor – one of my best friends in the world was undertaking her very first Eurotrip and after a 14 day cruise from Amsterdam to Hungary I met up with her in Budapest.
Slugs – the freakishly large ones
We had had a particularly wet start to the summer this year. And there’s something that comes with a lot of rain when you’re trying to grow a garden… slugs.
There is a reason why I don’t bother planting lettuce. And slugs are it.
Just look at that thing. Gross.
Hiking with Llamas
Have you ever hiked with llamas? Have you ever even thought about it?
Those were the first words from an Austrian website I found when I googled ‘hiking with llamas’.
I have never hiked with llamas. I have never even thought about it.
Feeling like a swimming legend
I’m a swimmer… always have been. Look, I’m no Olympian but even by Australian standards I’m better than the average bear. It’s the ultimate sport because for me it’s very natural, and the fresh, tranquil feeling I get when I’m stroking through water with only bubbles in my ears is basically my idea of heaven.
In Australia, I’m not overly remarkable. I’m just one of many people who choose to wake up early and hit the pool for a refreshing pre-work swim. I can hold my own – I usually get away with swimming in the fast lane (unless there’s a pre-teen Ian Thorpe smashing out butterfly) and I’ve competed in numerous open water swims (though I’m definitely mid-pack in that situation).
But in Austria… in Austria I feel like a swimming legend.
Coriander – love it or hate it – I’m winning
Coriander seems to be one of those things – you either love it or you detest it with unrivaled passion. When we looked at herbs to grow last year, I decided I wanted coriander. I am, if you haven’t already gathered, one of the lovers. And it’s not so easy to get coriander on demand over here.
The Austrian Mowing Uniform
You will be both thankful and disappointed there are no specific photos for this blog post.
I’ve mentioned mowing in previous blogs, Austrians’ need for a perfectly manicured lawn and their penchant for mowing around the flowers. But I have forgotten to mention one detail so far. There seems to be a kind of mowing ‘uniform’ in Austria… and it’s… bathers. Continue reading
Stinger City
There is a significant difference between summer and winter in Austria. And in summer, every plant goes mad. Something that was basically a grotty patch of mud two weeks previous can unexpectedly bloom a veritable forest of green and colour. It’s amazing to see.
Peek-a-Boo – that awkward moment when…
This is still one of the funniest things that has happened to me in Austria. Caution: this story contains sexually explicit material and graphic images. If you think this might offend you, best skip it.
an aussie in austria 