10 reasons why I’ll never be a true European

Looking the part
I might look the part… but will I ever really pull it off?

On the opposing end of last week’s post about why I was always destined to live in Austria, there are also plenty of reasons why I should not be here at all! Here are the top 10 reasons why I can never be a true European.

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Wild Swimming – get those slimy fish away from me!

I am an avid swimmer. It is my favourite form of exercise, probably even my favourite form of forward motion. I can basically swim better than I can walk. Our local pool is only open from May to September, but at least we have one, so I spent my first summer smashing out laps there. Although the idea of lake swimming (or wild swimming, as it’s commonly referred) appealed, travelling to a lake just wasn’t as convenient at the time.

Ocean-ready... but yet not lake-ready
Ocean-ready… but yet not lake-ready

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Austrian Lakes – into the clear, deep blue

lakes_wortersee
The beautiful Worthersee

The lakes of Austria are renowned worldwide for their beauty… and so they should be with their spectacular blue-green expanses, fresh, clean water and warm summer temperatures! Whether you’re sightseeing, swimming or just relaxing nearby, they’re a must-do for every Austrian summer. And it’s not all about swimming and sunbaking either – many of the lakes are set up like mini-recreation-parks, so even though you generally have to pay an entrance fee, you are paying for something. Continue reading

Swimming is definitely not big in Austria

Swimming is not big in Austria. Sure, there are people that do it, but not that many. Well, what did I expect from a land-locked country anyway? In Australia it seems like there is a pool every 5km –  that is definitely not the case in Austria.

Luckily the gear you need to actually swim in the pool is the same all year round.
Luckily the gear you need to actually swim in the pool is the same all year round.

My first swim alone was a bit of an adventure.

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