Images of Graz

 

Even the drain covers are cool.

One of the many grand building on the Herrengasse (main street of Graz)

I cross this bridge several times a day and am still amazed by the power of the river Mür.

Austrian PlayGrounds Etcetera

 I observed not long after arriving in Austria that their environmental aesthetic involves a lot more natural materials and colours compared to Australia.  There are noticibly less bright gareish colours and the use of plastic.  It's very wonderful and soothing on the eye and mind.  Also the equipment is more physically challenging and sometimes (by Nanny State standards) dangerous which actually serves to teach kids to be cautious.  There is also less rubbish blowing around and even though it seems every second person has a dog very little dog poo to dodge.  All very impressive and livable :)

The 'Half-Way Day' and the Walk To Graz University

 Saturday the 12th of April was the midpoint of my stay in Austria and time is going too fast as I knew it would! It was a lovely, still overcast day so we decided to walk to Alex's university which happens to be via a large and beautiful central park.  One thing that is quite common here is to see wooden birdhouses in trees... they seem to be everywhere.

 I made Alex pose beside this avenue of trees... I can almost hear him muttering "...oh the things I do" ;)

A church we passed along the way... and everything seems to be about to burst into flower.

 Even the weeds in the lawns are pretty. 

 The main hall of Graz University.  We went inside to see if the ballroom was open but being a weekend it wasn't... still the interior was just as impressive.

 More tulips which are absolutely everywhere.  And I snuck Alex into the edge of this one as he waited patiently :)

 Now look at that word in German will you?  Sheesh! Hardly space to take a breath!

 And all about 10 mins walk from the apartment.

A Snow Debut Upon The Dachstein

Prior to the 14th of April 2014 all I had seen of snow was a few flakes caught in the wind from my room at college in Armidale NSW which melted long before hitting the ground.  Needless to say experiencing the real thing has been long and excitedly anticipated!  And I guess this was as real as you could get:  3000m up on Austria's third highest peak.  That first photo is me touching snow for the very first time (I drew a heart in the bank) ... and making my first snow ball.

But even before arriving at this wonderful place (about 2.5hrs NW of Graz) Alex and I enjoyed spectacular views.

 I had to also take a shot of me riding as passenger on the right side of the car... this is also a 'first' for me on this trip.  When I travelled to Europe previously I had only travelled on buses, trains etc and so didn't have the left hand driving experience as I have this time... still getting used to it!

 Stocking up at Aldi (called Hoffer here) before arriving at our destination. How weird it was to step out of the store into such amazing scenery... this photo doesn't show all the massive snow topped mountains all around us.

 Taken from the car window driving along.

Getting closer... stopping for a short break so Alex can also enjoy the views a bit better.  This was his first time at the Dachstein too.

 See that tiny little dot on top of the pointy peak?  That is where we are about to be.  A bit of an OMG moment.  I put on about another 2 layers of clothing and eat a strudel in preparation.

 

The view looking from the other direction at the base resort lodge.

 And almost as soon as Alex buys our 40 Euro gondola tickets the weather decides to turn inclement.... but we bravely step on board.

 I'm smiling because surprisingly it's not swinging... much.

 Higher...

 Higher...

And we're there... that is a portion of the Sky Walk on the left.  Don't be fooled... it's blowing a gale and only Alex braves walking most of the way out there... until I told him to GET BACK HERE!

 I wait safely in the shelter of the gondola terminal inspecting the equipment... it passes the 'Appearance of Impressive European Technology and Maintainence Standards'. 

 Alex returns and I step out briely and brace myself in what was probaly about -10 degrees at least.  Little did I know what was in store...

 And next I was "snowed on" for the first time.... actually more like "blizzarded on" !!!

 This is me thinking "OMG I can't feel my finger tips... they must have frost bite... Christ take the photo then let me in there before they turn blue and need to be amputated!"

 And this is approximately where I slipped on ice and had my first fall... fortunately on my butt.  All I could think about was whether my travel insurance (which excluded skiing accidents) would cover me if I broke somethin. Would they believe me that I wasn't actually on the nearby ski fields???

 Meanwhile Alex was taking this photo of a frozen shoe... I was still concerned about my frozen fingertips! When would they thaw? 

It wasn't too long before the impressive sculptures took my mind off my worries about my health and safety...

Alex sits on the throne holding a staff (he could have worn a crown and cloak as well) and assumes a regal pose. 

 Next we step outside and have another look at the Sky Walk...

 Nup... too windy... we walk back through the cave and back out onto the other side near the ski fields where it's a bit more sheltered from the wind.

 Once again I don't venture out as far as Alex who, as an Austrian native, is more used to these conditions... I stay where the snow is more compacted instead of risking sinking up to my waist in a deep drift.

 When he returns another 'blizzard' builds up creating a white-out situation.  I strongly suggest we seek shelter in the restuarant.

 We have delicious bowls of hot soup at not too exhorbitant prices.  There was a line down the middle of the restuarant showing the border of two Austrian states.

 And because the weather was only getting worse we decide to catch the next gondola back down the mountain as they had been reduced to 2 per hour.

Driving back home we decided to explore a castle we'd seen on the way up to the Dachstein instead.

 It was a lovely walk overlooking yet another picturesque valley. We saw very few people... not surprising being a Monday... our chosen "touristy" day of the week.

 I didn't ski today but you can imgaine my style...

 Sadly the castle was closed... and oddly there was an intercom system (on the right of photo) which gave the impression this castle was home to several lucky people!