Craft time continues!

When getting ready to make all my pumpkins, I had purchased some white wool to be able to make some white pumpkins. I got ambitious today and decided I'd try my hand at a wool animal and here is the result. 

Note: My bunny is modeled on the bunny seen here.

 

Castle with a Complex (History)

George and I took a trip to Burg Mauterndorf on Friday. Here are a few pictures from my phone.

Burg Mauterndorf is the site of a former Roman fortress and functioned for a long time after that as a sortof fortified weigh station.

We found out after the fact (this was not mentioned on site anywhere we saw) that the Burg was passed through Hermann, Ritter von Epstein, to his widow and then his godson, Hermann Göring, who owned it through WWII.

Crafting Philosophical

In my first years at college, knitting was a huge escape for me--a time where I could let my thoughts run wild and free and just sink into the rhythm of the crossing needles.

I brought my knitting needles with me to Austria this year to afford myself just such an escape--an escape to craft land, where time, space, and stress dissipate into a large cloud of meandering thoughts, feelings, ideas, and sometimes, really important personal revelations.

As far as that last bit goes, well, there haven't been any huge personal revelations or existential crises in the recent days, but there have been little moments of finding (often again) what is important out of life.

In crafting, your mind has time to lead you places you need to be--in my case, to the understanding that I am living my dream here this year in a German-speaking nation surrounded by supportive, giving, and interesting people; that  this opportunity is an incredible one--to be able to hone and develop my skills as a public speaker, lecturer, and educator every day in a German-speaking nation. Wow.

Unfortunately, these simple truths tumble through the cracks in the floorboards of my mind when the going gets tough. I concentrate too hard, focus too keenly on important future matters, like what happens next year? This question is something I should be planning for, but I don't want to let it obscure the possibilities for experiencing joy, confronting challenges, and  and enriching my community that I have now.

When crafting, I can let the constant din of worry in my mind clatter into the wide open air, dissipating into dull white noise. Freed from clutter, my mind can rove; I have not only time, but also mental space and energy to reflect on the large and small matters of life and renew my commitment to the ways I want to live it.

Crafting is therefore often for me not about the final product, but rather the experience, and sometimes even the principle of the journey. When I make something I like or that succeeds in its intention, I feel doubly rewarded, but its not necessary.  My most ambitious and perhaps most ghastly knitting project--a red and camo (don't ask) skirt I attempted to make in college--afforded me some crucial hours of time for reflection about life, love, and friendship. When the skirt came out a misshapen mess, I knew instantly it didn't matter.

Here are a few things I've made recently--some needle-felted pumpkins (see below) and the "Q-tip scarf," which started out as a garland for a different craft and ended up as this.

I really need to start working out more...

Tonight, about 20 minutes after arriving back in Tamsweg, dozens of older Austrian women totally (but not literally) kicked my ass in a fitness class I took part in.

It was my first time--I was invited by my friend and colleague Zsuzsi--and it was a hoot. But after my first collapse to the mat, definitely demoralizing. There were multiple moments where my joints/muscles screamed in protest at a certain move we had to hold for 15 seconds.One thrusting move (which requires you to stick your toes up and dig your heels into the ground) was a no-go.

I tried to keep thinking positive--after a few weeks of this, just imagine how much easier it will be! And it's true--I found out there's another class on Thursdays, which I'll also attend this week.

And the cosmos wanted to remind me how small Tamsweg is: I ran into the same kind woman I ran into on the mountain a week or so ago. I had to remind her who I was, but she seemed pretty excited I showed up to the fitness class (she had even proudly mentioned it in our brief chat). She insisted that I inform the instructor it was at her recommendation that I showed up...but it really wasn't. So, if it's anything like the US and someone may get perks for recommending someone, I'll make sure Zsuzsi benefits from that!

Tiroler Gröstl

Upon reaching the top of the Kapuzinerberg, George and I stopped for a quick bite to eat and beer at the Franksikischlößl. George ordered the Tiroler Gröstl and I proceeded to share with him. It was incredibly delicious, but we knew we could probably make it at home without any issue. So behold, our attempt at Tiroler Gröstl:

Time in Salzburg

This weekend means quality time in Salzburg doing at least a few of the things I had looked forward to doing since we first found out we had the chance to come back here. So, yesterday, George and I spent the early part of the day enjoying the city we love: We walked into town so we could promenade along the river, climbed Kapuzinerberg, enjoyed a beer at the Franziskischloessl, had a drink in O'Malley's (where we had a drink together the night of our first date--this time, we accidentally got to listen to a live jazz concert!), then ate at the Duruem Haus, which is the first place George and I ate a meal together alone (although it wasn't our first date). We thoroughly enjoyed our trip down (our romance's) memory lane.

This weekend is also about relaxing. Even though this has been the easiest period of adjusting to a different place I've ever had in Europe, it is still a bit of an emotional roller coaster. For example, finding a place in a new community requires time and effort, both of which I'm willing to give, but one of which I can't control.

In the meantime,  I'm concentrating on looking for little moments of joy and beauty in my life in Tamsweg, including the following sunset from Wednesday night.

I dined on sheep, in a castle, in Austria.

'Nuff said.

UPDATE (Here are some pictures!)

 Roland, one of the teachers I work with at the Multiaugustinum, heads toward Burg Finstergrün in Ramingstein (south of Tamsweg).

Burg Finstergrün is actually not that old--at least the castle isn't. There are a lot of touristy things that happen here, as well as a lot of summer retreats. Hannes, another teacher at the Multiaugustinum, and I pose for a must-have photo op. Now I can say I am princess of the castle?? :)

The Rittersaal, where we dined on lamb, assorted salads, and a nice custard for dessert. Teachers and staff offered words of thanks and told humorous anecdotes about the former director's time at the school.

Making friends and not uploading photos...

Today, I finally reached the church--Wallfahrtskirche St. Leonhard bei Tamsweg. The church is incredibly beautiful, although I couldn't quite glimpse the wooden carving of St. Leonhard, which in the 15th-century continuously vanished from the church (even if stowed or locked away) only to appear later up in a tree on the hill. This eventually led to the church becoming a pilgrimage destination.

The church sets a weight upon your shoulders right upon entering the outer courtyard (or perhaps that was my lack of oxygen after the steep climb with unfit lungs). Glancing to the left before pushing open the large wooden door to enter the church itself, one can see a flaking, decomposing fresco. Upon further inspection, I saw tiny signatures, mostly dated around the mid 1800s or so. My history is failing me at the moment as to why, but I'll try to look into it.

After my hike, I introduced myself to a woman by inquiring about some berries she had picked--she eventually noticed I wasn't Austrian and asked me where I was from. We chatted a bit about her gymnastics group and the next pilgrimage day to the church (where she made a bit advertisement about the importance of donations to the church). Her name is Maria.

Class today took me to my third and final school, the Multiaugustinum in St. Margarethen. I met some very welcoming and kind colleagues, including Wolfgang, Zsuszi, and Reini, and can't wait to go back to the school again next week. I also hope to get a bike sometime either this weekend or next week--it is apparently not all too far to bike to St. Margarethen.

Reini also told me that I could ride with her as she drives back almost every day to Bischofshofen--I would simply need to get to St. Margarethen and then we can take off. This would end up cutting about an hour off of my travel time, not to mention the fact that I would be able to leave much earlier than the earliest bus. Travel will also change as winter sets in--apparently there are more buses in the winter to accommodate the influx of eager ski enthusiasts mobbing the area.

Pictures of Tamsweg and surrounding area will be posted this weekend when I'm back in Salzburg. (I have limited Internet and have already eaten up too much of my limit in just a few days.) 

Second day: Continuing to find my way in Tamsweg

Today I met more wonderful Austrian students and I must say, I had a really good time. Walking in to a class of kids with smiles on their faces is a great feeling. I'm still only introducing myself, so it is quite easy, but we've had some fun talking about differences between the US and Austria, as well as some fun slips of tongue ("My name is green" was my favorite so far--students had to say their name, fav food, and fav color).

Of course, in one of my lessons, I admitted to being a goody two-shoes and was promptly taken down a peg by a terrible spelling mistake--I mixed up "capitol" and "capital!" Honestly, very embarrassing, but I just laughed and explained that I'll just be a goody one shoe from now on.

Today I was also invited to take part in the Shafaufbratln with the rest of the Handelsakademie teachers--this is a tradition in October when the sheep are brought down out of the mountains and slaughtered. I explained to the students that this seemed rather sad--to make the sheep shuffle off the mortal coil directly after their joyous homecoming. At the risk of making a fool of myself, I asked the students today where they get new sheep, and they explained that the farmers keep the babies.

I have plans for tomorrow to try to hike the nearby hill up to the St. Leonhard's Church. I can see it out my window every day and it beckons to me. I also sent out a barrage of e-mails today to local clubs and groups so I can meet some folks in the community. Possibilities for activities this season (depending on the replies I get) include: Bushido (!), an Italian language course, Russian folk dancing, a local choir, or a traditional dance group.

On that note: One teacher came up to greet me at the school today--she saw me last night at the local guest house having dinner, but wasn't sure it was me. Now, she says, we can sit together if we see each other out and about. I also had a quick chat with my neighbor who is also brand new in Tamsweg--he also has a place in Salzburg and will be returning every weekend with the bus, just like me. Maybe I can talk him into buying a car and taking me with? Either way, I'm excited to be planting the seeds for potential future friendships.

Tomorrow is my final "first day" as I'll be journeying to my third school, the Multiaugustinum in St. Margarethen (a nearby village). I am excited and nervous to meet the students and teachers there.

First day in Tamsweg

Today was my first day, and unexpectedly, my first class. Everything went very smoothly, and I was really astonished at how helpful and kind every Austrian I have met has been. Even the man at the bank in Salzburg, whom I called regarding my payment, was eager and happy to help me figure everything out.

I also got to lead a discussion in my first class. It’s funny as this is expressly forbidden in our guidelines, but of course, the teacher was sick and didn’t want the students to miss out. As I’ve taught before, I was A-OK with filling in for him. It was a very easy lesson, anyway, in that I just had the kids learn about who I am, and I learned a bit about who they are. Color combination favorite is purple + green (what a coincidence, since this is what my renaissance faire costume had!) and they like to eat pasta and pizza. Can’t wait to meet more students tomorrow!

After class, I went for a walk in the neighborhood. I found some interesting workshops I could potentially participate in. It is also the Bauernherbst (Farmer's Fall) time right now, so I’ll go try to sample some of the local specialties. I’ll post a picture if I work up enough gumption to take one in the restaurant.

Off to Tamsweg!

Today after 1 p.m. I leave for Tamsweg. I'll get settled into my room and also meet up with Alice to discuss what my week will look like. I'll also hopefully get a bit of time to hike the nearby hill--we'll see! Tomorrow I don't actually start with classes, but I will get to meet many of the teachers, which will be nice. Can't wait!

Training in Hinterglemm-Saalbach: Learning the word "todger," Ceilidh dancing, and baby turtles

This past week saw me in Saalbach-Hinterglemm for a three-day training on being an English teaching assistant in Austria. The training itself contained the usual information on being a teacher, and offered some helpful advice for sorting out all the legal and official matters of being here in Austria.

Most important, though, was the chance to network with TAs from across Austria, including many folks from our local areas. AND, of course, these TAs weren't all American--the group included a large number of UK citizens, folks from Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England.

There were a few moments of light conflict--being forced to bring up stereotypes about the other side, but it was also an amazing time to compare language differences and learn new words like "minge," "clunge," and "todger." (This was on the first night in a bar--of course we wanted to learn all the dirty words that we'd never heard of...my favorite is the first one.)

The week was over too quickly, though--time flies when you're having a ball. Some  highlights include: dancing the Gay Gordons with everyone on "Bunter Abend," the final variety show evening where everyone lets their talents shine; playing cards near the top of a mountain instead of hiking to the top; aforementioned exchange of language in the only TINY bar open that night in Hinterglemm; being forced to drink outside because 10-14-year olds were filling the bar; witnessing the beauty and serenity that is the Austrian landscape.

Now, we all prepare for our first week of TA-ing in Austria. I'll leave for Tamsweg tomorrow in the afternoon (I am brimming with excitement to meet my students!) and return this weekend for Whiskey Weekend in Salzburg.

And a final word about baby turtles: One person I met this week, Rafiq, told the tale (probably for the fifteenth time) of taking a hike up a mountain on Catalina Island off California, getting lost because of fog, walking and walking for hours, but eventually returning safely home. At the end of the story, he  held up the pendant around his neck, a small turtle, and explained how baby turtles have to travel a huge distance after they are born, but they always know the way to get there, even if interrupted or misplaced. Some folks studying abroad or away from home feel lost, disconnected, or out to drift at some point. I love the story of the baby turtle in this sense--we know that the goal may sometimes be uncertain, the journey long and potentially painful, but that we will always end up where we need to, that we'll always get home at some point. This frees one to remember: enjoy the journey, even the uncomfortable parts, and remember what's important to you.