The Eve of Quarantine

The speed of the quarantine procedures shocked all of us.  Monday 9 March, we debated a trip to Berlin for the upcoming weekend.  We chose not to go so the kids could play in their sports events never anticipating that by Thursday everything would be cancelled.  We said there is no way schools would close and the next week, schools, restaurants, stores, and Churches all shuttered.  Austria implemented strict procedures.  We can only leave the house for four reasons - groceries, medical, essential work, and exercise.  The playgrounds and fields are all wrapped in red and white striped tape.  Violators risk a 3600 euro fine.  Dave attempted a trip to a basketball court with Owen and the police stopped them.

The Sunday the new rules emerged we were out on one of the city hikes discussing how relieved we felt not being in Berlin as most of the borders had closed.

Dave thought we should try to find a schnitzel one last time.  While most places had already closed, we found a restaurant that dated from 1609, Buschenschank Wolff in Neustift am Walde.  Another American family with the same idea came in after us but otherwise we enjoyed an empty restaurant knowing it would be a bit before we dined out again.

Florence Artisanal Tour

Florence is still filled with artists and craftspeople whose shops date back centuries.  On our last day, I spent the morning with a guide learning about these crafts.

We started in a metal workshop with an 80 year-old who creates pieces for Dior and Gucci.  He showed us the templates and machines he uses to make the pieces.

We went to a studio where the artist etches images into metal, prints them, and then paints the prints.

Finally, we learned about different types of leathers from a women who designs purses and wallets.

A Morning at the Uffizi and breakfast at All'antico

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, my favourite tour guide showed us around Florence and explained the magnificence of Michelangelo. She took us  to the main Medici buildings where he lived when he left his father's house. She explained how the city looked during his time and where his main works sat in the City.  We leaned how the Florentines valued style and beauty and felt every person should benefit from beautiful public spaces and buildings - not just the rich.  We left the Academia appreciating Michelangelo's genius.


After a late afternoon nap, we enjoyed an amazing dinner and walked around the beautiful city.