This particular adventure is not one we anticipated happening. Of course, we had prepared ourselves that it might be necessary were his condition not to improve. However, Michael seemed to be getting better until this morning. Another sleepless night with continued "stomach problems" was the determining factor.
We were very hopeful that this trip would not consume the entire day, and we were pleased to be seen in a timely manner. We got many confused looks when we explained that, yes, we live here and are from the U.S., and no, we don't have insurance. It probably would have helped if the first doctor we saw actually spoke English. The attendant was very helpful and explained the lab results would take a couple of hours. So, the waiting began. The waiting room was small, and the chairs were cramped together. Therefore, we were not disappointed when the room began to empty.
The second doctor who discussed his lab work was very kind and patient. He wants Michael to return tomorrow so they can monitor his progress. Apparently, the doctor noticed an infection in his blood but his white blood cell count was fine. According to the doctor, we should receive a bill in the mail, but, if we're lucky, it might not come until after we leave. Who knows. After 4 1/2 hours, we left the hospital with a prescription in hand and high hopes that Michael would start seeing good results. Overall, today was a day to be remembered.
Michael and I took a short trip by train through Austria to see the country side. We enjoyed our time away, and it was surprising to then return "home" to Vienna. Being in this city is becoming more familiar and comfortable, which is truly a blessing.
One of my good friends from college, Moriah, began making photo collages on her blog, so when Michael told me that I could easily do the same, I decided to try it myself. My hope is that these collages will capture our experiences in a different way. Due to some technical difficulties, this post is later than I anticipated (and lacks some pictures), but, nonetheless, here it is.
(DOUBLE CLICK THE IMAGE TO SEE LARGER VERSION)
You will notice a couple pictures containing bridges, which was Michael's obsession. I don't completely understand the fascination, but, I must admit, the images look impressive. Also, we enjoy drinking Coke light, which tastes much better than Diet Coke, and we always take time for gelato. Look carefully at the bottom middle picture as it is a water fountain made for drinking--this was great!
Michael is in Istanbul, Turkey with his studio for a week, so my mom came to keep me company! We are having a wonderful time together, and I am so grateful she was willing to visit. Please know that we miss our friends and family so much, and we are very serious about wanting visitors!
Unfortunately, it’s taken a while to get this blog started, but my hope is that it’s been worth the wait! So, thank you for your patience as we begin this journey together. I promise to be concise with what I write so you will actually read the blog, even though you may tempted to just look for pictures. And, please don’t hesitate to leave comments, so I know I am not just doing this for
myself (and for our parents, who will, undoubtedly comment on everything!)
We came to Vienna with a potential “furnished” apt to rent. However, there was a misunderstanding of what furnished meant, as the old bed, musty couch, and antique table were not going to be sufficient living quarters. Not to mention, the shower was in the kitchen! Therefore, we lived at the Hilton for a few days while we waited to move into our fully furnished apt that we absolutely love.
Our apt is the bottom floor of a two-story house, and the girls that live above us, Katrin and Kerstin, have been very kind to us as we adjust to being here. They have both speak English and have intermittently lived in other places, so, not only can they communicate with us (which is huge), but also, they understand how we feel being out of our element and in a new place.
Michael’s studio is going well, and he enjoys being at the Universitat fur Angewandte Kunst, which translated, is the University of Applied Arts. They are traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, next week, and, luckily, my mom is coming to keep me company while he is gone.
Since my responsibilities are limited as of now, check often for new postings!
Other Pictures from Vienna:
