Christmas Market & Christmas Carp!

Dusk in front of the Opera

On Saturday night, we went to the Christmas Market here in Bratislava with the boys.  We went just before sunset so that we could see the lights and enjoy some Market Food for "dinner".  After riding the tram down (in case Brian and I wanted some Medovina), we walked through the square with the Opera House and then onto the other Market area.

Looking back toward the Main Square

There were booths filled with all kinds of grilled foods - gypsy chicken, sausages, peppers, onions.  To drink they had many hot drinks - punch, mulled wine (white or red), and medovina (honey wine).  Of course, we found a booth that had mainly pastries and medovina.  The boys chose two chocolate potato pancakes (lokse) with chocolate syrup.  We stopped to eat and enjoy the atmosphere and the view back toward the square.  All week it was below zero, so once the sun went down, it got cold quickly - so after a little over an hour, we walked back and caught our tram home.

Our wire Ikea tree for our new
collection of Europe Market Ornaments 

Since it had been so cold, we went back to town today to do a little shopping.  We each bought one Christmas Ornament to remember Bratislava by.  Brian picked a fish (you'll see why below), Owen picked a spider in a web, Hayden picked a snow globe with a tree that has an LED light, and I got a ball that says "Bratislava."  It was much warmer and less slushy since the weather has been above freezing for the last couple of days.  And, the sun was even out some!

Christmas Carp!!

And, for the Exciting News today - we walked down to where they have  some portable tanks full of fish set up for the week.  Very Interesting!  There is even one set up here by our house next to the Post Office and Grocery.  Each tank has a bunch of giant Carp swimming in it!

Basically, you pick out a Carp and then the men net it out, put it in a plastic bag and weigh it.  After you pay for it, and it is still intermittently wiggling, you take it home to put in your tub.  Then on Christmas Eve - dinner is your large fish.  But, this is definitely not for me since I would have to kill it and then clean it.  We're sticking with Turkey.  But, we found some really good articles on the tradition on-line - there's even a video of the fish in a tub here.

Even on a Wednesday at 10:30 am, there was a line of over 6 people at each sales area.

One of the tanks had a hole in the bottom to let the water out (water was being added by the hoses at the top) and a fish had gotten his head stuck in it - trying to escape??, or just too darn crowded and was pushed??  Either way, the kids thought that was super funny.

The boys were very impressed.  They both wanted one.  Owen even said that next Christmas he's going to ask for a Carp.  Hmmm...not sure Santa can bring that in a sleigh.




Click Here for Pictures on Facebook

Vienna Boys Choir & Christmas Market

We got up at 5:30 am to go to a Church Service today.

OK - Now that you're over that shock....

At the end of Mass, they perform @ floor level.

We went to Vienna to meet the Boy Scout Troop and the Girl Scout Troop for the morning Mass at the Hofburg Palace Chapel.  This is the home chapel to the Vienna Boys Choir.  For 5 euros each, we all got to sit in the tourist areas on either side of the chapel.  The seats are up high and the rooms are connected to the open windows of the chapel.  If you were lucky enough to get a window seat, you could look down and see the whole service, but the majority of the seating for tourists are not at the windows (we were 1 row back).  So, they broadcast the whole service on TVs in each viewing area - there is no sound on the TVs because you can hear everything live.  Our seats were on the same level as the Boys Choir, so we could see them through our window.  This week, it was an even more special service because joining the Boys Choir, were members from the National Phil Harmonic and the National Opera.

So, how did it go?  It was actually ok.  Hayden napped (so I had to cover up some snoring) and Owen and Brian kept the fidgeting to a minimum.  It was extra hard because it wasn't in English (it was German and Latin) and you really couldn't see much.  But it was nice to get to see the chapel and also hear the choir.  There was some "shush-ing" going on in our box area, but it was among the ADULT tourists - my kids were good!

After our chapel experience, we made our way with Jeannine and her 3 girls to one of the many Vienna Christmas Markets.  It was extremely cold and windy!  But, the sun did come out a little.

Brian and Owen got some roasted Chestnuts.  I tried them, but I have decided that I like the song better than the actual food.

For lunch, we had a variety of Market Food.  Hayden and I shared a fried thing that was like Ham & Cheese.  Owen and Brian had Curry-Wurst.  After walking around some more, we had a large flaky pastry that was pudding filled, chocolate drizzled, and in the shape of a giant pretzel.  Then we let the kids all each get a piece of candy - Hayden chose chocolate covered strawberries which he nicely shared with Mommy & Daddy.

Since we all had numb toes and fingers, we decided to head home.  But, we'll definitely go back to see all of the lights in Vienna.  Even if it is too cold and we just drive around to see them!  All of the parks are full of lights and even buildings and Hotels all have large lighted decorations.  Maybe we'll have dinner at our favorite Mexican Restaurant there and then see the lights on Friday since we'll need to pick up Brian at the airport.

Click for more pictures from Facebook.

Pancakes with Santa

On Saturday, the Habitat for Humanity from school had a Breakfast with Santa to raise money for their House Building Trip.  It was breakfast, crafts, pictures with Santa, and a goody-bag at the Crowne Plaza for 25 euros per family.  They did a great job putting it together.

Owen's first words were, "That's not the real Santa.  You know how I know - he's not fat."

It still amazes me how nice all of the kids are.  These were teenagers that put this on - all of them were very friendly, took care of the kids, shook hands with the parents - totally opposite of the way most teenagers are in the US (and of the way Brian was).

The Breakfast was good too.  They weren't traditional US pancakes - they were Lokse - potato crepes.  They had all sorts of toppings out to add - maple syrup, chocolate, caramel, strawberry, powdered sugar, etc.  Was more like dessert!  Good thing it was from 10:00 - 12:00 - although it was then our lunch...

Both kids had a great time eating, drinking and doing crafts.  They got to make paper chains and magnets.

Hot Honey Wine

Well, we got our first Babysitter (named Zuzanna - the most common name here) and went out to the Christmas Market with our neighbors, the Earls.  After some sips of Hurska, we rode the tram down so that we could partake in all of merry-ment!

When we got there, we actually knew one of the other couples that we were meeting.  They have two kids at our school and in Boy Scouts.  They said to us, "David said he was brining some American friends."  Hahaha...guess we're the "American friends" now.  And, it really isn't that big of a town - so, it turns out you see someone you know a lot.  

The lights were very pretty and the atmosphere was just so nice.  We'll take the kids back to see it and have some market food - just as soon as it is not too cold!  We were able to delay the feeling of cold a bit by having some Hot Honey Wine (Medovina).  And, after drinking a few of those, we felt the need to eat a bit.  Brian had one of his favorites - a chicken sandwhich - Ciganska Peciencka.  And I, of course, had a potato crepe - Lokse - filled with a banana and chocolate and topped with caramel.  Wonderful!!

After everyone got too cold, we went to a bar down the street that wasn't too crowded - we were lucky with our timing and got a table big enough for our group as another group was leaving.  We stayed a bit longer and then came home to relieve our sitter at about 23:00.  Not too bad.  I was even able to recruit Ann (the other mom from school) to do Karate with me!

Winter Program at School

QSI Bratislava is the American School here and the school we go to and on Thursday, there was a Holiday Showcase.  Actually, it was an "All Seasons" program - with each season represented.  It was held in the large Auditorium and was full of songs, dancing, skits, and live music.  I was very impressed!  It was Excellent!  They will be selling a copy of the show on DVD for 2 Euros, so I'll post some excerpts when I get my DVD.

Each class did multiple songs and dances.  Many kids played music to accompany the classes - violins, piano, drums, guitars, flutes, etc.  And, Owen's class used recorders.  I was also very impressed with what they were able to achieve with the little kids.

My pictures are very poor - I forgot to take the real camera.  But, I'll be sure to update this with some footage!!

This movie is of Hayden's class - I stopped filming right after they started singing - OOPS!  Don't worry - I'll definitely post the better stuff when I get it!

Sledding with the Neighbors

Snowy Weekend - Time to relax and gear up for the BUSY Weeks to come!!

In the afternoon we went sledding with the neighbors in the school lot right across the street from us.  It was a lot of fun.  Then we enjoyed hot chocolate at their house.  Owen wasn't sure what it was because it didn't come from a pouch and have powder that you had to stir in!


While the kids warmed up, the adults all had a shot (or two) of Hruska.  It is a Pear Brandy made here in Slovakia and we actually just sipped our shots.  Such lightweights - or me at least!

The other popular flavor here is Plum = Slivovica.







And now to try to post a video...don't want to leave out those that aren't on Facebook!

Advent Calendars, Snow and a Tree!

After-school activities are cancelled for this afternoon.  It's been snowing all day!  We have about 15cm so far (that's 5.9 inches).  But it is also all on top of clumpy, frozen ice from the last snow.  Not much gets plowed here.

It is also the first of December!  So, we have the Advent Calendar Excitement!!  We did the Lego before school and we'll do the chocolates after school.  The boys were disappointed that they couldn't have the chocolate before getting on the bus!  I'm just mean like that.

We also let the boys pick out a tree this weekend.  I was thinking about a small, live tree in a bucket that could stay indoors in our sunroom year-round.  But, they were thinking snowy fake tree.  We ended up letting them make the decision.  We can use it again next year and also bring it home with us when we come back to Colorado.  Brian bought himself some balls (hee, hee) - of course they are in Maroon & Orange.

The real decorations are going to be purchased at the Christmas Markets.  Each of us will get to pick an ornament from each city's Christmas Market that we visit.  We'll get them from Bratislava, Vienna, and we'll check out some others as we drive around during break.  That way we'll have souvenirs from all over Europe that will be special.  Also, the tree is a bit busy with all of the snow and pine cones, so we don't need many ornaments!

Hope everyone is well!

Thanksgiving Dinner

We woke up this morning to Owen pointing out the window.  It was snowing and the boys were really excited!  They went out with Brian to throw snowballs at each other - very wet snowballs!  After drying out, we went to Devin to a Birthday party for a boy in Hayden's class.  It was really nice, with lots of home-made Gourmet food, and the boys all played great together.  We had to leave early though since we were going to the Crowne Plaza to eat Thanksgiving Dinner!


So that Brian and I could both enjoy some wine, we decided to take the tram.  There is a zero tolerance policy in Europe.  The boys - Owen, Hayden, and Eidyn - loved the tram ride!  The restaurant was rearranged to have a set of couches while a slingbox-ed football game was played.  The kids are also had Thanksgiving Charlie Brown on their own TV and I printed out a bunch of Thanksgiving activity and coloring pages for them to do.  There were about 40 adults and 25 kids - it was a great idea because it got very popular in a short time - it wasn't really even planned until a week and a half before!  We started off listening to live piano music while enjoying wine, beer, sodas, juices & egg nogs.

Seating was at large tables filled with about 3 families each.  First we all received soup - Chestnut Soup - Delicious!!!  Then each table was served their own turkey and side dishes to carve and pass.  After the kids all ate, they were able to go back to the kids area and color, play with toys, & watch the TV programs - this meant nice dinner for the adults!

After enjoying dinner, we had some mingling time and got to talk more to some of the adults that we had met.  Then, it was time for the dessert bar!  There was pumpkin pie, pecan pie, pumpkin & pecan pie, and ice cream.  My favorite though, was the pumpkin cheese cake that my friend Jeannine made - it was Excellent!

After many hours of eating and drinking, we got our coats on and rode the tram back home.  Brian had a lot of beer, and we both had way too much food - so we were a bit uncomfortable through the night!  Even had to open up the Tums.  But, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without distended stomachs!

It was so very nice to be able to share a table and spend a wonderful evening with our friends.  I'm so glad that they are in Bratislava!

Here is a link to all of the pictures from the night: Facebook Pictures

Thanksgiving Day Baby Shower

We had a baby shower today for one of the moms in the 5 year old class (Andrea, Milan's mom).  Her due date is the 27th of December - same birthday as Hayden - we'll see if that is when he comes.  None of the other moms had ever done a Baby Shower before.  It is not something that is done here in Slovakia either - I couldn't find anything with baby themes - no decorations, no wrapping paper even!

Since Andrea is tired and busy with her 5 year old's birthday this week, she almost didn't come.  Christina (Eidyn's mom) had to convince her - after some talk and promises that it wouldn't be long, she decided to come.  She was very surprised!

Christina brought food that she "stayed up working all night on" - actually it was from the hotel.  So we really had a beautifully catered affair!

I found some dark blue (no light blue anywhere) crepe paper rolls and some white, so we cut those and made streamers.  And, we hung balloons (multi-colored available only) up in strings.  I also found some blue flower plates and napkins that we were able to use.  Even with only 7 people total, we ran out of mugs and forks, and had to use plastic kid cups for our cold drinks.  We really need to go to Ikea for some glasses and maybe one more set of silverware.  I did hear that Ikea also has small Christmas trees, so maybe we'll go there on Sunday.

White Chocolate Cake
with Layers of Cream - Mmmmm

For games, we didn't have time for a lot, but I was able to find some marshmallow candy that looked like pacifiers.  I used some blue string to make necklaces from them and we played the "baby" word game for the whole party.  If you heard someone say "baby" you got to take their necklaces - the one with the most at the end was the winner.  I also filled a bottle with mentos and had everyone guess how many.

It was nice for everyone to be able to get together and talk.  And also for everyone else to see what a "Baby Shower" is.  We also talked about all of the different beliefs for kids at Christmas - there are a lot of them!  Two of our moms may be leaving at the end of the year, so we also were able to have a good time with them before they have to leave.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!  We'll post pictures of ours from Saturday.

Facebook Pictures:  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5708891&l=addfbfdc07&id=518481164

Slovak Theatre & Russian Ballet

This morning, we went to the Slovak National Theatre to meet a guy that works with Brian.  It was an open house day and the man that works with Brian has a son (Mate, 11 years old) that is in a play - so we got to see his stage, his dressing room, etc.  The whole building is new and very nice.

This is the stage that his play will be on.  There are several in the building.  They had people from the play performing small songs, skits, etc.  Then they let people walk back-stage to see how it all works.

Before they let everyone backstage though, we got to go back by ourselves, and the kids got to jump on some trampolines that are used in the play.  The three kids with Owen and Hayden are all in the play.  If you look closely, you'll be able to see Mate climbing the tree (he's wearing green and is climbing up the back).  The three kids get to do several different costume changes and have one whole dressing room to themselves.  The dressing rooms were complete with shower room, bathroom, and mirrors - very spacious and nice.

We then went to see a man reading fairy tales.  While he read, an artist painted in a tray of sand which was projected up for all to see.  We couldn't understand the words, but it was still very nice to be included in this neat Slovak tradition.



After letting the boys get their pictures taken in the large polar bear (above), we all went across the street to the Eurovea mall and had lunch together at the food court.  It was so nice of them to include us in their day!  I just wish Hayden hadn't misbehaved all the way through lunch!!

The next activity for the afternoon was to see the Russian Ballet perform The Nutcracker.  After leaving the nice Slovak Theatre, we drove up to the old Istropolis Building.  This used to be a very large theatre. It still has a theatre in it, but is now used as a cinema too and also has businesses all around it in the building.  Some of the Slovak moms at school have said that the Russian Ballet is playing there as a statement - this building was built during the reign of communism.  Very interesting....I tend to agree with them after seeing the facility - especially after seeing the wonderful new Slovak National Theatre.

We went in and found our seats.   They actually didn't sell very many tickets - there were a lot of seats open.  But, it was a matinee at 2:00 pm.  The set wasn't as good as I imagined it would be either.  I am guessing it is because this show is only seasonal, because we've heard that their other performances of Swan Lake, etc. were phenomenal.  Anyway - I'm not complaining - we only paid 14 euro each and got to see the Real Russian Ballet in an Old Communist Building in Eastern Europe.  And, the boys can grow up and appreciate it later.  :)

Since I wasn't sure about intermission or anything else really, we bought a program.  It was all written in German!  (Not sure if that was another statement or just cost savings...)  And, I hadn't brought in any food, but they were selling food and drinks there - so we also bought two sodas to share during the performance.  I did actually need a bit of caffeine...  They also never checked for cameras, etc - so we've even got some video of the show during the scene with the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies.  I'll load it on Facebook for everyone.

Pictures:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=256649&id=518481164&l=a4c50d982b

Cement Plant Tour

Kiln at Cement Plant

We got to tour a cement plant today with the Boy Scouts - Excellent!  One of the dads works at the plant and gave us all a very good tour with Control Room, Plant, Quarry, and even snacks and gift bags.

We first went in for a Safety Discussion.  They showed slides and asked the kids to identify what was wrong.

We then got all of our safety equipment on (PPE to those of you in the US) and headed outside to see the big equipment.  The kids all held onto a knotted rope to keep them together during the tour.

Conveyors from Quarry on the right

After the limestone is blasted, it rides conveyors down to the plant.  Two kinds of cement are produced here - white and grey (regular).  The white is special and used in architectural applications.  They then melt it in 1400 C, slightly inclined, rotating, brick-lined kilns (shown in the top picture).  At the end of the kiln, there are tubes with special designs that break up the flow and make the klinkers (like little marble type chunks).

We also got to see mills, preheaters, filter bag houses, etc.  The control is all done via PLC (Siemens & Allen Bradley) - yes, I am a nerd and asked.  I wanted to ask a lot more questions, but since it was a tour for the kids, I restrained myself.

Next we rode up the elevator to the platform to see the view of the town & the plant.  We were 120 meters high.

After a pit-stop for the kids, we boarded a bus (not a plant bus either - a really nice rented tour bus) and made our way out to see the quarry.

After driving around to see the quarry levels, we stopped and all walked up to the area near where the trucks dump their loads so that the rocks can make it down the conveyors to the plant.  Here, the kids were treated to an extra special surprise...

They each got a ride in the 60 ton dump trucks!  With three kids per truck, they got to drive down into the quarry, get loaded, drive back and dump the load.  

Very Cool!!!  

(One other note - this picture was taken at just after 4:30 pm.
It is getting dark earlier here too.)

We then went back to turn in our Safety Equipment and were all given gift bags with shirts, hats, pens, stickers, balloons, etc.  This was such a good tour.  And, all of the walls had pictures of their work with children, their town days, and community service.  

One other thing I noticed was that there were actually working restrooms for the women that were the same size as the ones for the men!  (Just one thing a lot of old plants tend to not have.  I know.)
One thing Brian noticed was that farther away at the quarry, the walls of the shop were plastered with large girly photos.  (Just one thing a lot of old plants tend to have.  And Brian tends to notice.)

I'm hoping that while we're here, Brian's plant will get to give a tour to the group.  We'll just have to wait and see what the rules are.

Sonnentherme Water Park

Outdoor Thermal Pool & Tower with Slides

It was a Slovak Holiday on Wednesday, so we went to Austria for some fun!  We drove through the countryside past many, many vineyards and through many small towns.  After about 1 hour and 40 minutes, we arrived in Lutzmannsburg.  Since I am Geographically Challenged, here is the wiki link with map.  It is basically on the border of Austria and Hungary.

Kids Pools & Smaller Slides

The reason we went there is to visit a water park.  It's name is Sonnentherme.  It was very amazing!  We went in and got our bracelets then proceded to the locker room.  In the locker room, there were shower rooms, changing rooms, a kid play area, hair dryers, bathrooms, and lots of lockers to keep your stuff in.  There was even an elevator ("lift") to get your strollers down to the locker room and then back upstairs, nursing stations, pool specifically for babies, etc.  It is totally made for families and kids.  So, we got a locker and changed, then went upstairs to check out the pools. 

There was tons of seating - with really nice reclining lounge chairs.  Hardly any people were there (especially after lunch when nap time hit), so it was really great!

Bridge to Jump From &
1 Indoor Slide (in background)

The slides were incredible!  For two of them, there was an elevator to ride up (see above picture), then they come twisting down the outside of the elevator tower back down inside.  One was fast & one was slower with a dark part that had a special light show and stars.  There were also two slides inside that were long and twisting.  Then there were smaller slides for smaller kids too.  The outdoor pool was thermal, so you can swim all year round - it was really nice and warm (with no sulfur smell).

Outdoor Thermal Pool

The biggest difference between here and the states was the complete lack of life guards or people to monitor slide lines, etc.  I think that we saw maybe two employees the whole time.  The only other time there were "official employees" in the pool area were to accompany a large Bunny that sang & danced for the kids.  You also never have to sign any waivers....  Much different perspective.  I'm just glad that both kids can swim well so I didn't feel too nervous!

One major bonus for Brian was when we were leaving.  Walking back down to the locker rooms, I thought that maybe I had made a mistake and gone into a Men's room.  There was a man (thankfully with his back to me) changing out of his suit and into his clothes.  Mind you that there are many, many changing rooms (complete with hooks, seats, and mirrors and doors) only a few feet away.  And, OF COURSE, he and his family were in the two lockers next to our locker!  So, Brian and Owen went to change and then when they got back, Hayden and I went to change.  While Hayden and I were in the changing rooms, the lady of the family proceded to change out of her suit and then into clothes right next to Owen and Brian - who by this time were sitting nicely on the bench waiting for us, facing directly toward the locker and this woman.  Goodness!   (Note NO PICTURES with this paragraph.  But, you can find a "nice" picture of the Bunny singing on Facebook.)

Movie Night with the Neighbors

Since Wednesday is a Slovak Holiday (their Independence Day), we had the neighbors over for a movie night on Tuesday night.  We ordered pizza and watched Star Wars # 2.  Owen's friend, Alex, hadn't seen them all so they were all excited!  

Ordering pizza was an experience.  I ordered on the internet, so it wasn't too bad.  The driver didn't speak much English though (good thing Kala was here when he called!) and it took about 1 hour to get it - good thing we had chicken nuggets to supplement for the kids.  But, it was good pizza and should be easier next time.

It was very nice to get to spend some more time with our neighbors (or maybe I should say "neighbours.")  We're planning to go to the Christmas Market in Bratislava with them one evening.  We'll try for a sitter and just us adults will go!  Looking forward to it!

And, because we had such fun, we're planning to have a couple more movie nights with "Traditional" American Christmas movies.  I realized after I told them that, they may be thinking of "every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings."  But in the Sapp house, the "traditional" movies are:  Christmas Vacation, Elf, and A Christmas Story.  Hmmmm, hope they'll still want to hang out with us after those!

Hainburg Castle, Christmas Market Set-up

Started off with the weekend with a Beautiful Sunrise (even though the trash truck still came at 6:30)!

View out of our bedroom window

Went downtown to check out the Oxford Bookstore.  They carry English books and the school gave us a 15% off coupon.  The coupon helps a lot because all books are marked up significantly.  The market stalls all around the downtown area are being set up for the Christmas Markets.  They were even working on lighting for the Christmas Tree.  Of course, there were people standing in it and not tied-off.  There is no OSHA here!!  Supposedly the Christmas Markets are wonderful sights and great times...and Vienna is supposed to be "magical."  So - keep following and we'll find out together!

We also visited the Hainburg Castle.  Hainburg is a little town in Austria a few minutes away.  Last time Brian went up, there was a festival at the castle.  This time, it was a bit windy, but it was great exercise (steep walk up to it).  And, like every castle so far, it is really hard to imagine how it is still standing and how the people used to live.  We all like exploring the tunnels and stones and abandoned areas.  I can't wait to see the ruins in Rome some day.  I'll post all of the pictures on Facebook.