Today marks exactly eight weeks, as my Macbook keeps reminding me. ‘You have not backed up in 60 days.’ Two months. This makes me sad.

Spring is well and truly here. Sandals are no longer being worn with stockings (yes this was a thing). Bike rides to Germany are frequent. Homework is often brushed aside for lying in the sun. Sunburn is plastered across the faces of most people at the dinner table.

This week I didn’t have all that much class again – only two days; one of which the teachers didn’t turn up for. It meant that I really got to enjoy flowery Dornbirn. Seriously, the flora here is actually INSANE. It’s like a constant competition of whose nature strip trumps.

Sunday, a group went to Bregenz, a town on Lake Constance/Bodensee which is pretty close to us and a bit like a waterfront Dornbirn. Having come from church, I was a bit late so changed plans a bit, cycling onto Lindau in Germany with Thibaut instead. It was a round trip of about 50km which is pretty incredible that an entire country is that accessible. Just had to remember our passports. We met up with the others later at a beach bar and basked in the sun under fraudulent cabanas. Austria’s ‘Bondi Bucket List’.

Wednesday, Adam, Chloe and I went to Feldkirch in Adam’s car. There we ate ice cream and walked by the super super blue river which was pretty amazing. It looked a lot like Innsbruck, only smaller, with colourful buildings, mountains and rivers. Even had it’s own ‘love lock’ bridge – or an attempt at one. On the way home we got pulled over by the police (RBTed) and were asked to see our ID. Technically, not having EU ID, Chloe and I should always have our Passport on us. I actually often do, but had taken mine out that morning. Still, I thought it had potential to be in my wallet which was in the boot and got out of the car to go check. Apparently a big No-No but we somehow managed to not get thrown into jail for the night after a stressful extended period of waiting whilst we were checked. The day was followed by much needed hair cuts.

Thursday we watched Billy Madison after a long day of animation. Nights here are often the highlights of the week, watching movies like these or staying up late playing card games or making friendship bracelets. It sounds lame but it’s THE best bonding and entertainment. Also terrible for my health when both Isabella and Thibaut bake cakes for dessert.

Saturday Isabella and I went to the market (which is now boasting a huge range of flowers and fresh fruits and veggies and breads and meats and cheeses and preserves and nuts etc). We went out for coffee after which was really nice to properly catch up with my fellow Aussie. That night people came over for Adam and Simon’s ‘Belgium meets Poland party’ which was really great. It turned out to be a longer night than expected, capped with Grease reenactments and flower picking.

Sunday bookended the week with another post church bike ride to Germany. After little sleep we caught the hour train to Friedrichshafen and then cycled on to Meersburg (a group also did the Lindau trip we’d done from last week.) It took longer than expected due to excessive photo breaks at places such as Hagnau and lying in the sun but there we were greeted by one of the most picturesque lakeside towns. People have even started to swim! With caprese salad and bread rolls we watched the ferries dock and 90% of people devour icecream (seriously – icecream is such a big thing here.) We cycled home via swimming baths (our own Balmoral) with long piers and fresh cut grass. The water was clear and the sky even clearer. I’m so looking forward to summer. I now sit here exhausted yet pleased that I’ve finished the week’s blog post with 1 hour and a half to go. Good morning Australia, I so hope you’re well.

Lindau

Bregenz Opera set being built

Becoming a bit of a habit

Killer lighting/views at school strike again

Driving to Feldkirch

Gaol

Chloe’s reaction to police

Friedrichshafen

One of a million vineyards

Meersburg

Train home

Thought of you, mum – candle holders
Late night pizza and free lollipops (phone battles at night sorry)
Friendship bracelets
Reverse Snap

Isabella’s black sesame cake

Tonight there were lots of fires by the river