If there’s one thing Austrians know how to do, it’s playgrounds. Also hotdogs, but that’s a different post for a different day. Anyway, the playgrounds here are amazing – always meticulously cared-for spaces that include plenty of death defying action for kids of all ages. That’s right, I said “death defying.” I’m talking super steep slides, zip lines, crazy climbing structures, and indescribable fun stuff like this:
Yes, that kid is jumping from one tall pole to another, without any kind of helmet, safety net, or parent worrying. It’s not quite a free-for-all adventure playground, but it is definitely a far cry from the sad plastic padded playground equipment we find back home. Another big difference? There are actually kids playing on this one.
Unlikely Diplomat 
Amazing! Of course,your father, siblings and I survived hanging on the running boards of Pop Pop’s truck going down the road with Pop driving ( a danger in and of itself! ) We rode horses with no hats. Had no idea what a helmut was and in winter Pop would pull our sleds back up the hill with the truck by hanging ropes off the back which we held onto while lying on our sleds sucking exhaust fumes all the way and hoping there wasn’t too much ice on the road so the truck didn’t slide backwards over us! Now I know what you’re saying to yourself … exhaust fumes! So that explains why they are the way they are! Yep! That and the bourbon cough syrup Meme use to make for us! Ah, those were the days!
Can I get the recipe for that bourbon cough syrup?!
Take a mason jar with lid and drop in a big chunk of rock candy ( crystalized sugar) and fill to the top with bourbon. Over time the sugar melts a little and it gets thicker like syrup. You then dole it out to coughing kids, unruly kids and rub it on baby’s gums when they are teething. OK maybe we spent part of our early days slightly loopy but we all loved Meme best!
Do I have to give it to my kids? Or can mommy keep the special medicine for herself? 😉
You should teach them to share. Just make sure to give them some first and wait a little then take yours. You don’t want to wake up to a house run by kids while you were “out”!
Wise words, as always Cousin Connie!
what’s the thing with the hot-dogs? *curious!* 🙂
haha – they’re just really good, and seem to be one of the 4 main food groups here (others being potatoes, cabbage and beer)
Thanks for the info! Q: Hotdog meaning plane sausages oder meaning a sausage in some kind of bread/roll with toppings?
No here the frankfurters/hotdogs are served with a slice of bread and mustard. If plain hotdogs aren’t exciting enough, there are plenty of other sausages to choose from!
In France leading yoga retreat. Had pain raisin for you this morning
YES! Please have at least 5 more. After you finish downward dogging, of course.