"Embracing Roots and Wanderlust: A Solo Journey Through Austria" Part 1

Are you ready to embark on a journey with me as I share my unforgettable Austrian vacation experience with you? Buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, excitement, and adventure as I start my adventure by taking you first through my 21-hour journey from Edmonton to Altstadt (Old town) Salzburg.

The journey began with 2 flights totaling 12 hours and 25 minutes that took me from Edmonton to Vienna, with a 5-hour layover in Toronto. I was fortunate enough to be pampered in the comfort of premium economy on board Air Canada, where I had ample legroom, delicious meals, and excellent service. I made sure to take advantage of this luxury and even slept like a baby, recharging my energy for the adventures that awaited me in Austria.

Upon arriving in Vienna in the morning on day 2 of my journey, I was filled with excitement and nerves. I anxiously waited for my Airalo eSIM to turn on so I could let family know I’ve made it safely, after what seemed like eternity (it really was like only 5 minutes 😂) it turned on and I messaged the hubby. Now to grab some water, a snack and head to the train station within the Vienna airport. Who knew that there were so many options when it came to sparkling water 🤷‍♀️ I stood there just staring and kept thinking…how am I gonna do this holiday. I finally approached a couple of police officers that were grabbing some drinks, I asked what is my best option for sparkling water, the soft, medium or hard because we don’t have those options in Canada 😂 and could one of them just choose for me, one of them grabbed a bottle and said you will like this one which I did and it became my go to water for my trip (I do wonder what the soft and hard one would have been like though). Finally able to head to the train station where I had some time before my final leg of my journey to Salzburg I sat and talked with a woman who just came back from Israel visiting friends, I was glad to have met her as she ended up helping me catch the right trains. As it turned out Austria had some flooding just prior to my arrival which in turn affected the train system so nothing was running smoothly. Finally we boarded just to have to get off and transfer shortly after, carrying my luggage at a quick pace up the stairs at the terminal where I transferred had left me breathless yet determined. The train had to take alternative routes on old tracks to reach Salzburg.

VOSLAUER prickelnd

Despite the initial setback and a full train, the train ride from the Vienna airport to Salzburg turned out to be a beautiful ride.The views were breathtaking, and I was surrounded by the lush greenery over the countryside with baroque style churches everywhere and the majestic mountains of Austria in the distance. I smiled to myself and thought…I did it! I am so thankful to the wonderful incredibly polite and friendly people that I encountered for making me feel not only welcome but safe as well.

How magical… the train plays music as it leaves the station

Musical Trains

Will My Vacation Be Worth It?

After a total journey of over 21 hours from home to my beautiful hotel Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich in Salzburg, I couldn't help but question if my vacation would be worth it. However, as I settled into my cozy room and gazed out my window and I heard the beautiful church bells chime, I knew that all the challenges and obstacles I had faced along the way were nothing compared to the beauty and magic that Austria has yet to share with me.
On my next part of my journey join me as I explore the historic streets of Altstadt Salzburg, indulge in delicious Austrian cuisine, and immerse myself in the rich culture and traditions of this beautiful city.

xo

Wolf-Dietrich Altstadthotel - Church Bells

"From Strike Stress to Alpine Success: Prepping for Austria in 2 Weeks!"

I’ve never had the urge to explore my mother's home country of Austria until these past couple of years. Unfortunately, my mom passed away from COVID-19 in 2021, and I now feel a deep need to connect with my roots. This journey will be bittersweet, as I will be visiting relatives I have never met, exploring the stunning Baroque architecture, and immersing myself in the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful country all without her by my side.

The thought of finally experiencing Austria firsthand fills me with a mixture of excitement, nervousness and a sense of calm. I'm thrilled to see the picturesque cities of Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Innsbruck, Linz and more in person. The thought of wandering down cobblestone streets in Altstadt Salzburg and through the enchanting landscapes and historic sites is both surreal and exhilarating. However, I also feel a twinge of nervousness as I step out of my comfort zone and embark on this adventure alone.

One thing I can't wait to try in Austria is the famous Sachertorte, although I’ve made it as a Christmas dessert for a few years now I know that mine will never compare to the original. This decadent chocolate cake is a must-try for any visitor to Vienna. Paired with a steaming cup of Viennese coffee, it's the perfect way to indulge in the local culinary delights. The rich history and tradition of Viennese coffeehouses make them a cozy spot to relax and savor the moment, perhaps I will use this time to reflect back throughout the years and begin my journey of healing. ❤️‍🩹

Did you know that Vienna consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in the world, and I can't wait to see why. Known for its high quality of life, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Vienna has something for everyone. From the grandeur of the Hofburg Palace to the artistic treasures of the Belvedere Museum, there's so much to see and do in this dynamic city.

If you know me, you know that autumn is my most favorite time of the year and I'm particularly excited to see Austria’s countryside in ablaze with vibrant fall colors. The picturesque village of Hallstatt, nestled on the shores of a crystal-clear lake, is a postcard-perfect destination that I along with millions of others cannot wait to capture on a camera. The charming town of Innsbruck, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains that have recently received a record amount of snow, offers a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Exploring these idyllic settings will be a feast for the senses.

In conclusion, my upcoming trip to Austria I’m sure promises to be an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion. From exploring the bustling streets of Vienna, to wandering through the Altstadt of Salzburg, I can't wait to soak up all that this beautiful country has to offer. As I embark on this adventure, I know that I will be forever changed by the experience.

I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you, so please continue to watch for posts.

xo

2024 the year of changes!

2024 the year of changes, things around here will be a little bit different, starting with this new website that will not only focus on my babies, but will begin to focus on my personal side with pictures and blog posts I no longer am featuring an actual store like my previous shopify store. I encourage all those to reach out to me either through the contact page in the menu above or by emailing me at hello@sueshupeniacreative.com if you would like any information on how to either purchase a reborn Kit from me or for custom availability.

I am starting to scale down on my reborn artistry this year due to my ET (Essential Tremor) (Essential tremor is a condition that affects the nervous system, causing involuntary and rhythmic shaking or trembling. This shaking is often most obvious in the hands and forearms, but essential tremor can also affect the head, voice, face, and rarely the legs. This movement disorder is not life-threatening.) Unfortunately these tremor affect some of my fingers making it very difficult and tremendously very frustrating especially when I have to root hair. The tremor is worse in my left hand then right but regardless it can be very debilitating. I have to focus very hard when I work on my babies and when I reach the point of frustration I have to walk away. Regardless of my ET I will not sacrifice on the quality of babies I produce, it just may take me a little longer for that perfection I strive for.

This year I will try to focus more on myself in both body and mental health.

Thank you for hanging out with me,

xo

Sue