We took the opportunity to take a day trip to Graz, Austria yesterday since it is so close and it was a fun day. The boys enjoyed themselves even amidst Asher’s occasional screaming(due to a lack of being able to communicate). Graz is Austria’s 2nd largest city and it was great to experience their holiday markets as well. The kids got to check out the Kinder Advent and apparently Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up just outside the city in Thal. I really enjoyed the whole day.

Toren with a real robot made out of what looks like recycled car parts. There is a small exhibition at Schwarzenegger’s childhood home.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s childhood home. It’s a pretty good size and I even got to see where he did #1 and #2.

The sword from the movie “Conan the Barbarian.”

Uh oh, it’s the Terminator. Although I do recall him saying, “I’ll be back.”

I loved that they had these all over the parking garage.

The view from the Mur river towards Schlossberg park.

The Murinsel, really disappointed that it’s closed on Mondays so we didnt get to check out the cafe or the children’s playground.

The interior, near the cafe.

A partial view from Schlossberg park above.

A view looking at the beginning of the hike up to the top of Schlossberg park that used to have a former fortress.

Beautiful artistry on the buildings at Hauptplatz.

At night with the Xmas lights.

The town hall at Hauptplatz. Striking building.

At night with a holiday projection and Xmas lights.

A view of the Xmas market in Hauptplaz. Although the markets were scattered around the various plazas in the old town.

A walking path connecting various parts of old town.

The courtyard at Landhaus. Unfortunately, the ice sculpture nativity had melted quite a bit.

Another neat idea that made me think of my niece Izzy.

The Roman Catholic Parish kirche of the Holy Blood.

Herrengasse street of shopping and trams.

Toren fits!

Asher almost fitting and checking out his broom.

The Murinsel at night.

An evening view of the top of Schlossberg park.