Graz/Thal Austria, June 12th 2014

We actually spent two nights in Graz, but we got there so late on the 11^th and left SO EARLY on the 13^th, we really only spent one day here. Our main trip to Graz was to actually head to Thal; the birthplace and home of Arnold Schwarzenegger. My husband is a mega fan of Arnie’s and has seen every single one of his movies and has lots of “useful” knowledge of the history of his life.

I have to admit, I thought it was going to be a waste of my time, but in actuality it was a great day trip! The bus rides (two busses need to be taken from Graz to Thal) were so beautiful. Large houses were nestled in the green hills and farmlands outside of the city. Then when we found the home of Arnie, we were the only ones there! I have a general theme of not liking crowds, so it was awesome having the entire home turned museum (called the Arnie’s Life Museum) to ourselves. The rooms were transformed into periods of his life, from childhood and early body building days, to movies, to politics. I actually enjoyed the politics section… after all, he was my “governator” in California!

As we were the only ones there, we made friends with the guy working there. My husband and him were huge Arnie fans and talked for ages… which ended up with us being allowed to pick up the sword from “Conan the Barbarian” and sitting on one of the motorcycles from “The Terminator”. We ended the trip lazing in the back garden sipping on a beer and Jayda pestering me to admit I had fun. I didn’t admit it to him, but I did. When in Graz, make the trip to Thal. It’s a cute little village and the Arnies Life Museum is worth the trip.

As it was opening day for the World Cup on the Thursday June 12^th 2014… we didn’t do too much siteseeing in Graz. We walked around for a bit and got dinner. The city is old clashing with modern. Modern art is everywhere within the historical walls. It seemed quite interesting, but other than that I didn’t do anything else. It was straight back to the hotel to watch the opening ceremonies and the match! When in Graz, go to Thal. It is well worth it !

Graz, Modern art in the river