Book excerpt: When Americans Mark and Niki Kalpakgian move their family to small-town Austria, they realize this country has much more to offer than "The Sound of Music" and apple strudel. Everyday activities take on a spirit of adventure as they maneuver through language barriers, societal differences and colorful characters. From the trash police to braving a local spa and confronting the spooky Krampus at Christmastime, these real-life stories launch readers into Austrian culture complete with new traditions and customs. This delightful memoir collection of stories covering over five years of life abroad brings together the joys, challenges and rewards to be found in the middle of Europe. By undertaking this journey, readers are challenged to examine life through a different lens and explore new ways of approaching the world.