Our Austrian friends have taught us in word and deed to “embrace winter.” For instance, we’ve been instructed to have a brisk walk every day and, if at all possible, attempt to time the walk during the fleeting moments of sunshine. According to BBC Weather, Vienna enjoyed an average of two hours of sunlight per day in November; one hour of sunlight per day is expected during December. Suspecting that we might need encouragement or comfort to face this news, our Viennese pals advise, “the company of friends and family provide light and warmth during the winter months. “ Yesterday, Thanksgiving Day, we twice experienced this aphorism.
The sun poked out at about 14:00, so we quickly strapped on our shoes, put on our coats and headed down Neubaugasse for the requisite brisk walk. Around the corner is a “klein aber fein” second hand clothing shop. Frau Lochman, the proprietor, beautifully dresses her windows, and inside she offers quality wares at very reasonable prices along with Austrian Gemütlichkeit. Yesterday as we walked by, she bounded outside to greet us with a hearty “Good day of thanks for you!” Frau Lochman told us she was looking out the window all afternoon hoping to see “her Americans” because when the morning news mentioned the Thanksgiving holiday she thought of us and wondered how we would celebrate. We all stood on the sidewalk in front of Frau Lochman’s store, soaked in the sunshine, and discussed our plans. Then we all agreed every day is a day for giving thanks.
We encountered the “light and warmth” aphorism for a second time only a few hours later. The students at Central College’s Vienna campus invited us to share Thanksgiving dinner with them. We’ve had the pleasure of interacting with Central’s gracious Director and this year’s lively students on a couple of occasions this fall, but nothing could have prepared us for the hospitality we experienced on Thursday evening. From the hand-drawn invitation and handshakes when we arrived, to the last bites of pumpkin, pecan, and apple pie, we felt like honorary members of the Central College clan. We’ve been showered with enough light and warmth to keep us toasty until spring.
The ambrosial feast prepared by our talented hosts
Exuberant company and stimulating conversation
The delicious 13-kilo turkey gave its all
4 comments:
Yes indeed, we did have quite the evening!
It looks as if you ate as much as we did. I'm still stuffed! Missed you way big.
Oh, check out my blog for TG pix!!!
kisses
It was great meeting you and hearing about your adventures in Vienna. Karla-- You can find your reading glasses at Kik or Niedermayer; last resort at an Optiker.
Alles Gute,
Berta
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