Lunch with Heinz and The Rothenbühler Blues: Monday, September 30th!

Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. -Elie Wiesel, writer, Nobel laureate (30 Sep 1928-2016) 

Dear Corinne and Pat I am glad to hear from Eveline and Heinz that you arrived well in Bern and that you are able to stay with Fiona! It is too bad it didn’t work you with your stay in Ittigen in this situation. 

Sabine, the kids and I have arrived well in Mürren yesterday, where we stay in Sabine’s family apartment here. As we are used now for a few weeks we are all sleeping in the same room with plenty of mattresses and Sabine’s brother on the couch for a few days. It’s a big adventure, mostly for the kids :-) We had an exceptionally warm and friendly day up here, with temps still around 10° tomorrow and then dropping on Wednesday with some rain. On Thursday it is forecasted to become sunny again. I don’t know if you have visited the Lauterbrunnen valley before. In my opinion the most scenic place around Bern, somewhat similar to Yosemite valley and 1h 54 min by train from Bern. If you consider to come up here we would be most delighted to show you the village!

As you might know, we returned from Copenhagen end of August and had a few hectic weeks with housing search in Basel. We have settled now for a rented apartment and will move there on November 1st - very much looking forward to it. I am still working on the research projects until end of November with a few trips to Copenhagen in the meantime (I will also fly up on the 7th til 11th of October). 
 

My idea with a autumn trip to Italy didn’t work out, as is is just too much for the kids and we depend on friends and infrastructure, e.g. playgrounds right now to keep everybody happy (and daddy able to work).

So this is a brief update. Apart from Lia, who was down with an angina tonsillaris for a few days now everybody is doing fine. We are especially delighted to see Nils with 8 months moving around and busy in exploring the surroundings and toys. With best wishes from all of us, Nils, Max, Lia, Sabine and Simon 

Greetings to Famiglia Bernese! Trust everyone is well. After spending Saturday night in Zurich we caught the train to Bern yesterday to stay with Fiona, a former "host daughter", as many of you might know. She and her boyfriend, Severin, are off to Italy tomorrow, for a week, so we have her spacious apartment all to ourselves until next Saturday. We feel very fortunate indeed.

Over the course of this coming week we hope to arrange a "bash" for as many of the other former students, (and their parents), who have lived and/or visited with us starting more than thirty years ago, and are now in Bern, or nearbye. We are free every evening, except today, so we would be delighted to "entertain" any or all who are free on a given evening. Let us know which night, (or even during the day if that is more convenient), or nights might work and we'll plan accordingly.

We are staying at Neubrückstrasse 43 and the name is under Fiona Leu. If you buzz we think we can let you in! If the door doesn't open immediately, be patient, as I'll have to run down 68 stairs, (Fiona lives on the third floor, no elavator, so wear your hiking boots and Lederhosen!], to let you in manually.

We were just on the phone, last night, with Fiona's uncle, Heinz, father of two former ESL students, to arrange to have lunch together today. He happens to be leaving for Ticino so last chance to see him here. Fiona's apartment is extremely well-located so we can stroll into the "old" centre of Bern in little more than ten or fifteen minutes. Also right next to the train station so that makes our "nomadic" life much easier. Cheers to one and all and hope to see everyone who can make it soon! Patrizzio!

PS: I know some of you are not available but I've included you anyway! Nicole please invite your parents if they are available, as well as Corinna as I don't have their email addresses. Nadienka, please stop by on your way home from Oslo! Simon please forward to Nikolevitch as he is always welcome as long as he brings Single Malt!

Dear friends That sounds like an interesting and intense week in Bern. Annemarie and I would like to invite you on Thursday evening for a dinner with us. We pick you up and bring you back to Bern. But if you like, we could meet on Thursday afternoon and do something together before having dinner. We tried Lymann’s to achieve (without success, maybe they are in the holidays). Anyway, they would be invited too. See you soon. Rudy and Annemarie Hello Anna Maria Tremonte and Rudolphino!

Thank you so much for your more than lovely invitation. Of course, we are more than delighted to accept your wonderfully generous offer. Feel rather badly, however, since we were the ones who wanted to invite you to our students' attic to serve box wine and pig's knuckles! That being said, since we have not yet finalized plans for next few days, in terms of seeing friends, I think, if this is not being too, too presumptuous, we should arrange for the Ortschwaben Chauffeur to collect us, whenever convenient, (around 3:00-4:00 pm, perhaps?), so that we might have much of the earlier part of Thursday to meet with any people not free in the evening, this week. Again, thank you for your exceptional hospitality. Let us know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Pat Sorry that i didn’t get back to you sooner. Are you enjoying your time in my beloved homecountry so far? 😊 We are free Wednesday evening and would love to take you out for dinner. Would that fit into your plans? Hope to see you soon Nicole Hi Pat If ok with you, we (Mario, Roland, myself, maybe Michèle and Renate) would take you out on Wednesday. Drinks at my place (5 minutes away from where I guess you are staying) and then dinner in the city. If anyone else wants to joint, please let me know by tonight. Looking forward to seeing you very soon Nicole 

Hello Nicolina! We are more than delighted to accept your wonderfully generous offer. Since you mention that we are staying relatively close to where you live please send us the address and we'll scope out the route before Wednesday. As well, if you have time and inclination, along with anyone else, you could pop over on Tuesday evening for a drink and a pre-visit visit as well. I know people lead busy lives but I mention it as a possibility. Furthermore, I know from Anna Maria Tremonte and Rudi Rudenheimer that they tried to contact your parents to join us for dinner at their place but were unable to reach them. 
 

Perhaps you could extend the invitation. Much appreciated. Let us know what you think about all of the above and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you and Mario and Famiglia Lymann. We both look forward to seeing everyone and I know that Michele and Wayne were terribly disappointed not to have been able to visit Bern as well and asked us to bring best wishes to everyone on their behalf. Cheers, Patrizzio! Länggassstrasse 28, 3012 Bern <https://goo.gl/maps/STs6ZW2WjeHopf1J6> Dear Patrick That's a good idea. We pick you up on Thursday at Neubrückstrasse 43 between 3.00 and 4.00 pm. Annemarie makes a fine dinner for the evening. By the way, eventually we'll see each other already on Wednesday night (see Nicole) and we can then discuss details. see you Rudy  
 

Hi again, Rudy! Thanks for speedy reply and for picking us up, of course. Very pleased to learn that we will see you on Wednesday as well! As you mention, we can discuss details of timing for Thursday on Wednesday evening. Fond regards to you both from Lady Dar. Thanks again. See you soon. Tomorrow we plan to walk to the Rose Garden to enjoy the view of the old town. Afterwards, Imelda will "dump" me as she wants to wander the boutiques! Cheers, Patrizzio! Dear Patrick I hope you are all well and enjoying Switzerland in this beautiful fall weather. I would love to meet you two to hear how you are doing. I am working currently at ETH Zurich from Monday to Wednesday, but could make it to Bern for a visit on either Wednesday or Thursday evening from 7:30 pm on. If you do not have already plans, let me know what suits you! Looking forward! Sincerly, Nikolevitch You can reach me anytime under this number, in case I am busy I will call you back in short time. 

 

Hello Nikolevitch and Nicolina! How wonderful to hear from you! We had lunch with Heinz today and he told us a bit about your new artistic career but it will be even more fascinating to learn more from you in person! Nicole has very kindly arranged to have a gathering at her place, [Länggassstrasse 28, which is only about ten minutes from Fiona's apartment, [Neubrückstrasse 43, where we are staying.], and then out to dinner afterwards. [Nicole, you will see Nicolevitch's cell number, in message below, so perhaps you could give him a shout, at some point, to fill him in on more details as timing may well be an issue for him coming by train, etc., depending on which evening he will make the journey from Zurich.] Fiona left for Italy this morning and her roommate is still on holidays so you could sleep here, overnight, Mighty Nicos if you are not returning to Zurich and need a place to stay.
 

Furthermore, Anna Maria Tremonte and Rudi Rudenheimer, [Nadienka's, (aka Nadia), parents. Apparently she is stranded in a fjord somewhere near Bergen!], have kindly invited people to their place on Thursday evening. As already arranged they will be picking us up between 3:00 - 4:00 pm that afternoon as they live in Ortschwaben. This being the case ,Wednesday may well be more convenient for you, given your own time constraints. Anyway, you decide whatever works for you and let us know so that we can all plan accordingly.

Nicolina, thank you for sending your address and map. I also understand, from a message from AMT/RR that they will also be coming to your place on Wednesday. I will suggest that Flamin' and Sarge fly over to join the bash!
Thank you both for making such generous efforts to make our visit so enjoyble. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you both. Will chat soon. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Patrick and Corinne Thank you for your news from Bern! Monica and I spend wonderful days in Corsica until oct 8th. We enjoy the island with its food, wine, friendly people and nice walks along the sea! Too bad we cannot meet you at home at least for a nice bottle of red wine! Hope to see you Folks some time later. Cheers Max & Monica

Hi Carole, et al! I'm happy to volunteer on October 16th if someone is still needed. Cheers from Bern to all at The Dream! Patrizzio!

Hi all, Is anyone interested in leading a hike this coming Thursday? Let me know and I will send out the weekly blurb. Cheers, Jim Second call……anyone able to lead a hike on Thursday this week? Please let me know soon. Cheers, Jim

Thompson Toting Backyard Gnome Blues: Sunday, September 29th!

There are two possible outcomes: If the result confirms the hypothesis, then you’ve made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you’ve made a discovery. -Enrico Fermi, physicist and Nobel laureate (29 Sep 1901-1954) 

Hello Heinz! Trust you are well. We stayed, in Dietikon, last night with friends, Maryam and Stefano. As it turns out we will take the train to Bern later this afternoon as Fiona has plans for most of the day. This way we will be able to have dinner together this evening. I mention all of this as you had mentioned you might have stopped by Zurich to have a quick visit en route to Ticino. With these changed circumstances I'm hoping it might be more convenient for us to have a visit with you in Bern. 
 

Once we are with Fiona we will give you a call or you could call us at Stefan's number as we will be in Zurich until 4:00 pm or 5:00 pm. At any rate, let us know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you and dear Eveline. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi again, Fiona! Thanks again for your generous hospitality and extreme flexibility. Given what you said we thought we would take the train to Bern later this afternoon, probably around 4:00 pm or 5:00 pm, so that we would be able to have dinner together this evening, if that still works well for you. Once we make a few arrangements to see another friend here and visit a few places we will determine which train to catch, preferably from Dietikon, rather than Zurich itself. Anyway, will give you call as soon as we have a better idea and we can all plan accordingly. Since we have your address and door code we can always let ourselves in to your place, if the key will be in your mailbox, even if you are still busy. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling, in the shower, readying herself for today's outings. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Dear Pat That‘s perfect! I‘ll leave the keys for you and you can install yourselves in my room (the one at the end of the corridore) and make groceries for dinner.
I think I‘ll be home at 6.30 pm the latest. See you later! Fiona 
 

Dear Pat and Corinne I‘m home and very much looking forward to seeing you! Have save travels! Fiona Dear Patrick The best way to reach us is on our mobile number. So see you soon Rudi and Annemarie

Patrick James Dunn Hi again Faye! After spending Saturday night in Zurich we caught the train to Bern today to stay with Fiona, a former "host daughter". She and her boyfriend, Severin, are off to Italy tomorrow, for a week, so we have her spacious apartment all to ourselves until next Saturday. We feel very fortunate indeed. Over the course of this coming week we hope to arrange a "bash" for as many of the other former students, (and their parents), who have lived and/or visited with us starting more than thirty years ago, and are now in Bern.

Patrick James Dunn Oops, hit the return key before my note was finished! Wanted to mention that Corinne, [aka Lady Darjeeling ever since our trip to India in 2015 with Peter and Lynne, (Isberg), Lighthall. We still see Jocelyn Godolphin as she and her second husband, Jim Henderson, regularly visit the Okanagan each summer. We missed them this year as we had already left to begin this trip.], "purloined" a hardback copy of A Gentleman in Moscow when we were in Vienna as it is next selection for our book club back in Penticton. She read it quickly as she didn't want to have to carry it so now I'm her sherpa! 

We were just on the phone with the father, Heinz, of two of our former ESL students, to arrange to have lunch together tomorrow. He also happens to be leaving for Ticino, in the Italian part of Switzerland, so last chance to see him here. Fiona's apartment is extremely well-located so we can stroll into the "old" centre of Bern in little more than ten or fifteen minutes. Also right next to the train station so that makes our "nomadic" life much easier. Cheers! Just before we left for train station in Zurich.

Greetings from Bern Great Ronaldo! Trust you and Ski are well. Cheers, Patrizzio! So thirsty!Dame Judith So cute. Thanks, Corinne

Hello Fartograms, This Monday September 30 we will venture up from the Weigh Station in Kaleden, under the friendly but decisive leadership of our own Tony Cottrell with help from his right hand Aarturos! We will as usual gather at the new parking area in Penticton (map attached) at 9:00am. Summerlanders will get together at the IGA at 8:40AM, then carpool to Penticton. Once we have blundered in all our creativity, we will relax in a venue of your choice, enjoy friendship and refreshments, discuss the affairs of the world and next Monday's hike. See you tomorrow! Aarturos

Wave Wolfgang Goodbye and Sing The Zürich Hauptbahnhof Blues: Saturday, September 28th!

I have lost all sense of home, having moved about so much. It means to me now--only that place where the books are kept. -John Steinbeck, novelist, Nobel laureate (1902-1968) 

Lady Dar was up just after 7:00 am to have a quick shower so I went downstairs to fetch her tea and "combinate", [Word used by a young woman, from Berlin, I chatted with while we waited for hot water.], my own mixture of espresso and cappucino Instanto! Back upstairs with two slices of tasty poppy seed cake so a good start to out departure at 8:45 am. Drizzling here but supposed to be dry in Zurick. We are to meet Stefano and Maryam at the so-called Meeting Point in the Hauptbahnhof there. Must away to shower and do last minute packing.

Hello Fiona and Heinz! Trust all goes well with you both. We leave for Salzburg this morning. Here is Stefano's phone number so you could call us, Heinz, at some point, if that still suits. I'll send a message to you, Fiona, as soon as we decide what time will prove best to leave Zurich for Bern. Off to do last minute packing. Talk soon. Fondest from Lady Dar to you both and best wishes to Eveline from us. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Kevin and I loved Saltzberg. We too visited the Mozart Museum and it was amazing. Glad to see you are enjoying some great wines. too bad you can't bring them home to stock up your fridge which I am doing my best to empty for you. rest assured that the scotch cabinet is not getting emptied, of course if I drink all the wine fridge there is always a chance that the scotch cabinet gets hit next.  

[Scary bedmate!] Duke seems to be Ok and not limping or hoping today. Etta is enjoying herself as everynigh she sleeps on my stomach. rather hard to get up for a pee as I don't want to distrub her. Such a spoiled cat. Both cats seem to be off pumpkin the last few days so I have cut it out to see if I can get them back onto it in a few days. After all, we can't have the little dears not eating. Everything else is going well at the Burns Bistro. Neighbours have not complained about the huge parties that go on to 2 or 3 in the morning so you should be able to come home to a good reception. all kidding aside, all really is well and I am sure the kitties will be glad when you return, but they will miss me terribly. You may have have cat depression to deal with. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Judi Hi Dame Judith of the Pumpkin Patch! Thanks for speedy reply and snapolas of Etta and Duke. Glad El Diablo seems to have recovered form whatever was causing him to limp/hop.

[She’s not scary!! Just a sleepy yawn!! Love that they are both on the blanket. ❤️❤️] I know that they both seem to go off pumpkin at times so you are probably right to stop serving it for a few days. I assume you know about the wet cat food in the cupboard above the Soda Stream. I alternate it with pumpkin but it is not a big deal either way. I'm sure you'll figure out their manipulative ways! Caught a taxi to train station at around 8:45 am and were there in plenty of time so read on the platform until our train pulled in. We are now very comfortably seated across from each other, separated by a table so can use my laptop quite easily. Countryside is lovely and green with many well-tended farms and fields, gorgeous mountains to the left, west as far as I can determine.

Lady Dar sent a message to Colin with Chloë's number so he said he would give her a shout about coming over to take a look at space in basement for suite. Apparently he had been waiting for Chloë to call him. Wires were crossed, somehow. Anyway, we'll see what we shall see.

I gather from your messages and other weather reports that Penticton has been having a fair bit of rain. Snow for higher elevations as well, I understand. Good thing that we have made arrangements for new winter tires for our car week we are back. 

Have included some snaps of Castle in Prague. Am a bit behind in my photo editing and diary given life on the road. Fondestos from Lady Dar, catching forty winks, to you and Kevin. Stay well and give those felines loads of tough love! I know what you mean about having Etta sleep on your tummy and you captured my own experience to the letter! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Pražský Hrad and time for a rest!
 

Hi Faye! Trust you are well. Greetings from the train to Zurich! Have been in Salzburg for last two days. Caught a taxi to train station at around 8:45 am this morning and were there in plenty of time so read, [A Gentleman in Moscow], on the platform until our train pulled in. We are now very comfortably seated across from each other, separated by a table so can use my laptop quite easily. Countryside is lovely and green with many well-tended farms and fields, gorgeous mountains to the left, west as far as I can determine. Will be in Switzerland for about a week, (Bern as well), before heading to France to stay with friends, near Valence, and then last four days in Paris before flying back to Penticton on October 12th. Left on August 29th so about six weeks on the road. Be great to see you again. Perhaps we can connect when we are next in Portland. We usually stop over there, en route to LA to see Ayn, our two grandsons and now, Olivia Rose, our great-granddaughter! You are always welcome to visit us in the Okanagan. 

Before dinner on Thursday evening then last night with latest jewelry purchases. My supper! Corinne had to watch me eat as she didn't have any Euros left! Cheers, Patrizzio! Faye Powell Great to hear from you. Give my best to Corrine. Your trip sounds wonderful. BTW, A Gentleman in Moscow is my most favorite book of the year. Thanks for the invite to visit you'alll. Maybe someday I can. It's been a long timer since I was in Canada. And I'd love to have you visit next time you are in Portland! Hello

Portland, Singale and Digitale! Trust all goes well with you both. Yes, Prague was very relaxed although still hordes of tourists for "travelers", such as we term ourselves, to contend with! Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Fiona, Former Host Daughter, now Host Landlady!Trust you are well. We just arrived in Dietikon to stay with friends, Maryam and Stefano. As it turns out they are in the process of renovating so it is not convenient for us to stay until Monday. Would it be possible to arrive tomorrow to begin our stay with you? [I keep forgetting to say that it is only Corinne and I as Flamin' and Sarge are already back in Vancouver.] If not we can probably stay with Anne Marie and Rudi as they have also offered us "sanctuary". 

 

As well, could you send along your phone number so that we can give you a call, one way or another. Sorry for being so pushy. At any rate, let us know and we'll plan accordingly. Must away as it is time for me to make a salad for dinner and, more importantly, Stefano has just opened a fabulous bottle of Chilean wine, a 2012 Montes Purple Angel, 92% Carmenère, 8% Petit Verdot, 14.5%. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner as Stefano bbq'd salmon steaks and zucchini strips and I made a mixed green salad. Fondestos from Lady Dar. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: We took a stroll along Lake Zurich after meting at the train station.

Dear pat! Of course you can come tomorrow. Unfortunately I already made plans for tomorrow during daytime. But I can either have dinner with you tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Here is my phone number. Also a lot of love to you and Corinne! Fiona

 

Dear Corinne, Patrick and Chloë. I don't think I have thanked you properly for hosting Hans and me July and for all great company. Small messages here and there on facebook is not suffice. I have been thinking of our trip every day since, Yes it was a short stay, but we think we managed to get a lot of adventure in those few weeks in Canada. Just the right balance of good company, wilderness on and in the water, hiking and ggod winw and food:-) It was so great reconnecting to you all again, to see your rebuilt house and re-visit Penticton and surroundings. Thank you so much!

After leaving you we had a smooth travel home, and after some days of adjustment to time difference/handling jet lag, work etc was on. But summer wasn't over, and Hans and I continued to participate in several open water swimming events, among others crossing the bay of Aarhus (4,5 kms) , swimming around Danish Parliament (Christiansborg) in the canals of Copenhagen (2000 m, 4000 participants/69 heats!) and the culmination of the OW swimming season was participating in an OW event at Costa Brava, in Cadaques, near Salvador Dalis home town of Portlligat, from where our 4,5 kms swimming started. 

 

Hans and I had a wonderful long weekend there in Spain two weeks ago, felt like 14 days but was only four. The landscape is very exciting, the swimming , too, looking down on the underwater rocks of Costa Brava. Weather was nice and as second time participants we could relax more and put some attention to surroundings, we went kayaking and also a little hike. I can recommend the area, and yes, there are wine yards, as well! Here at home, things are okay with the boys, Peter last year before high school graduation, and working fairly hard, Johan is a year behind, he is mainly occupied with various jobs, night club promotional activities and the like, I don't know when he is doing his home work, but he has not been kicked out of school yet, as of what I know of! He is maturing, but he still needs some support - and patience from my side - compared to Peter.  

 

My family is allright, my mother still very active , she plays golf tournaments in the superveteran division, 70+ yrs, even though she is 80+. While I was in Canada , she took all grandchildren incl. Maya, my stepdaughter, to Faroe Islands for 6 days, they had a great trip. My dad is doing okay, but is weaker his now 82. I hope you are enjoying your visit in South-Eastern Europe, looks like you've picked some very nice Places to visit and are in good company. I have visited Croatia twice whithin the last 6 years, Last year near Split on an Island, always very nice holidays with the kids. 

 

Now autumn is coming here, we have stopped OW swimming and kayaking. Planning next trip to Norway for XC skiing in February. I was lucky, that Hans got very enthusiastic abut XC skiing past winther, so that is one more thing we can do together, that is great. 

Peter and Johan wants to go down hill skiing with school groups in Val Thorens in French Alpes.

I have some pictures from Canada and our recent trip, I will send them eventually, when I have learned to make a smaller format! Lots of love and greetings from Margareta (and from Hans, too, ) Margareta

 

Fiona was waiting for us and after giving Lady Dar a tour of her apartment we sat down to the tasty meal she prepared for us before leaving to stay with her boyfriend, at his apartment.

 

 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and The No. 9 Getreidegasse Blues: Friday, September 27th!

If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin. -Samuel Adams, revolutionary (27 Sep 1722-1803) 

Trump stands accused of illicitly using $400 million in military aid, to coerce vulnerable Ukraine, which is fighting for its life against Vladimir Putin's Russia, into investigating his potential 2020 foe Joe Biden. If such activity did take place, it would be about as close to a charge of abuse of presidential abuse of power -- a potentially impeachable offense -- as it is possible to get. In another detail that will have far reaching implications, the whistleblower alleged that the White House tried to cover up the evidence of Trump's behavior.



Up at just after 7:00 am although we had both been awakened, close to 5:00 am, when the city garbicians were dumping the large, wheeled containers in front of most establishments and then rolling them, over cobblestones, back into place. Created more of a racket than the drunks outside the nightclub across from our apartment in Prague! Went downstairs to obtain java for myself and Earl Grey for Lady Dar. No beverage making utensils in room, [bar fridge however], but can help oneself twenty-four hours a day, in well-stocked room next to Reception, so no complaints from me. Treated myself to a double espresso so was ready to roll once we had eaten our yogurt for breakfast.

Day was bright and sunny so pleased that this was so as it had drizzled for most of the time we were here yesterday. Our goal was to visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and we knew our hotel was but an enjoyable fifteen minute stroll away. Very pleasant side streets in our neighbourhood are filled with fairly high-end shops and boutiques so Lady Dar is in shopping heaven. After reaching the Salzach we crossed over and a few minutes later we were standing in front of No. 9 Getreidegasse in Salzburg, Austria. The Mozart family resided on the third floor from 1747 to 1773. Mozart himself was born here on 27 January 1756. He was the seventh child of Leopold Mozart, who was a musician of the Salzburg Royal Chamber. A museum since 1880, Mozart's birthplace introduces visitors to the early life of the composer, his first musical instruments, his friends and his passionate interest in opera. The third floor exhibits Mozart's childhood violin, harpsichord, as well as portraits, documents, family letters, and early editions of his music. There are also records of his life in Vienna and of his wife and family. The second floor is devoted to Mozart's interest in opera and includes the clavichord on which he composed The Magic Flute. The first floor replicates living conditions in Mozart's day with period furniture. Original documents and paintings illustrate his life in Salzburg. Other items in the museum are an incomplete portrait of Mozart painted by Joseph Lange, his brother-in-law in 1789 (one of Mozart's striking portraits), pictures of his childhood, and his childhood violin.

The house was built in the 12th century on ground which had been part of the garden belonging to the Benedictine monks of St Peter's, Salzburg. Otto Keutzel, a merchant, is mentioned as the owner in 1408 while Chunrad Fröschmoser, the court apothecary, purchased the property in 1585. On the doorway, the coiled serpent in the lion's mouth, the symbol of Asclepius, still testifies to his ownership. In 1703, the house came into the ownership of the Hagenauer family who had arrived in Salzburg around 1670. Specifically they included Joseph Matin Hagenauer and Johann Laurenz Hagenauer who became Mozart's landlord.

After marrying Anna Maria Pertl on 21 November 1747, Leopold Mozart rented the apartment on the third floor which consisted of a kitchen, a small cabinet, a living-room, a bedroom and an office. It was their residence until 1773 and their seven children were born here; only two, Maria Anna and Wolfgang Amadeus, survived. Leopold Mozart was in constant touch through letters with his landlord during the Mozart family grand tour between 1763 and 1766; he moved out of the premises in 1773.

The museum is spread out over three floors and I enjoyed it very much indeed. Unfortunately, no picture taking allowed so don't have any visual records of the most interesting displays and original furnishings, instruments, scores, letters, portraits, etc. Pleased we went and when we did as about an hour after we entered the hordes of large group tours "invaded" the fairly small rooms. Fortunately, for me, they usually spent little, if any time, reading the descriptions pertaining to the various exhibits, rather listening, via headphones to the leader's overly loud spiel and then moving on to the next room. If it's Tuesday it must be Mozart's childhood violin or the harpsichord he composed some of his operas on!

Lady Dar was finished before me so while waiting for me she spent some of the Euros burning a hole in her pocket and we then met outside the museum, to walk, another short distance to Mozart Square to view the Mozart Monument. Designed by Ludwig Schwanthaler, this statue was cast in bronze by Johann B. Stiglmayer in 1842 and unveiled in a ceremony which took place on September 5, 1842 in the presence of Mozart’s sons. Funnily enough, across the square from the statue was a gallery showing an exhibition of some of Egon Schiele's works. We had visited the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, a museum and gallery devoted to this Austrian painter in Český Krumlov and it was more than well worth it.

On our way back from the square, in front of Mozarts Geburtshaus, in fact, we witnessed a small student demonstration, Earth Strike, and applauded them after they finished their protest song and moved on to raise climate consciousness. Then across the river, on a neighbouring bridge, heavily festooned with padlocks, of various sizes,[Souvenir stores everywhere sell such locks for those so interested in displaying their undying love!], to go our separate ways, Lady Dar to window shop and more, while I wanted to buy a small knife, needed for our sandwich making for train trip on Saturday, as well as buns, [for me as Lady Darjeeling already has gluten-free "Styrofoam" rice cakes], sliced meat/cheese for said sandwiches, an apple and a red pepper and some fuzzy water. Found a great knife, [which I'll bring home], and visited Spar for the rest.

Snagged another double espresso on way to room and after I'd enjoyed it started my shouldares. Had finished two sets by the time Lady Dar was back and rest while she took a nap. Once I was finished stretching I packed up most of my possessions and then answered a few messages. Will have a quick shower after I do a couple more stretches using the elastic band I brought with me. We  have reservations, back at Zum fidelen Affen/The Loyal Monkey, at 8:00 pm so I'll have to be sharpish!

Hello Patrizio, great to see you tomorrow in Zürich. There is a "Meeting Point" in the main building of the train station, I think that is the best place to meet. We'll be waiting for you there and searching for the Canadian flag and I guess we'll be smelling the Swiss cheese quite well :). Btw: I also met My wify Maryam the first time in the "Meeting Point"....cheers and until tomorrow Stefan Hi again, Stefano and Maryam! Thanks for suggesting the Meeting Point! We'll have a reunion with you and Maryam so bring Champagne!! Fondestos from Lady Dar to you and Maryam. Stay well until we see you domani! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

[Downtown Pézenas] Hello Patrick, Peter, Lynne, and, hopefully Corinne too, No, you are right. This isn't the Okanagan - Shaha Spillway. But I just now finished reading the news from Croatia, and we had to follow our duplex-mate, Bennett, to Southern France so we could celebrate his 70th with he and partner, Colleen. Bennett held his best restaurants for our 4 days with them - fine dinner every night, great lunches too. Now on the train from Narbonne to Madrid, the Andalusia caper to follow. Back to Montréal on the 20th, Vancouver the 28th. Corrine & Patrick - big news is Julia & Bruno are expecting a baby girl in late January. Julia is tired sometimes but exercising when work permits, and doing great.
 

[Canal de Robine, Narbonne]
No whooping it up, or shuffling cards, on Burns St., and quiet times on the Bench. Missed you all! Had a fine 5 days, complete with wine tasting (Clos de Soleil rosé! Hugging Tree cab franc!), hiking (Giants Head, Spion Kop near Arrowleaf), and fruit (usual OHenries from Peach Hill, but only 80lb) - and an accident blocking the Hope - Princeton on the way home (double back to Merritt proved the right decision). Brief stop in Vancouver before flying east.

[Canal de Midi, Homps, with Colleen & Bennett] Hope Victoria settling in is proceeding apace, and re-entry from Croatia isn't too traumatic. Keep keeping in touch. Hope we cross pathes soon. Jim, with hugs from Jocelyn

Hello Andalusia et al! Thanks for newsy message and lovely snaps. Appreciated pic of Pezenas as I visited the Saturday market there every week for a month when I was staying in Neffiès for September 2013. Lady Dar was in Italy with her book club for three weeks and joined me for last week in September. After that we took a two week canal boat trip with three other couples but were on the Canal de Garonne. Only saw the Canal du Midi when we visited Carcassonne. Dubrovnik brought back memories as it is walled too, of course. Congratulations on your impending grand-parenthood! Hip Hip Hooray! Fondestos from Lady Dar to one and all. Travel safely. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Mozarts Geburtshaus and statue; student protest; bridge; museum and castle; our reserved table;

Hi Patrick, Just a little reminder that your wine club shipment is ready to be picked up in the tasting room at your convenience. We are open every day from 11am-5:30pm so feel free to come by any time that works for you. If you have previously picked up your order, please email me back letting me know and I will mark the order as picked up. If you prefer to have the order shipped, I can have it sent out via ATS courier early next week. Thank you and have a lovely weekend, Leigh

Hi Leigh! Thanks for your message. We'll be back in Penticton on October 12th so will pop by a day or so afterwards to collect our order. Enjoyed a Zweigelt last night and then a Grüner Veltliner this evening, [typical local varietals], before dinner, both times, at a fab restaurant, Zum fidelen Affen, translated as The Loyal Monkey, immediately next door to our hotel. Wonderful, wonderful food and a terrific atmosphere. Off to Zurich tomorrow. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Zweigelt; Grüner Veltliner and Grilled Pork Saddlesteak with Potato Roesti. Sounds like an amazing trip! I am incredibly jealous of the wine and food and wish I was there with you! Have a great time : ) leigh

Hello Seatbelt Man! Thanks for the warning. Very appropriate as we have had a number of wonderful wines of late so need to keep them safe!  Fond regards from Lady Dar to you and Gail. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Hello Computer Woman! I had seen that clip before although I don't think it was from Colin.  Best wishes from Lady Dar to you and Colin. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! So true. Colin Hi Dame Judith of Burns Street Bistro! Trust all goes well with you and your feline charges. In this regard, when you have a moment, could you send me the last couple of snaps of Duke and Etta you have taken as Lady Dar seems unable to forward them to me! Fondest from Lady Dar to you and Kevin. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

 

So Long Pension Merlin, Hello Salzburg Blues: Thursday, September 26th!

In a world of fugitives, the person taking the opposite direction will appear to run away. -T.S. Eliot, poet (26 Sep 1888-1965) 





Very few established institutions, governments and constitutions ... are ever destroyed by their enemies until they have been corrupted and weakened by their friends. -Walter Lippmann, journalist (23 Sep 1889-1974)



Not up until 7:05 pm so hopped out of bed and put the kettle on to boil and made my two sandwiches while I was waiting for my Instanto to cool down. Made a cup of Earl Grey for Lady Darjeeling and then sent a few messages to friends in Switzerland as we will be in Zurich this coming Saturday.

Hello Stefano! Thanks so much for your message and phone number. Certainly much appreciated, of course. I apologise for not being in touch sooner. No excuses but plenty of reasons! Yes, life goes extremely well with all our travels. Have certainly enjoyed our stay in Český Krumlov and will leave by bus for Salzburg this morning. Taxi has been arranged, by Alex, our hostess, for 9:30 am to take us to depot to leave at 10:35 am. When we are in Salzburg we will book our train tickets to Zurich and will let you know arrival time when we know ourselves! Since we are not traveling with a cell phone are you hooked into FaceTime? If so, we can call you that way. Let me know and we'll plan accordingly.

Thanks again for your more than generous offer of hospitality. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Looking forward to seeing you soon, as you mention, of course. Best wishes and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hello Stefano! Pleasant enough bus trip and then, after a local bus to train station we purchased out tickets fro Zurich. We leave Salzburg at 9:56, Saturday morning, to arrive in Zurich HB at 15:20. Not sure which track train will be on in Zurich but I assume we might well meet you outside the main building unless you can suggest another, perhaps more convenient spot. Let us know and we'll be there, waving a Canadian flag and eating Swiss cheese! Off shortly to wander around the Old Town and get some sense of the Centrum. Cheers, for now. Patrizzio!

Barbara Durston!

Rocking the buzz! Why? Well I want my daughter to know just how proud I am of her! Her positivity, generosity, confidence, smarts, loving heart and so much more inspires me everyday!! She is one beautiful gal inside and out! Plus I want my grandchildren to know that changes on the outside does not change who we are inside!!

#proud to be her mama, #CIBC Run for the Cure, #Team Marlo, #It’s only hair

 

Patrick James Dunn Bravo Barb! Cheers, Patrizzio! Barbara Durston Patrick James Dunn ❤️

Hello my Dears That sounds good. Please contact us as soon as you are near. We are flexible and can arrange it in a short notice. Bye for now Rudi Hi Rudi! Thanks for quick reply.  Once we are with friends in Zurich we will figure out the best time to take the train to Berne, on Monday, so that we can connect with Fiona. She has a class between 4:00-6:00 pm so we will try to arrive either before or after that. Will know better as soon as we talk to our friends and find out their own schedules, etc. Once we are settled with Fiona we will be in touch about the next few days. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Until next we are in touch, stay well. Cheers, for now. Patrizzio!

Hello O Susannah and Marnie! Trust you are both well. Do apologize for not being in touch sooner. No excuses but plenty of reasons. Too, too many things on our collective plates while travelling. Saw your latest message which included Dubrovnik so thought I'd tell you a bit about our time there. You'll have to make adjustments for time-lag! Back to the Future, this evening in the old town of Salzburg, Thursday, September 26th! Must away as we are about to go out for dinner after having a bottle of 2018 Ferdinand Mayr Zweigelt, 13.5%, a lovely local drop at $10 CDN=€6.99. [A number of wineries in the Okanagan produce this.] Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

When we left the hotel we went almost immediately next door to the Zum fidelen Affen, translated as The Loyal Monkey. We had looked at the posted menu earlier and decided it was worth trying. Place was hopping and we had to wait for about half an hour for a table but didn't mind at all.

HI ALL, JUST TO CONFIRM, TODAY'S HIKE IS CANCELLED. PHIL