Sunday 1 September 2019

Naschmarkt and The Klimt Kiss Blues: Monday, September 2nd!

Progressive societies outgrow institutions as children outgrow clothes. -Henry George, economist, journalist, and philosopher (2 Sep 1839-1897) 




Awoke at 4:55 am to start my shouldares and had finished the bed set by 6:30 am. Lady Dar was awake by then and so we both started to get ready for going to the Naschmarkt. Had agreed, last night that we would go there as early as possible as we were hoping to collect rental car and then do a bit of wine tasting in the surrounding country-side, about half an hour from Vienna. However, shortly after 7:15 am, the heavens opened and the streets are now running with water, the gutters are tiny rivulets. This being the case, might well spend time inside taking in a number of the more than over 300 museums here!

Hi Patrick, Colin indicates to me that he hasn't heard back from you in a long long time. And I know that I haven't heard from you. Are you okay??? Please contact me Love Jo-anne Oh great master of malt and supreme cork dork, Can you (in your infinite wisdom) recommend some wineries in the Osoyoos and Oliver area that are must sees? humbly yours, colin.

Hi Kids! Trust you are both well. Sorry for radio silence but we have been whirling dervishes of social activity, [Freeloaders galore!], for almost three weeks before we flew off to Vienna on August 29th so just a relatively quick note to fill you in on the start of our trip. In Montreal, we didn't have all that much time to make our connection. We somehow missed a departure board and I asked an airline employee, pulling a flight bag, if he knew the location of nearest one. He told us and we had to walk back a fair way to find out number of departure gate. At any rate, when we boarded, he was waiting for us at entrance to plane! I didn't realize he worked for Austrian Air and he didn't realize that we were looking for Departure Gate 67, his destination!

Loads of other things to relate. Off to an annoying start as Lady Dar's suitcase did not arrive. Were able to determine that it left Montreal but not sure where it went after that! Of course we were hoping that it would turn up and be delivered to the VRBO Michele booked. Hallelujah! It was delivered about 10:00 pm Saturday night! Enjoyed a fabulous walking tour of Old Vienna yesterday and then managed to make a trip to the Schönbrunn Palace, main summer residence, of the Hapsburgs, late that afternoon. However, only had an hour to explore so decided it wasn't worth it, given so much to see, etc. Will be leaving shortly for the Naschmarkt, about 15 minutes by foot, from our quite centrally, very comfortable VROB near the center of town. Then to the Belvedere to see a number of Klimt's works. Tomorrow we make for Budapest, via Bratislava, as it is en route.

With respect to wineries, we suggest Here's The Thing, new to us as of a few weeks ago. Right next to Bartier Brothers and close to Stoneboat, all of which we like muchly. Across the valley Maverick and CC Jentsch are terrific, particularly the latter. Try Lariana, close to the US border. It was closed both days we were there but Senka, from Terravista, [sold a few months ago], still consults and continues to make their wine. Must away as have to have a quick shower before we trundle off. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Klimpt is one of my favorite artists. Totally art deco before art deco was a thing. 


how are you going. thank you for the cards you send, greatly appreciated by the looks of it you walk a lot these days do you still cycle.how is the new car going.  I don't know whether you heard or not but Barry Gilmore from the racquets club passed away last week. anyhow pat its good to hear from young corrine so take care and keep in touch, cheers from bev and kevin Hello Perth! Lovely, indeed, to hear from you! Terribly sorry to hear about Barry Gilmore. He was a wonderful, wonderful man and I always enjoyed his ebullient personality. Seems like a tough year for former VRC people as Ted Blair died this past June.

Exciting news for us is that we became great-grandparents last February. Olivia Rose, born to Samantha and Alexander, our youngest grandson. Closer to home, Chloë is six months pregnant! She and child are both doing very well. An issue as she is 43. Added to this mix she just sold her place, [She's been living in it since last August.], and bought a new one, a few blocks from us, over the course of past three weeks. We had helped her pack up as much as possible but left for Europe a few days before move itself. We have talked to her since and move went quite well although she was pretty tired, as you can well imagine, given effort and her pregnant state. Close friends came over to help her unpack most things and set up her kitchen so that helped, of course.


Trust you are both well. I am not cycling yet as physio wanted me to wait until we return from Europe before I start back in the saddle. [I'm continuing to do assigned shoulder exercises, while travelling, during the course of each day, so trying to help recovery of flexibility and extension, lost as a result of over thirty years of squash, necessitating complete right shoulder replacement on March 12th!] Loads of other things to relate but this will have to suffice for now. Must away as have to have a quick shower before we trundle off. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Pat, Dear Corinne It's wonderful hearing from you and even more wonderful that you are visiting Bern! Your travel dates could fit well, although I'm planning on leaving October 1th for a one-week-trip. But since Severin changes job starting October 1th and couldn't yet confirm the dates, everything is still a little unsure. But nonetheless you are always very welcome at my place and I'm sure we'll find some time together! Have a beautiful journey. All the best and much love to you! Fiona


Hello Darling Fiona, Mad Max and Monica Vitti! Lovely, indeed, to hear from you, dearest Fiona! Both you and your parents are hard people to pin down. Do hope we will connect but we won't be in Bern until September 30th so it might be "tight" if you are leaving the next day. Anyway, let us know how your travel plans unfold and we'll plan accordingly.

This morning we walked, in the rain, for the Naschmarkt, about fifteen minutes by foot, from our quite centrally, very comfortable VROB near the center of town. Then to the Belvedere to see a number of Klimt's works. As well, viewed more works by Edvard Munch than I've ever seen before. Back to our apartmento for a bite to eat. Must away as food is ready. Fondestos from Lady Dar, Flamin' and Sarge to one and all. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!


After lunch I loaded the dishwasher while the rest of the gang had naps! Once the kitchen was tidied, I started on my shouldares and packed away some of my clothes in between various sets. Flamin' and Sarge went out for a stroll when they woke up, refreshed and ready to roll! Lady Dar read and a did a bit of packing herself as we are off, around 9:00 am, tomorrow morning, we hope. Famiglia Sutherland were back around 6:00 pm and decided to go and collect rental car as Sarge really didn't want to drive it after having a few drinks with dinner. They gave me the name of a restaurant they wanted to have dinner at, just around the corner from us so I decided to take a look at the menu and make a reservation, if possible/necessary.


Just as I was leaving the couple who were staying across the hall, came out of their door and we chatted for a bit. Isabel is from Toronto but now lives in Florida. I assume Walter, her husband, is an American. Anyway, I suggested they try Huber's as we had had such a wonderful meal there on Friday. I said I wanted to return to have the rabbit and they were sold on the place as they enjoy rabbit themselves. Waved goodbye to them saying we'd see them in Budapest as they leave for there on Thursday and we'll still be in the city.


Turns out we might see them this evening as restaurant, [if I have correct spot], GMOA Keller, can't take any reservations until 10:00 pm so I assume that will be too, too late for the gang. Anyway, I do want to try the rabbit and have another bottle of the Austrian Syrah! All we need now is the return of Clan Sutherland, although I have no idea where they will be able to park. Parking spots are at a premium, all over Vienna, and wardens are out patrolling with a vengeance until 10:00 pm. One can only park for two hours, [tickets available at tobacconists], and then one is obliged to move to a different spot. The strictly enforced regulations are not in force between 10:00 pm and 9:00 am the following morning and then it starts all over again. Nothing on our short street when I came back. I'll just pour myself another rum and coke and hope for the best! 

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