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!
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.
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!
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