We started our visit to Pressbaum an hour earlier and made it out to the West Bahnhof (Vienna West Train Station). We managed to find our way on the train, out to Pressbaum before noon sometime.
A Visit to Pressbaum Forest
Pressbaum train stop is out in the sticks, however, and it was misting. We looked all over and walked up and down a hill, then over the bridge to a cafe, from where we called Sigrid.We were lugging a stroller and two suitcases. Andi was meanwhile looking for us in the car. Well, we met up and he drove us to Sigrid’s mom’s house. For the first time since 1990, we were all together again in Vienna. Just with three more.
There (at Sigrid’s mom’s) we ate a nice lunch that (Executive Chef) Andi had prepared; with fresh lettuce🥬salad, meat, and yummy garlic 🧄 potatoes 🥔. After lunch we all took a nice walk. Flora was finally speaking English to me and filling in the words she didn’t know in Duetsch (German). I wanted to hear Sigrid’s English as her accent is much less, but I wanted more to try and speak German. So I only did German. Albeit, it’s hard to follow full lunch time conversations and I usually fade off due to not knowing all the words. I can understand the basics, but can’t express myself well.
After taking a walk through the forest, a nice Torte (cake) was awaiting us. Even though I was surprised it was deep frozen, es war ganz gut (it was very good).
Time to Leave
It came time for Andi to drive us to the Bahnhof (train station). Flora waved goodbye and we chugged off again. I accompanied the Üferts to board their bus from the West Bahnhof, to the airport. I was even crying to send them off. I felt suddenly quite lonely and alone. As I stood with tears waving goodbye, Dagi called out, “Remember it’s good to feel homesick,” or something to the effect that it’s good to miss things too.
Appreciating Time in Vienna Alone
I boarded an U-Bahn (subway) bound for the Völksoper (Opera); even tried to phone boyfriend, then decided to go check my map at the hotel and see where I wanted to go.
Once again, I started out bound for the Inner Ring and did a nice tour of the section around Stephens Dom (St. Stephen’s Church). It was so beautiful, a great evening just window shopping; nice ambiance with many people speaking various languages, strolling, window shopping, talking, sitting in cafés. Everything in the windows were gorgeous, beautiful, unique, avant-garde- to die for. What a beautiful city I had forgotten. And I love the simple red and white Austrian flag everywhere. So many state and historic buildings, even a gold bridge over a street I didn’t remember. Great things to buy, great places to eat…
Protesters in Vienna
Approaching the Bürg Park I saw a person carrying a large Serbian (?) flag. Low and behold, he was joining a congregation of flag bearers, one of whom was on a platform, giving a speech. There was not much of an audience. Only protesters holding flags, surrounded by ample Austrian police, both in vans and poised on motor bikes. I immediately turned around, quickening my pace, with shaky knees.
That was enough for me. It put a damper on my already melancholy mood. I headed back (to the hotel) and on the way, I heard the most beautiful music seemingly coming from St. Stephen’s cathedral. It was lovely music- chorale and instrumental. People were flocking around, but the cathedral doors were closed. It was awe inspiring.
Back in the red-light district, where my hotel was, I ordered a pizza 🍕 to-go from the local pizza joint and I bought a beer and a mineral Wasser from a street vendor. Watching CNN and German TV, I heard President Clinton’s speech. At this point, I half-heartedly debated not going back to nomad’s land. I almost called mom too, but didn’t want to worry anyone.
Monday after Easter in Vienna
