Back at the pension, we slept well and rose fairly early to go up to Bratislava Castle. before heading to Vienna. Taking our time, we wound around the hillside, making our way to the top. We were joined in the interim by an adamant Hungarian, letting us know, under no uncertainties that Bratislava belonged to the Hungarian people, and it was definitely his town! He seemed to be on a pilgrimage in fact, carrying his carpetbag. We walked with him for a distance, listening to his story; then wished him a nice Easter and went off our own way. It was interesting to hear his POV (point of view), but a little draining, too. 

Going Backwards in Bratislava Castle

After we got inside the castle, we wanted to see the museum. Well, we had a heck of a time; as without our knowing it, we were trying to walk through it backwards. The guard lady first offered us to put our coats down, and walk up the stairs to the dirty lookout tower. When we came down, she wouldn’t let us view the room we were in, but wanted us to leave our coats there. So we toured the adjoining room, then tried once more to get by her. Nope. Over three times we tried, and then finally we realized that we were going backwards. Boy, did we feel stupid, after going around the museum and finally coming out by her again the right way!

Rushing to the Train to Vienna

We walked along the Danube River and back to the pension, to retrieve our packs. Then we became rushed. Bought tram tickets, but decided to walk just in case. At the very last of six tram stops, we hopped on, and just made it in time to buy (train) tickets (to Vienna) and water and hop on board!

Got (Austrian passport) stamped and arrived in good old Vienna. Even had to ask there, how to catch a tram to West Bahnhof from Sud Bahnhof (South Train Station). And we were given bad directions from two old Omi’s in Wein (Grandma’s in Vienna). You never know.

Once we found our way to WBH, plunked ourselves down in a corner café and ordered the long-awaited Gröser Brauners. Very expensive, but quite good!

There was the Öster Häse (Easter Bunny) outside, whom I was waving at. Then Michael waved at him (the Easter Bunny 🐰) and a lady ran into the Easter bunny, as she thought we were waving to her, and was so busy waving back, she didn’t see the giant Easter Bunny and ran into him. It was really funny!

We then rushed back to the Bahnhof and got Michael sent off back to München (Munich) on the train 🚊. For once, I was the one seeing somebody off. Usually they see me off on the train.

When he left, I felt a little sad. I was missing already a part of the trip I had so long anticipated. Now it was over. It was a good week. Sentimental in retrospect, as I don’t know when we will have that opportunity again. But I guess he wasn’t too fed up with me, as he invited me to Gustave’s with him at the end of July.

With a tear in my eye, I regrouped for the next part of my venture. Knowing the name of the Hotel Türlingerhöf where I was to meet Dagmar and family,  I had asked at Information, by what U-Bahn stop it was near. Somehow,  I forgot to get further information. Don’t ask me how. From speaking with Dagmar, I thought it was on Wahringer Gürtel. 

When All Else Fails

Anyway I took the U- Bahn and asked a flower 🌸 stand girl. She was friendly but didn’t know where it was. So I walked up W. G. until I came to the next U-Bahn stop and I still didn’t see the hotel. I inquired with some nice people at the stop, who were also friendly, but from Germany and didn’t know. Taking the Bahn back (when all else fails) this time I asked a cab driver – when all else fails. He knew and I was there in five minutes!

Well the desk clerk was a jerk and wouldn’t let me enter the room, so I waited one hour for Dagi and crew to get back (watching a soccer ⚽️ game with Salzburg losing). Then the troops arrived full force- Dagi, Hari, Fabienne, Sigrid, Andi, Flora, and Linda. I felt a little outnumbered and got a foot in my face as I greeted Andi. What was a gal to do?

Immediately, we headed for the ice -cream salon amidst all of the other flesh salons in the “red-light district” of Vienna. In retrospect, it was a nice atmosphere. The girls were very happy, playing by the door, talking about sneaking out. That’s where Fabi developed the monologue and talking with elaborate hand gestures technique- which was to become a key part of our Easter 🐣 Sunday.

The Fishbacher’s bade us farewell. Meantime, while Harald was putting Fabi to bed, Dagi and I snuck out to the pizza 🍕 place across the way. I ordered garlic 🧄 Vollkorn pizza and we caught up on Slovakia; life in our 30’s; and what our own “life inventories” were. Mom was right, Dagi has taken one too. 

We finally went back and tried to fall asleep in the noisy traffic hotel room.

6 April, 1999