December 19, 2012-
Today we're scooping up Opa from his apartment and whisking him away to visit his family. Opa comes for a region of Steiermark that isn't too far away- it's called Ennstal. It is a beautiful area- picturesque mountains with pretty little farms dotting the hilly landscape.
It'll be about two hours of driving time to get there. So, I hope you're comfy!
Stopping to get directions as we're heading to Roswitha and Werner's house…
Following Opa's suggestion we took an interesting, winding road where Opa pointed out to us the house he was born in (it was high up on a hill) and talked to us about his family and growing up in this part of Austria. His mom was a Sennerin- which roughly translates to alpine dairy maid. In the summer they lived in a hut in the alps and watched over the cows. Well, not just watching over the cows….they had a long list of chores to do (including milking the cows!!). I'm guessing that it must have been a rewarding but tough life. I think most of us dream of living in the alps (ie "Heidi" comes to mind!!!!). Just think of all that fresh air, fresh milk and physical labor- how can that not be good for you?? I never got to meet my great grandmother (Opa's mom) so it's interesting to hear stories about her. I am really enjoying hearing about Opa's childhood. We also learned about Opa's brothers (they were both killed in WWII). Opa entertained us with different stories from the area as we drove on the small roads- trying not to get lost. These roads were all new to me – I was not actually sure where we were heading! Just glad Opa knew how to get to Roswitha and Werner's house!!!
And speaking of Roswitha and Werner's house…we made it:
Roswitha (please correct me Mama!!!) is one of the daughters of Opa's sister (Hedwig? deceased)- so that makes her Opa's niece and Mama's cousin. This house is the old family home which Roswitha and Werner completely remodeled and updated. The house that was located next door to this one (an old wooden, beautiful house with tons of character) was the house where she was born. I just love all the family history!
Just for the record, I felt pretty self conscious taking too many photos, and therefore I hardly took any at all. I now regret not taking more photos- Kirstin, you and Patrick will need to make up for my lack of photos when you come in February!!!
Check out the gorgeous kitchen:
Roswitha had prepared the most wonderful midday meal for us – it tasted so good. So good that I forgot to take out my camera and snap a photo of the lovely meal. I just couldn't take the time to stop enjoying my meal!!!
After the meal the girls spent time playing outside in the snow. Annika created another snowman. Roswitha found some carrots for her to use…don't you think the snowman could use a carrot nose???
After lunch and apple strudel Werner took us out for a short walk. Sadly, there wasn't enough time for a long walk as we have to go visit more family members in a neighboring village.
And now it's time to leave Roswitha and Werner's home and head off to see more family – Opa's sister and her husband + extended family in a neighboring village. :-)
Let's go check on the girls…they've been playing outside for quite some time!
Now, where has Mark and Gerhard disappeared to???
Oh, here he is now! Gerhard took Mark to show him 1) the schnapps making equipment and 2) the new house he and Monica are in the process of building. They had some insulation delivered while Mark was touring the house- unfortunately, the guy just dumped it on the side of the road where it surely will get wet if left there. Apparently Mark got his work out for the day by helping Gerhard move the insulation inside.
They have two pieces of furniture that are quite amazing:
These two pieces of furniture were apparently stored up in the attic and completely ignored. They almost considered tossing them out but on closer inspection they hired someone to restore them. As luck would have it- they discovered they had two beautiful antiques.
Oh drat. It's time to leave. You know, I really don't want to leave. I'm serious. This is such a neat place and our relatives are KIND, FRIENDLY and very WELCOMING. Gerhard has a side hobby of making schnapps….and that's something that Mark has always wanted to make. It was more than 25 years since I've last been here. The last time I was here I was a snotty thirteen-year old. I'm bummed that I waited so long to return to see Opa's side of the family but I'm grateful that I got an opportunity to see them now. I wish we could have stayed longer. All the more reason to plan a return to Austria soon!!!!