Practically wall-to-wall coverage on TV of 9/11- documentaries and commemoration ceremonies. Those Channels which show normal TV have a “New York Forever” banner in the top left of the screen.
I have finally located CNN on the TV here, so can see some News in English. However, Australia does not feature AT ALL.
Also am keeping up with the US Open, TT, and will see the final tonight. Was very pleased with Djokovic last night. Hope he beats Nadal tonight. But perhaps not tonight, being 9/11?
Today the fly had a quiet day. Slept in until 10am, after the Big Walk yesterday. Wandered into the Centre of town, laptop in the backpack, but the Internet café not to open until 2pm. So…. took a seat at a café terrace, under shade, (30 degrees today) and ordered a glass of wine. Here, that means a glass of wine is served and also a little jug with the equivalent of two more glasses in it. Settled in to write postcards – mostly with pics of cows dressed up for the Almatrieb – when the drive all the cattle down from the hills for the winter in the barns. It starts next week, so I am disappointed to miss it. They don’t mind if you sit for hours.
Big car noises heralded the arrival in the square of a line of very expensive cars, driven by very rich men, with very blond thin women seated beside them. Is it a rally? Fly asked the waitress. No, a parade. So, on it went. I know them all now, and there will be pics up soon for those interested – Lotus, Ferrari (with glass over the engine in case you don’t believe they have one), DeLorean, Maserati, Boxster, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW. It was just amazing. They lined up, and as each one came to the head of the line, the commentator explained – horsepower, cylinders, price, special features (doors opening upwards, raising itself upwards at press of button – Mercedes, etc). The two horse-drawn carriages for tourist rides stood nearby. I longed for the drivers to pull up to the front and explain – two horse-power, fuel two bags of chaff per day, will return love and affection, but alas. Fly did silently cheer when a leather suited motor cyclist strode through the whole affair, his jacket proclaiming “Harley Davidson”.
Back at the Gasthaus, and the other Australian student has arrived. She is a winemaker and is studying German before going on to a German course for her specialty.
Have had to buy a couple of cotton tops – it is so hot, and I had expectations of much cooler weather when packing. Never get it right! Also bought today a pair of “Stucke”, the walking sticks they all use. They telescope down, so will fit in the suitcase. They were on a special for Sunday. (Very few shops open Sunday, except restaurants, the chap in the shop where I bought these was an Arab, who taught me a bit more German!) So now I can pretend to be a professional walker.
Of interest is the great cleanliness of this town – all of Austria perhaps? Not a scrap of rubbish is ever seen, even though it is impossible to find a public rubbish bin. And after a big Weinfest in the centre last night, there is no sign of it by morning. The streets are as clean as your kitchen floor.
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