German
Europe: Swarovski, restaurant culture, distillery & Metzgete
October 2023
Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Wattens in Austria
A lot has changed since our last visit 18 years ago!
In the Wonderland of Fantasy, crystals are shown in all their facets in 18 Chambers of Wonder. Silent Light shows an eternal winter wonderland with real snowfall and temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees. In the spacious outdoor area,
the crystal clouds shine with around 800,000 crystals, while the black and white carousel makes its rounds.
We were thrilled by what was shown!
Red Bull Hangar-7 near Salzburg
An architectural glass construction that shows a great exhibition with vehicles and aircrafts. A special place for technology freaks, for connoisseurs of the culinary and for art. An impressive experience and an absolute must for Red Bull fans.
Austrian restaurant culture
We spent a few days with Brigitte's family in Upper Austria. There, as well as on the way there and back from Zurich, we enjoyed Austrian gastronomy in mostly rustic restaurants. From the classic Wiener Schnitzel to the creative six-course menu, there is surprisingly a wide range of choices even in smaller restaurants.
Diet was not a question.
Delicately distillery
After a good meal, people in Austria also like to drink a good schnapps. We have visited a few distilleries and tasted them. Our favorite: JP-Feindestillerie Christoph Kössler, www.edelbraendetirol.at
You can taste these noble brandies there in a 300-year-old room.
“Handwerk am Bau“: www.schweizerag.com
By chance, we were informed that my former deputy Robert at Max Schweizer AG would be discharged on September 29. Since few people knew of our presence in Switzerland, our appearance at the farewell party was a surprise.
Robert had been with the Schweizer company for most of his working life. After the master craftsman's exam, he worked as my deputy for many years and later he took over the job of the workshop manager.
Interesting for me was that after 18 years of my absence there were still many well-known people there. Some former apprentices as well as employees are still employed in the company.
What was also special was that we three old business partners, Markus, Albert and I, were able to chat about old times together at the same table.
The fact that Robert was an apprentice in my department 50 years ago shows me that I'm not getting any younger either!
Metzgete
In autumn the farmers slaughter their pigs and this product is usually prepared and offered on their own farm or in special restaurants. Side dishes are Swiss hash browns, sauerkraut and applesauce - a delicious pork dish.
Meeting friends makes you happy
Many thanks to our friends for the hospitality and delicious food. We really enjoyed the hours of chatting together.
