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Saturday, March 04, 2006
May 27 - 29 [part 2]
14pf brought me to Frauzjosefybahn [sp?]. There was still much time to spare before my companions should arrive. What should I do. I spent some minutes walking along one line of steps in front of the Bahnhof and back to the same place by means of a lower or higher line. But that was a childish game (though warming, the morning air being cool, a fresh wind blowing) and soon I had to stop on account of the flocks of it) and B.P.N. which steadily increased and waiting before the station. Each party arrived singing.
Was brought smartly to a standstill, when rucksacks were set down, and macs and coats downed over dirndls; or uniforms as the case may be, and the flocks set loose until it was time to gather again. I found a letter in my pocket, which I had not posted the previous day, and sought out a Tabak traffik, but no stamps were to be had
The station, though small, was complete with P.O. - good. I could surely get a stamp there. Anyway, there would be something to see. A sleepy dame, hair protected with a whitish kerchief, sweeping the floor. "Ich mochte gern eine Brief wache, bitte". But oh dear; Briefmarke sind wicht fur eine halbe staede zu werkaufen. . I bought a map of the Wachau* for 40pf and continued early morning exercises while more people arrived. The time passed quickly. I bought my stamp and came out again to stand in front of the station. Soon appeared a familiar bright and cheery face, full of friendliness and behind a large bulging rucksack (mine was twice it's size but had about a quarter the contents!) - Marta.
We had actually met only the day before, but were to be good friends on the three days, most pleasantly successful and delightful - the dearest of companions. I will always have a fond rememberence of this time, of the beautiful landscape through which we saw, and the many beautiful and interesting Donantal villages and especially of my 3 dear friends Otto Koellner, Herbert Klausner and Marta.
But I am wandering.
[*Which was left with the diary, and I'll include in a separate post above.]
Was brought smartly to a standstill, when rucksacks were set down, and macs and coats downed over dirndls; or uniforms as the case may be, and the flocks set loose until it was time to gather again. I found a letter in my pocket, which I had not posted the previous day, and sought out a Tabak traffik, but no stamps were to be had
The station, though small, was complete with P.O. - good. I could surely get a stamp there. Anyway, there would be something to see. A sleepy dame, hair protected with a whitish kerchief, sweeping the floor. "Ich mochte gern eine Brief wache, bitte". But oh dear; Briefmarke sind wicht fur eine halbe staede zu werkaufen. . I bought a map of the Wachau* for 40pf and continued early morning exercises while more people arrived. The time passed quickly. I bought my stamp and came out again to stand in front of the station. Soon appeared a familiar bright and cheery face, full of friendliness and behind a large bulging rucksack (mine was twice it's size but had about a quarter the contents!) - Marta.
We had actually met only the day before, but were to be good friends on the three days, most pleasantly successful and delightful - the dearest of companions. I will always have a fond rememberence of this time, of the beautiful landscape through which we saw, and the many beautiful and interesting Donantal villages and especially of my 3 dear friends Otto Koellner, Herbert Klausner and Marta.
But I am wandering.
[*Which was left with the diary, and I'll include in a separate post above.]
Saturday, January 14, 2006
May 27 - 29 [part 1]
Early in the small hours of the morning on May 27, the day before Whitsun, I was rudely stirred (at my own request) and told to get up. It was however, an hour too early, ie: half 5, but there was no point in dozing again. My rucksack stood ready, hiking shoes, sport skirt, everything! Cool morning air came through the open windows.
It had rained, the still damp streets were void of life at this early hour. The sky was grey and rainlike, but the air fresh and good for hiking. My two bed companions had left the day before. I got up at leisure, put my bed in order, saddled up and went to the kitche, where I found coffee + bread + a packet of food waiting for me. I gulped down the coffee; put my food packet into the pocket of my rucksack, took the bread with me to eat on the way to the Strassenbahn [edit: streetcar].
The front door was still shut, and I had to disturb the goodnatured caretaker to open it for me, which she did cheerfully and wished me gute reise [edit: good travels]. It was still much too early. Time had I enough. I took my way slowly towards the Haltestelle. All was shut up and sleepy looking, and as yet few Trams were running. I spoke with a newspaper vendor, who waited hopefully in the vicinity of the Haltestelle. But no, I would have nothing to do with newspapers. I was going off to enjoy myself, to forget the sorrow of the world, into the nature, away from large towns and civilised life.
Soon arrived large parties of H.J. und B.O.M. [edit: ?] and smaller family parties and individual lisben [edit: ?], all in the same holiday spirit, complete with rucksacks and raincoats, against the "pfupt wetter".
At last a strassenbahn.
It had rained, the still damp streets were void of life at this early hour. The sky was grey and rainlike, but the air fresh and good for hiking. My two bed companions had left the day before. I got up at leisure, put my bed in order, saddled up and went to the kitche, where I found coffee + bread + a packet of food waiting for me. I gulped down the coffee; put my food packet into the pocket of my rucksack, took the bread with me to eat on the way to the Strassenbahn [edit: streetcar].
The front door was still shut, and I had to disturb the goodnatured caretaker to open it for me, which she did cheerfully and wished me gute reise [edit: good travels]. It was still much too early. Time had I enough. I took my way slowly towards the Haltestelle. All was shut up and sleepy looking, and as yet few Trams were running. I spoke with a newspaper vendor, who waited hopefully in the vicinity of the Haltestelle. But no, I would have nothing to do with newspapers. I was going off to enjoy myself, to forget the sorrow of the world, into the nature, away from large towns and civilised life.
Soon arrived large parties of H.J. und B.O.M. [edit: ?] and smaller family parties and individual lisben [edit: ?], all in the same holiday spirit, complete with rucksacks and raincoats, against the "pfupt wetter".
At last a strassenbahn.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Thurs. 25. May
I woke refreshed and overjoyed to find the sun beaming out of a blue sky. It was, however, windy and by no means warm. I sprang joyfully to the cold tap in the bathroom. My room companions had already an hour previously departed and as a great pleasure I was allowed to Frühstück [edit: breakfast] in the kitchen, which is somehow more homely than the large empty dining hall. It was already half past 10 and I hastened up to the Uni for my German lesson.
We learnt to begin with Idiomatische phrases, and afterwards dictation... a hasty visit to the StudentenKlub... then home to a good dinner - oh joy, asparagus soup - meat patties, lettuce and potatoes, and afterwards a Mehlspeise. The afternoon was spent in making the last Aufachmen [edit: ?] in the phonogram archive and afterwards in a Buchwei (secondhand books) and bought a much longed for knust geschichte and Willhelmmeisters Lehrjahre from Goethe for 2 RM.
After abendessen, which consisted of eggrice (?) (scrambled egg and rice and lettuce), I settled down in my favourite corner (the white writing room, but the white schriebtisch). Well, well, time goes. I must write no more here, but to my dear mother. Tomorrow, give us a schionen tag, for swimming I will go.
We learnt to begin with Idiomatische phrases, and afterwards dictation... a hasty visit to the StudentenKlub... then home to a good dinner - oh joy, asparagus soup - meat patties, lettuce and potatoes, and afterwards a Mehlspeise. The afternoon was spent in making the last Aufachmen [edit: ?] in the phonogram archive and afterwards in a Buchwei (secondhand books) and bought a much longed for knust geschichte and Willhelmmeisters Lehrjahre from Goethe for 2 RM.
After abendessen, which consisted of eggrice (?) (scrambled egg and rice and lettuce), I settled down in my favourite corner (the white writing room, but the white schriebtisch). Well, well, time goes. I must write no more here, but to my dear mother. Tomorrow, give us a schionen tag, for swimming I will go.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Resembling Chinese But Speaking English
A brisk walk in the clean, fresh, rainwashed air. I discovered the Nianabad [edit: not sure if this is correct], but it had already got late and I decided to set down to a hit of work and wait until I had bought cheap tickets from the Studentenklub. The afternoon was spent from 2 in conversation, from 4-6 in the Germankuns [edit: ?] We learnt busily grammar, and afterwards read and finished the first chapter from Bindiupes, Unversauslide, Evinnarmy. [edit: no idea whether any of these are correct].
After going home and eating a good supper, changed, washed and back up to the Klub. The next few hours from 9pm - 2am were spent in the raucous atmosphere. There was dancing, a theaterpiece and more dancing, beer drinking to which Dora and I were unwilling required by our friend to imbibe, but being thirsty it did not matter.
There were more people in the club than I have ever seen and many were strange faces; in one corner sat three men from America. But each as different from one another as it is possible to differ. One came from South America, dark - black hair, dark skin, brown eyes, diffrent from the Spanish Paraguayans. Another from North America, fair and English looking and speaking English. The third, a Hawaiian, resembling Chinese but speaking English. There were a party of Bulgarians, a jolly crowd. But after a time, the noise because unpleasant; the jollity of the earlier part of the evening returned towards 2am where the room began to clear and there was place to dance, but such music - blaring jazz from a dreadful resounding loud speaker.
Arriving home about 2:15, I had, to my shame and displeasure, arouse the portier from her sweet and pleasant dreams (or perhaps they weren't - judging by her expression) and it cost me 50pf into the bargain. However, I gave it gladly. Then came a few minutes fumbling in the dark and then - sleep.
After going home and eating a good supper, changed, washed and back up to the Klub. The next few hours from 9pm - 2am were spent in the raucous atmosphere. There was dancing, a theaterpiece and more dancing, beer drinking to which Dora and I were unwilling required by our friend to imbibe, but being thirsty it did not matter.
There were more people in the club than I have ever seen and many were strange faces; in one corner sat three men from America. But each as different from one another as it is possible to differ. One came from South America, dark - black hair, dark skin, brown eyes, diffrent from the Spanish Paraguayans. Another from North America, fair and English looking and speaking English. The third, a Hawaiian, resembling Chinese but speaking English. There were a party of Bulgarians, a jolly crowd. But after a time, the noise because unpleasant; the jollity of the earlier part of the evening returned towards 2am where the room began to clear and there was place to dance, but such music - blaring jazz from a dreadful resounding loud speaker.
Arriving home about 2:15, I had, to my shame and displeasure, arouse the portier from her sweet and pleasant dreams (or perhaps they weren't - judging by her expression) and it cost me 50pf into the bargain. However, I gave it gladly. Then came a few minutes fumbling in the dark and then - sleep.
24. Mai
Ah, cold water is good on a sunny morning. God be thanked the weather is clearing up and at the weekend - wir fahren in die Wachau (?) [edit: we drive into the Wachau]. I think I shall never be able to rise at half 7. My room companions were already dressed as I woke up. I had indeed heard the stirring call of Frau Dr. Schmidt, but went promptly to sleep again. I came down half an hour later. The rooms were being turned out and I joyfully breakfasted on bread and coffee in the kitchen. How the sun shines - and the sky is blue. I have written a letter and will hasten forth and test the heat of the air. Perhaps it will not be too cold for a much longed for swim... (9.5 Uhr) [edit: half past 9]
Locked Out
The rain poured steadily down in sheets - I ran along the other side and reached cover, and as the rain eased a little, hurried the rest of the way home. Home. A jolly home.
Mina was in the kitchen and had saved me a good supper - a hot wurst und bratkartoffeln.
I went up to bed. Unfortunately, no key was to be found. For 10 minutes, I and another girl were apparently locked out. We knocked and rang and at least some kind person let us in.
Mina was in the kitchen and had saved me a good supper - a hot wurst und bratkartoffeln.
I went up to bed. Unfortunately, no key was to be found. For 10 minutes, I and another girl were apparently locked out. We knocked and rang and at least some kind person let us in.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Damned Be The Jazz
23. Mai. 39
Life flows steadily on. Rain pours heavily, increasingly downwards. Chilly and unlike summer, I spend the morning in the charming little writing room, next to the music room. It is peaceful and pleasant, as the children are all at school. I write up my diary, learn a poem from Goethe. Soon after one, the house begins to stir up a bit, the children are home, and at half 2, we ate lunch. The food is very good. Soup, a meat course with what obtainable vegetables are to be bought, and afterwards a nachtisch [edit: dessert]. Today we had thick soup ... of beans. Afterwards came fish with sauce and potatoes - and to end up with, we had mehlspeise with cream and sugar.
Soon after lunch I rallied forth. It was not attractive outside - and I went into a shop + bought the ever needed Briefpapier for 1.25M, some postcards showing some views of the I-District, in which many delightful corners are to be found; old winding narrow streets and crooked steps running and climbing between the houses; and such poor poor people did I see eating some obnoxious stuff with their fingers out of tins.
Soon after 4 I went into the club, as I had promised to meet Dora there that we might go together to the Hungarian Tanzabend (which actually began at 8pm and would possibly continue until 5 the next morning) however, left at 9. Dora was not there; but after waiting sometime we met and collected a party. We were together 2 Bulgarian girls, 2 men, 1 Hungarian and myself. And how they dance, and the ... music and the songs. So heartrending - real musik. Damned be the jazz blaring from records in the next room. We danced wild Hungarian dances and I danced too for all I was worth. But such dances are not for the large feet of the English.
We danced Wiener waltz to gramaphone records, foxtrot and all. We drank wine and ate sandwiches (rolls cut in half, with tasty bits - eggs, fish, cheese, garlic etc laid on them). By nine however, I was satisfied that I had seen and learnt enough, I left the party to continue it's wild musik. They are a different people, the Bulgarians/Hungarians. Romantik, hardworking, with charming natural manners. The women are small, with small hands and feet, large eyes and long laughs, often very attractive. The men equally attractive, thought taller than the women. I left feeling I had certainly learnt something.
Life flows steadily on. Rain pours heavily, increasingly downwards. Chilly and unlike summer, I spend the morning in the charming little writing room, next to the music room. It is peaceful and pleasant, as the children are all at school. I write up my diary, learn a poem from Goethe. Soon after one, the house begins to stir up a bit, the children are home, and at half 2, we ate lunch. The food is very good. Soup, a meat course with what obtainable vegetables are to be bought, and afterwards a nachtisch [edit: dessert]. Today we had thick soup ... of beans. Afterwards came fish with sauce and potatoes - and to end up with, we had mehlspeise with cream and sugar.
Soon after lunch I rallied forth. It was not attractive outside - and I went into a shop + bought the ever needed Briefpapier for 1.25M, some postcards showing some views of the I-District, in which many delightful corners are to be found; old winding narrow streets and crooked steps running and climbing between the houses; and such poor poor people did I see eating some obnoxious stuff with their fingers out of tins.
Soon after 4 I went into the club, as I had promised to meet Dora there that we might go together to the Hungarian Tanzabend (which actually began at 8pm and would possibly continue until 5 the next morning) however, left at 9. Dora was not there; but after waiting sometime we met and collected a party. We were together 2 Bulgarian girls, 2 men, 1 Hungarian and myself. And how they dance, and the ... music and the songs. So heartrending - real musik. Damned be the jazz blaring from records in the next room. We danced wild Hungarian dances and I danced too for all I was worth. But such dances are not for the large feet of the English.
We danced Wiener waltz to gramaphone records, foxtrot and all. We drank wine and ate sandwiches (rolls cut in half, with tasty bits - eggs, fish, cheese, garlic etc laid on them). By nine however, I was satisfied that I had seen and learnt enough, I left the party to continue it's wild musik. They are a different people, the Bulgarians/Hungarians. Romantik, hardworking, with charming natural manners. The women are small, with small hands and feet, large eyes and long laughs, often very attractive. The men equally attractive, thought taller than the women. I left feeling I had certainly learnt something.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Life is very full
Another person who interests me is a small, though very grown up, personage of 7 yrs of age. She comes from the 10th division, a very poor quarter. She attends the Volksschule. She speaks in a very rude manner + it is also a bad ausspreche. She is altogether too old for her age. Indeed she has apparently lived too much with older people. She has a peculiar feeling against her mother, but is devoted to her Grandmother who has adopted her + I should think generally spoiled her. She seems to be quite intelligent. Having an interest in this being, I spoke with the Fran Nireklos [edit: sp?] about her; + I asked what she did at school, and was surprised to find she did very badly.
Well, life is very full; since 8 I have sat + written in the hopes of a clearing in the weather, that I might go for a swim. But it still rains (12 noon) & is chilly & not altering. Now I think a little of my mother and my other good friends. Shall I go to [edit - garbled] or not? I must find out about this Sprach Kuner [edit - sp?] + I must learn a little, read a little.
Well, life is very full; since 8 I have sat + written in the hopes of a clearing in the weather, that I might go for a swim. But it still rains (12 noon) & is chilly & not altering. Now I think a little of my mother and my other good friends. Shall I go to [edit - garbled] or not? I must find out about this Sprach Kuner [edit - sp?] + I must learn a little, read a little.
Dora
10. Frau___ ? arrived with a mysterious letter form & stamped with the sign of the Weimer [edit - garbled German that I can't translate without help].
This morning, Dora telephoned to me. She too had had an invitation + we shall go together. Dora is my good Bulgarian friend. Our friendship grows very strong + I don't think it will ever be broken. What a joy is such an understanding between two people. We have decided to travel round the world together - to do many things together - always to stand by one another.
This morning, Dora telephoned to me. She too had had an invitation + we shall go together. Dora is my good Bulgarian friend. Our friendship grows very strong + I don't think it will ever be broken. What a joy is such an understanding between two people. We have decided to travel round the world together - to do many things together - always to stand by one another.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Jews
Dienstag .23
A strange person, who has experienced too much for her years. The education in Austria seems to have improved. This girl, Ulina, had apparently a poor educations + is of a poor family, left school at 16, + worked 6 years in England. Has a strong grudge against the Jews, on whose account she left Austria; she reads the Stürmer from one end to the other daily and I wonder she doesn't become mad. She longs to return to England, where she had many posts good + bad, + where she received good pay. Unfortunately, under the present economical conditions it is not an easy thing for her.
(It is well known that many Austrians were previously employed in England, now they have been called back to Austria to live under the new Regime.)
She hates the Austrian food. I sympathise. Just now it is very bad. Clean + eatable, but so little fruit + everyone has the right to complain. She told me a most peculiar story (of which I remember little) concerning a family who employed her in Scotland. Apparently they were Spiritualists + behaved most peculiarly - especially on Monday + Tuesday when they dressed in special blue clothes + had the sitting room also furnished in blue + hung the blue curtains. The husband had particularly impressed her by wearing a garment similar to that worn on certain occasions by Jews.
She was indeed convinced that he was a Jew. I wonder. Her mind seems to be quite corrupted from her misfortune in having to leave England + from hatred of the Jews. The conversation took place in the kitchen + lasted until half 10. By this time I thought of my washing and letters which I had not attended to + as we were already on good terms I was allowed to wash in the kitchen + hang my things up in the bathroom.
A strange person, who has experienced too much for her years. The education in Austria seems to have improved. This girl, Ulina, had apparently a poor educations + is of a poor family, left school at 16, + worked 6 years in England. Has a strong grudge against the Jews, on whose account she left Austria; she reads the Stürmer from one end to the other daily and I wonder she doesn't become mad. She longs to return to England, where she had many posts good + bad, + where she received good pay. Unfortunately, under the present economical conditions it is not an easy thing for her.
(It is well known that many Austrians were previously employed in England, now they have been called back to Austria to live under the new Regime.)
She hates the Austrian food. I sympathise. Just now it is very bad. Clean + eatable, but so little fruit + everyone has the right to complain. She told me a most peculiar story (of which I remember little) concerning a family who employed her in Scotland. Apparently they were Spiritualists + behaved most peculiarly - especially on Monday + Tuesday when they dressed in special blue clothes + had the sitting room also furnished in blue + hung the blue curtains. The husband had particularly impressed her by wearing a garment similar to that worn on certain occasions by Jews.
She was indeed convinced that he was a Jew. I wonder. Her mind seems to be quite corrupted from her misfortune in having to leave England + from hatred of the Jews. The conversation took place in the kitchen + lasted until half 10. By this time I thought of my washing and letters which I had not attended to + as we were already on good terms I was allowed to wash in the kitchen + hang my things up in the bathroom.
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