a
vacation discovery
by
Monika Kramer Copeland
I had never been to
Vienna, but had wanted to go there all my life. I decided it was time
to make a dream happen. On arrival, the plans I made for accommodations
did not work out. I had a few phone numbers with me and found a room to
rent from a wonderful Viennese lady who made me feel at home. She also
baked desserts for me and shared some recipes, as well as part of her
life's story. Despite the small age difference between us, I consider
her almost an adoptive mom since she guided my efforts to learn about
life in Vienna.
Edith Grandl had grown
up in the countryside of Austria with a number of brothers and sisters,
who all shared in the farming tasks which were quite formidable in the
1940's and 50's. Edith's specific job was to clean up the slaughterhouse,
an unlikely chore for a petite, somewhat dainty girl.The energy she employed
then, was with her all her life. She married an architect and together
they took over two 100 year old buildings on the Danube canal. Here I
rented the room that became my home away from home.
Edith is still petite
and dainty. She has great knowledge of all things natural, as well as
a lucky hand at cooking and baking. Her surprise evening desserts brought
to my front door the unforgettable buns that I have named Ducat
Buns (Dukatenbuchteln). They were as good as gold, though the
name does not convey the Austrian charm that goes with them.
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©Monika Kramer Copeland
2001
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