Schnitzel and Schnee

Schnitzel and Schnee

     Today marks my last day in the village of Schwertberg. Since my first day, I have experienced authentic African food and sled down a mountain.

     My adventure began somewhere near the border of the Czech Republic. Here I saw a step mountainside that looked to be from a film. Being that we were a bit startled, we began on a much nicer hillside next to a frozen pond (swimming was forbidden) .  We decided to be a little brave once we had gone as far as we could go up the hill. It was time for the real deal. I would compare the feeling of looking at the mountain like the moment before you drop down the first hill on the Goliath at Six Flags without a seat belt. Yes, for real. It was like being children again. Sledding and daring to go higher up the mountain so the sleds would go faster. It was as if I had snow cones from a carnival being thrown in my face, but it tasted like the five flavor kind in the biggest size; only kind I wanted as a child. 

     Once we had enough , after I ran into the squirrel statue, we went to the ski haus (whatever we call it in America). There we found treats, warm beverages, and schnitzel. I decided the wiener schnitzel would be too much for me so I took a hand at a traditional pastry. Of course, a coca-cola as well. We spent time exchanging stories of our day and laughter. It was now time to leave the ski area/mountain forest and partake in a traditional African meal. 

     Our dear friend Leonard invited us all to gather at his friends apartment. Here , he said, we would have a taste of another culture; quite literally. First the meal began with a rice, vegetable, and chicken mix. I found this to be delicious, but was told it was only a precursor to the real thing. The "real thing" included a maiz (sort of corn meal thing) and a meat. The instructions were that you had to make a ball of the maiz and dunk it in the meat and sauce. However, there was a fork option. While I began with this, I ended up eating with my hands. It tasted as if I was at someones grandmothers house. We all know granny's(nanas) make the best food. The best part of it all was experiencing another culture I would not have been able to experience had I not made the decision to go abroad. As always, we ended with desert and goodbyes. 

     I ended my time in Schwertberg with Stammtisch and brownies. I will not say goodbye, but rather see you later. I am thankful for the wonderful hospitality of such great friends and people. However, I now must say hallo to Linz. 

Auf wiedersehen!