Growing Up In Austria – Q&A
Questions answered in this video:
00:00 – Intro
01:05 – What do you like most about Austria?
02:52 – Have you ever met anyone in Liverpool that is from Austria?
04:36 – Do you think you would ever move back to Austria?
05:27 – Was it allowed in Austria that you leave school at the age of 15?
08:09 – Was there anything unique to Austria that growing up there influenced your values/beliefs?
12:02 – What crazy things did you dare each other to do when you were young?
13:38 – Can you describe your hometown in more detail?
17:18 – Have you been to Graz?
17:46 – How has your village/family been impacted by the war?
21:26 – Are you familiar with the film sets in Vienna? Have you ridden the big wheel?
23:04 – What kinds of cuisine did you enjoy in Austria? Any healthy eating habits?
25:22 – Do you follow any classical music?
26:08 – Do you think there’s something special about Vienna that makes it so famous for its music?
27:58 – Did you travel much in Europe as kids? How much English or other languages did you study?
29:00 – Did you take horseback riding lessons?
29:30 – Did you have individual friends as kids?
30:08 – Are people in Vienna still very formal?
33:28 – What does a typical Austrian assume America is like?
Back to our roots …
In today’s video we share some insight with you on what it was like for us growing up in Austria. We had been living there up until the age of 19, in a small village just outside of Vienna, Austria’s capital. Earlier this year, in July, we spent a month there to clean out our childhood home and get it ready for sale.
Naturally, this has brought back a lot of memories and with it, quite a lot of feelings and emotions. We thought we’d make this themed Q&A all about Austria to give you all a chance to ask questions about our childhood and to give us a chance to share some tales with you.
Thanks for your Q’s, we hope you enjoyed our A’s! 🙂
Stay groovy,
Mona & Lisa
Dear Mona and Lisa: the discovery of family documents and correspondence during the years after annexation by Germany in 1938 (Anschluss Oesterreich)and the behavior of families you know and love from your childhood to current times must be quite disturbing to both of you.
It is a conflict of the Austrian ethos of getting along, sharing and not standing up for self promotion, which is perfect for normal times, but doesn’t allow decent people to question new doctrines that purposely pit friends and neighbors against each other to the point of sanctioning criminal behavior such as looting your grandfathers shop.
It has passed, but it is sad for you.
Your positive, energetic and productive lives you’ve created are the antidote and cure. Thank you for sharing the history.
A profound episode.
One of the funny things I’ve seen (grumpy waiter story): met an old fraternity brother in San Francisco in the 90s and he took us to a Thai restaurant where we proceeded to wait maybe thirty minutes with no attention. As our fuming Thai waiter was passing by, Jon said “I’m going to say something”, rose, politely lifted a finger, and had just opened his mouth when (without turning around) the waiter yelled “YOU SIT DOWN!” Jon’s butt was back in the seat before the echo died, and we were all rolling with laughter.
“The Third Man Theme” was in the Beatles’ repertoire early on, and they played it in “Get Back”. (My old girlfriend’s dad was in the film).
WOW, that was EXTREMELY interesting! Thank you for doing the video ladies.
Thanks for sharing with us, it was very interesting, I’m going to watch it again!! So much to learn about Austria and your childhood and family.
Your smiles are the banner of Austria!
I’m amazed at the food, being so similar to Argentina, different names but the same food. I’ll sure enjoy the food if I visit Austria! The desserts which we had more a mix of French and Italian. My favorite has always been Milanesa con pure (schnitzel with mash potatoes) and I miss it, but like it was said it’s always better to make it from scratch, and I have to get on with it.
I’m always fascinated by the history of places. Those WWII documents are so interesting, especially how people behaved. There’s a saying in Argentina that goes “Pueblo chico infierno grande”, Small town, big hell. I hope Franzendorf was not that bad for you. The little town close to my grandparents farm where I spent a lot of time going around in bikes was hard because there were few paved roads, but everybody went around on horseback.
I think the prank calls ended when caller ID was introduced. Ring-Raje (ding dong ditch) literarily ring and run was a classic as kids. I think the doorbell cameras are putting an end to it.
So nice to have a nice sit down chat, so nice to have more background information!
Thank you!
It’s funny hearing about how the waiters in Vienna aren’t very attentive, it’s like that in Canada in the big stores, no one wants to help you. If you are trying to buy shoes and you need help finding your size, in the department stores you have to almost chase a sales clerk down for assistance. They are sparse. The smaller stores are better.
It’s always interesting to hear about people that transition from one country/culture to another. Part of what makes travel so attractive I think. We love to see other parts of the world and experience other ways of life.
That was a fun session. Lots of great stories including the war ones. Just shows what a crazy time it was where people had to justify their very existence. Glad you got to ride the big wheel and amazed you have have a sort of family link to it as well! The Third Man is a great film and shows Vienna just after the war and how much destruction occurred. And of course the theme music is a classic!
Thanks Allan, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂 We finally have to watch that movie!!
I very much enjoyed this Q&A! Seeing that view of the town you grew up in surprises me a lot! I grew up in the middle of South Dakota USA, my hometown was slightly larger than yours…. Close to 1000… it is now about 600. Mostly farmers. I’m sure an aerial view would look very similar to yours. Flatland for miles and miles. Of course you knew everyone and they knew you. So that in itself makes you behave better as a child I think… because your parents will find out about what you did that day…before you get home!!! I do believe growing up in a small town like that makes you more trustworthy of other people… and also more self-sufficient.
From getting to know you two in the last year… you have certainly continued your education in areas that a school could never teach you. You both are very wise beyond your years. I would also love to get to know your dad and Michaela more… I do know that as children grow into adults, they make their own decisions, but my guess is both of their personalities have rubbed off on you both!
I discovered you when I was looking for the words to the Beatles song “ when I’m 64” because I turned 64 Sept 1st and for some reason I was interested in that song!
It is now one of the highlights of my week when Friday comes along…!!! 🎶🤓
It’s funny how our little village looks more like it would fit into somewhere like South Dakota that into what people usually picture when they think of Austria 🙂 I agree, with what you said about growing up in a small village/town Everyone knows everyone, which definitely has its pros and cons!
Glad you found us through “When I’m 64”! See you again Friday 🙂
This was, by far, the best Q & A. Hearing a little bit about Austrian culture was really interesting, particularly the “tall poppy” syndrome. I’ve experienced that with folks from Asian cultures but would never have expected that in Europe. That and growing up in a small town explains why you both seem so humble, genuine, and kind hearted. The segment about your family and WWII was just fascinating!!! I hope you have preserved those documents and someone wrote that history down.
Thanks Claire!! We definitely held on to all the interesting and important letters and documents. We have yet to sort through and properly categorize them but we kept them in a safe place in Austria for now. We found plenty of books that date back to the 1800s!
All those letters, documents, and books are someday going to make an historian very happy! The personal stories are what makes it so interesting and makes history come alive, as compared to the dry facts you read in books. That generation is mostly dying off. I wish I had talked to (and recorded) my parents about what it was like living through the US Great Depression and WWII (my father served in the Navy in the Pacific).
Hey Everyone!
Vienna was voted the “Most Liveable City” in 2023, by the Global Liveability Index. Vancouver, Canada is no. 5. I saw the article, but you can google it. Maybe the grumpiness is fading away!
— Bud
A very enjoyable Q&A. Loved seeing the aerial shot of your village. I had no idea it was that small. I think it says a lot about how open and friendly you became growing up there knowing everyone. I would never have imagined that Austrians had a reputation as being “grumpy” after getting to know you two! Your glowing and ebullient personalities would light up any room. Can’t wait for the live-stream. These last 5 years have gone by fast!
Another fabulous Q&A. It just strengthens what I like about being an MLT Club member. In the past I could read about bands in books and magazines, or even see a documentary. But I never felt anywhere near the connection I get through the videos and livestreams available here. Thanks for sharing!
Mona & Lisa,
I enjoyed everyone’s questions, & thanks for your honest & thought–provoking answers!
I relate so much to how you grew up, & your food choices. I used to be the “ketchup kid,” when I was younger, but now it’s extra virgin olive oil on everything!
As a child, I rode my bike & walked my dog all over the neighborhood. And played on the beach & in the woods at my aunt & uncle’s summer cabin. It’s a shame that kids aren’t safe anymore in so many places. I hope that changes soon for the better!
Our future generations NEED US to fix our world problems, to make our little speck in the solar system a much better place for everyone to live, work & thrive!
I haven’t had Austrian cuisine much, but the dumplings & gravy, esp. w/mushrooms look wonderful! I think I had wiener schnitzel once. I’ll have to try it again! Potato salad yes, esp. w/the skins. I eat salad almost every night, & healthy organic vegetables, chicken & fish, etc. I love different Asian foods, Italian, French, Mexican, etc. I always add more veggies at home! My daughter loves pizza & Asian cuisine.
America needs to get OUT of the junk food stage, & into REAL organic, healthy food! Austria sounds great for that. About Americans being loud & rude, I’d say that’s true for a small number of people. I get disgusted with that myself! I think that MOST people the
World over are decent human beings. So why do the crazies end up controlling everything, as in “WHY?”
Your answers about the impact on your family during WWII were unexpected, & an interesting topic on the persecution complex that SOME people have been indoctrinated into. Why hate someone who you perceive to be different? Diversity makes life more fulfilling! The US is a country of different ethnicities, & the ones who were here the longest, namely Native Americans were persecuted for centuries! And their history was almost erased!
If you live anywhere in North or South America, you are an “American!” Yet the name “America” came from the Italian explorer, Amerigo Vespucci. And my favorite local mountain, Mt. Rainier was named after a British Admiral, Peter Rainier, who had never been here! (The local Puyallup Tribe originally named the mountain — “Tahoma.”
Puyallup is pronounced “Pew–Wa–Lip.”) We don’t need to re-write history!
I’ve come to understand that Europeans know more about history, & the world than many Americans. Yet I’m not bashing the US, because I believe that the biggest world-wide problems, which are greed, & the desire of a small group to control all others are problems that can be fixed ONLY through education & knowledge of the truth, followed by peaceful action to set things straight! ALL countries should be great places to live!
This was a lovely video, Lisa & Mona! You & your family are doing A LOT to make this World a better place, thru your music, videos, love of animals & nature & your contact with fans! You really CARE & have a deep love for all the GOOD things in life. You are talented, inspiring, charming, funny, silly — all the things that we strive to be!
It’s very interesting to see your transformation from children to teenagers, to young adults. You are a fine example of the kinds of leaders we need today, & always!
Have a wonderful week, knowing that you are so loved and appreciated! Thank you for all your effort & hard work! And you’ve had the help & support of a loving family all along the way!
CHEERS!! — Bud J.
Love your analysis on the worldd and the solutions you see Bud .i hope the world will be a safer place for the children of the future
Eric,
Amen to that brother! We need a BIG tidying up of our whole planet. Our future generations deserve to live in a clean, safe & friendly environment. WOW! What a concept!
Thank you for an informative and very entertaining Q & A video. The insights you provide on these videos help us flesh out the individuals behind the lovely voices. It’s what makes the MLT club well worth the price of admission.
I had to smile at your response to the last question about the Austrian perception of Americans. Your tact in trying to avoid offending a large portion of your audience was admirable. I would not worry though. A lot of the perceptions of Americans are deserved – particularly the overweight issue. Obviously, for a country with a population of 335 million, one size doesn’t fit all (thank goodness)! Also, as you get older as an American, you have heard the criticisms enough that you tend to develop a thick skin – which is preferable to a thick waist!
Hi Joe,
It sounds like you’ve had a fascinating career flying military airplanes! Here’s a question for you — have you ever seen anything resembling a UFO (or UAP?) What are your feelings on this subject, with all the recent talk? Thanks for considering this.
I like your picture with the John Lennon statue!
Hello Bud,
Although I personally feel “we are not alone” and think there are some legitimate unexplained phenomena out there, I’m afraid I never had any such encounters in my flying career. However, I did manage to scare myself a number of times, most of which were totally explainable!
Joe,
That’s a good honest answer. I think there’s a lot more to things than what we can see. I’m not a fanatic about it; just interested in the possibilities. I only hope that any discoveries along this line will be beneficial to humankind.
Take it easy! — Bud
The topic of Austria and your early days was very interesting. The few short videos, gave me a different perspective on Austria. I was surprised to see the farmland where you grew up. I was expecting farms on hillsides and cows with shorter legs on one side (just kidding). I believe if you know someone’s background, you can relate to them in a more, in depth way. A very enjoyable video for sure. Stay Groovy.
Thanks again for a great Q&A. I love it that what ever the question is, you always find a way to answer it with a “story” and not just yes/no.
In my view this Q & A was one of your best. The story about your great grandfather told a deep story that goes beyond the words – it helps describe life in a time of war in a way that seems so much more real than the way Hollywood portrays things.
The stiff Austrian waiter story reminds me of the way Hollywood sometimes depicts British butlers.
Spanish is much like German in that there are formal and familiar pronouns and verbs. There is even an informal plural “you”, but as far as I know it is now only used in the Catholic Church. I often use the wrong form in my limited Spanish speaking, but people don’t seem to be bothered by that.
Life has changed so much in America since I was young. Like you, my siblings and I went out on our own pretty much every day. I remember walking a mile to school in first grade. Life seemed much freer and open then.
It seems to me that you didn’t really drop out of school but simply transferred to Herr Wagner’s school of music. Your decision certainly worked out well for you.
Mona and Lisa, thank you for sharing these questions with us. Great questions and loved the answers. For people like myself who will never get a chance to go to that part of the world, it is great hearing facts and story’s about your child hood home. In the USA there are parts of the world in USA that is fantastic with people being so kind and friendly and other parts not so much. I know where we live it is a very nice atmosphere and love raising our family here and things have been handed down to us from our parents and grand parents etc….I for one love history and tradition and I love your Q and A segments, I learn so much. Thank you again and sending hugs and love from Me and Maddie Huge Fans from Pittsburgh PA USA
Thanks for answering our questions. We enjoyed cheese burgers and French fries while we watched. The aerial view of your village brings a lot into perspective. With such a small population you must have known just about everyone, or at least recognized everyone. We can see why you are drawn to travel and explore the world.
You were very brave quitting school to pursue your dream. That must have been a pretty heavy decision for you and your parents. We are glad you did! It was great when you added the disclaimer,”Kids, stay in school.”
But seriously, ketchup on mashed potatoes? Ketchup is for French fries(or chips?). Contrary to that, gravy on French fries is more than acceptable.
Love,
Marlo & JP
Thank you for sharing all that ladies, it was very interesting and enjoyable and gives us an insight into what your early life was like. Looking forward to the live event in October.
Heading to Vienna in December for a few days and am really looking forward to it as it will be my first visit to Austria.
Fantastic, we hope you’ll enjoy the trip! Christmas time is beautiful in Vienna with all the markets and decorations.
See you at the livestream, we’re looking forward to it too! 🙂
Hello Mona & Lisa,
I really enjoyed this Q&A. It was very informative & interesting. Thanks so much for sharing all that.
While reading what Eric said about having a girlfriend in Austria, it got me thinking about a couple of pen pals I had when I was about 14 or 15. There was a service that connected you with kids from other countries and we would write to each other. I had one or two girl pen pals in England and one in Germany. The girl in Germany sent me her picture (which I may still have LOL). It was fun to write back and forth. I remember there were these booths in New York where you could sit inside and record whatever you wanted to and a small vinyl record would come out of a slot for you – of course you paid for it. (not too much). I made a record for the girl in England (just talking, not singing) so she could hear my voice.
One more thing – I love to see and hear both of you smile and laugh. And you did a lot of that in this last video. You really made my day. Thanks a whole bunch.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Bobby S.
I did the Penpal for years as a teen and sort of now with a few, only at Xmas time to actually send out real Xmas cards in the snailmail , written out in my own handwriting …
Mist of my Penpals at the time were Duran2 and Glass Tiger , UK Royalty fans, Patsy Cline fans, some I eventually lost touch with, some I still am in contact on Facebook/Instagram now , rather than write letters or call and/or send cassette taped messages….lol , but a good majority of Penpals, I just permanently lost touch with ….😉🙃📜🖊
Hi Jacki,
That sounds great. Thanks for sharing. BTW I spoke to my sister Jackie today lol. Take care.
Bobby S.
This was a very enjoyable Q&A, I learned a lot about Austria and your home town. It seems a lot like my area of the U.S. which is mostly small towns surrounded by farmland but more rolling hills than flat land. Many German immigrants settled here during the pioneer days and their ancestors are still running the family farms today. You could always get a summer job working on a farm if you liked long hot days and very little pay, Lol, but they did always feed you good. I too like dumplings and gravy and I used to put ketchup on everything including mashed potatoes. I was interested in bush crafting for a while and followed an Austrian YouTuber named Survival Lilly. Have you heard of her? I think she lived closer to the mountains but she was my European connection through the pandemic. Anyways, thanks again for the interesting Q&A very enjoyable. I have looked at Franzensdorf on google maps and took a street view tour around the village. Even found the wind turbines and electric towers that I think were in your videos. Have a great weekend.
You ladies are so much fun to listen and watch. You both are so positive and fun. Austria is such a beautiful country and on my bucket list still. Yes, we in America are over indulgent to the max and FAT!!!!! We always want more. However I don’t know how I would react to a waiter being rude, probably like your video and song. Anyway thank you for a glimpse into your lives. Stay Groovy!!!!
I remember years ago, if a waiter was rude the customers would not leave a tip or they might leave a few pennies on the table to make a statement. (I never did that).
Bobby S.
Your Q&A videos are always time well spent, always good for a smile or two and we learn stuff as well. For example, I learned what the Austrian flag looks like! Lots of fun, thanks for putting this together!
Need to finish my post, obviously the fore exchange student was from Austria.
Very good questions, even better answers.
I liked it when you were talking about the organic food in Austria.
When I was in highschool we had a girl foreign exchange student. She was very beautiful and very cool .
Very enjoyable again.
Just watched the Q&A, it was very Interesting and enjoyable listening to you both reminince. Thanks for answering my question also. I wish I knew more about the Austrian side of my family
I didn’t know we had the opportunity to as questions and I wouldn’t have known how to get a question to you anyway. I just wondered if all the girls in Austria are a pretty as you two. Loved the Q&A anyway!💖
Hi Phil, if you haven’t figured out where to ask questions, just click on the Fun & Games tab menu and click on the Q&A tab. You’ll find the places where you can submit a general topic question or a themed topic question.
Thanks but I found it already.👍
👍
I very much enjoyed this Q&A. I watched it while relaxing in the music room here at our house, and it felt like I was just spending time alone listening to the two of you. It was so nice and very interesting. Austria sounds like a great place to grow up. Your childhood sounds so much like mine. I grew up in a small town with a population of a little over 300. There were farmers all around and most of my friends were either farmer’s children or children of people who worked for a farmer. I worked on farms off and on in various areas like cotton, tobacco, hay or whatever and whenever I could. I also mowed grass… almost every house near our house. I loved hearing about growing up in Austria 🇦🇹. So many similarities to my childhood.
Stay safe and God bless you and your family. 💛❤️
Thx for another great Q&A. Loved spending 1/2 hour with you two. I was in Austria once on a Rick Steve’s 21 day tour of Europe. Cut and pasted is Day 7 of the trip.
“It’s a short drive and a half-hour hike to “Mad” King Ludwig’s deservedly famous Neuschwanstein Castle. We’ll tour the castle (when available) and have time for lunch. Afterward, you can barrel down the Tegelberg summer luge track (weather permitting). This afternoon you’ll be free to visit another nearby castle, take a stroll in the countryside, or just relax at our peaceful hotel before dinner on your own.”
My memories of that day are the beautiful countryside as we traveled by bus, touring the castle and my wife riding the luge. Each luge was designed for one person so she could not go down with me. She was hilarious as she was on the brake the entire time going about 3 miles per hour and there was a train of about 1/2 dozen younger kids behind her that I am sure were not pleased. Needless to say the tour group had a good laugh!!
I’m so glad that you were able to spend a month there and find the things “hidden in the attic” that you did.
So many memories.
1. I’m German on my mother’s mother’s side. Gramma was a young girl during WWI, in the NYC area. Nearly all German traditions her family still had disappeared then, because of the rumors of German subs in NYC waters.
2 In the summer before my last year of school, I lived with a Swiss family in Basel for 9 weeks. I studied German, of course hoch Deutsch, in school. By the end of the summer, I could understand a little Baseldytsch oder Schwyzerdystch. Couldn’t speak it. Very beautiful because it lilts like Gaelic, And the food! ❤️ Real milk, real cheese, real chocolate, real fondue. Grossmutti’s linzer torte which I was told was the best in Basel. (a vague memory that someone said better than Austria.) One of the most fun things was returning home for my last year of school. My german language teacher was on a foreign exchange, so our teacher was German from Ulm. He didn’t know what to make of my accent: striving for hoch Deutsch, but American accented and some pronunciations from Swiss!
Dank’ schön viel mal!
I have done some investigation of Vienna in the past, since I was compiling a list of places to visit in retirement.
3 of my 4 grandparents spoke German. I didn’t even know that until I was much older. I saw a family tree long ago which showed my dad’s family was mostly from the very southern part of Germany, from Alsace to Czechia, but mostly Germany. I don’t remember if there was anyone in Austria or not. Maybe(?). And that’s just my dad. My maternal grandmother was German too.
I’ve never been to Austria or Germany, so this Q&A was very interesting. If you wanted to do a part 2 on this, I would enjoy that just as much. Thanks.
Very entertaining and interesting. Couldn’t help but smile.Thank you! 🙂
I just love your Q&A. Another great video. If you love the Alps then when you get a chance, please visit the Adirondack Mountains. You might be pleasantly surprised what you will find.
I just googled them and looked up some picture! Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks! Remember, the Alps and Rockies are awesome and exhilarating and the Highlands are magical and enchanting. But the Adirondacks will touch you emotionally. All who (from mostly Canada and the USA) climbed these mountains including yours truly have said the same thing. Ah, those dome-shaped mountains.
I’m seeing alot of TV TOURISM ads for the Adirondack Mountains, & area on the local TV channels in my area of Canada, Ottawa area, since it’s approximately about a 2 Hour to a 2 and a 1/2 drive away from where I live ….it’s certainly a popular tourist destination, ( even before onslaught of the TV tourism ads for it ), it’s been a long standing destination for folks to go see…
Thanks! Please visit those dome-shaped mountains.
That was so interesting and fun to learn about your experiences of Austrian culture.
By chance I had two interesting segues into Austrian culture this week: firstly hearing an outstanding pianist, Elisabeth Leonskaya (who is based in Vienna), play, and without reference to any music, Beethoven’s 5th piano concerta, at the newly rechristened Glasshouse (formerly Sage Gateshead), where hopefully one day you will come to play.
The second encounter, and perhaps reinforcing the first, was reading Stefan Zweig’s essay “The Vienna of Yesterday” (written in 1940, but harking back to an earlier time) in which he describes many of the differences between German and Austrian values, and particularly the Austrian love of music which was placed above all else. He writes that Austrian’s sought a level of perfectionism in musicians where “We [Austrian’s] are accustomed to the highest levels of quality and are not willing to give an inch.” High standards indeed!
You clearly go over and beyond in your own musicianship (even learning new instruments and new techniques for your songs) and accompanying videos (which are beautifully crafted), and I wonder if maybe part of this stems from this Austrian approach to making high quality music?
Thanks for another fun video! I was only in Austria once, but it was in the western part, near the Achensee. I still have a lot of family in Bavaria and this video really made me miss them, especially my cousins who live in a Sauerlach, another small village. I’d kill for a good Schnitzel or Semmelknödel. It’s just not the same here in the states!
Lisa – at the end of the video it sounded like you said “Pfiat Dank”. When I would visit Oma in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, she would always say “Pfiat Di” when I was leaving. Are they similar?
We hope you get a chance to visit your relatives in Bavaria soon!
Lisa said “pfiat enk” which is the plural form of “pfiat di”. So yes, it’s the same expression! It’s used more commonly in the western parts of Austria 🙂
Aaah, got it. Thanks so much, Mona! I still may try to pull off a trip in December for Christkindlmarkt. My favorite time of year in Germany. Pfiat di!
Mona & Lisa,
Thanks for using all 6 of my questions today, wow! I watched the whole video, which was very nice! I’m leaving for a hike soon, so I’ll revisit this again later.
Have a great day! Auf Wiederschauen! — Bud
A great q+a!
The red and white scheme really becomes both of you – gorgeous!
Thank you for answering my questions. The top poppy theory is something I never heard of and it is true that it is alien to America. Very interesting.
The family background with the war was fascinating. Many times the trauma felt in these instances can resonate for generations. It makes you feel more connected to those who preceded you. I found the story very interesting and wouldn’t mind hearing more.
Americans are generally overweight, easy and empty calories are quite plentiful and cheap here. It is a major problem, Americans don’t recognize how fortunate they are in living in such a largess of food and take it for granted. I too need to lose a lot of weight, I wasn’t always overweight, but as I got older and exercised less, it was easy to put on the pounds. Food is too readily available here.
Whenever you come to visit or consider living in the states, please give Pennsylvania a hard look. We get all 4 seasons here and it is beautiful.
I’ll help carry in boxes, I can lose some weight that way. We can eat healthy together.
Much❤️❤️
That was a most fascinating, and educational Q & A in regards to your growing up in Austria, I learned so much, and in listening to your thoughts, etc, I could see many similarities about Canada , USA …. The area I grew up in, used to be it’s own city, NEPEAN, before it amalgamated with Ottawa eons ago, ( late 1990s-early 2000s when the amalgamation took place ) and my ancestors were one of the first settlers in the NEPEAN away back when, and therefore has historical ties, and donated land to which the cemetery where my late parents, etc are buried ( I grew up across the road from that cemetery )
As to ideas/preconceived/assumptions/presumptions about what Canada is about, sadly , there’s been false info and therefore is has been taught and etc, that Canada is made of Eskimos, we live in igloos, etc, snow all year round, etc…. and those who believe in that of Canada, are /were in for a rude Awakening when /if tgey come to Canada, as none of that is true, yes it culturally diverse, each province is different with its distinctiveness, in landscape, culture, people, language, etc.
I’ve been asked if I came from the Maritimes in Canada because of my Ottawa Valley accent, but I’m Irish heritage and Ottawa Valley/surrounding areas is known for its strong accent because of highly population of Celtic heritage .
Also, another commonality about Canadians, I’ve heard from folks not from Canada, is that we’re polite /friendly, I’ve seen that , so I know that is true for the most part.
Again, depending where you live in the provinces in Canada , rural, there is no public transportation such as buses, so , one must either walk, ride a bike, have car, to get around whereas in the urban/city/outskirts of city, you can get around by bus, car, bike, light rail, walking, etc.
As for the USA, though , I’ve not been there for 35-40 yrs now
but given from what I’ve learned over the years in its history , it, like Canada is culturally diverse, but there are still some areas that haven’t changed much in the historical mindset towards others, which is sad, and I wish that could change, and like Canada, each state has its own ways , etc of how things are, and the area I’ve ever only been to the USA — Watertown/Oswego/Ogdensburg, NY, it was friendly, etc though the food tasted much differently than Canadian stuff, and buying grocery items, etc we saw on tv that were sold in USA grocery stores was a treat.
Like Canada, the folks are friendly, generally speaking with perhaps a few areas/states that doesn’t necessarily share that attitude towards others, unfortunately, but then again, it is like that no matter where one goes or is at.
I just embrace when Everyone can get along peaceful and respectful regardless of background, etc, that’s what matters to me, and that’s one gift MLT has created, that Positivity Friendship Bridge Community that bonds Globally …
Also, seeing the dresses, made me think of 🇨🇦 🍁, red and white ….lol
Overall, Kudos to another fab Q& A but this one was epic and unique as we got to know more in depth somewhat about your family history, where you grew up, so forth, Thankyou for doing this, it made my Friday and my love of local History, History in general spark ignite … 💜🤘😊💎
As a teacher, I always have been impressed how you have never stopped learning. By reading, traveling, experiences, and especially your music, the two of you are life-long learners. The articulate way in which you answer questions in the “Q and A” videos is outstanding, especially since English is not your first language.
Thank you for your excellent Friday videos. They make the end of the week even more enjoyable.
As Sunday approaches, I will be doing my regular routine. We have open baseball games for the high school players in our area and I always play the Orange album on the way to the ballpark. “No More Worries Company” reminds me that everything is good.
Wishing you continued success.
Hello Ladies
Such an informative and fun video today.
The scenery is very pretty. I can see why Austria is known for its picturesque beauty.
I remember well that one of your go to foods is Toffee Pudding. Especially during the Holidays.
Mona’s dress was also used in the short clip Drive My Car you were both seated in a beautiful vintage MG. Beep Beep M’Beep Beep Yeah!
I have been so fascinated by the short clips and pictures of your recent trip home to Austria 🇦🇹 💕 It shows how much you still love your first hometown. Memories will always remain.
Thank you again for sharing so much about yourselves and Austria.
Best Always
Rick Ross
Thanks for sharing your story. And your always good mood and humor. It’s contagious – nice Friday🤩🤩
I just looked up the Wikipedia entry on Franzensdorf. It mostly talks about a flood of the Danube in 1830 that obliterated the town, after which it was re-established at a higher elevation.
The article names only one notable person from Franzensdorf. I think we could expand that list a bit now.
That was a really nice q&a. Again with fitting dresses!! ( Altough dirndls would have been nice too).
I would have never guessed you stopped going to school, to me you are more of what we call ” old souls”.
That is a way to express someone seems to have lots of wisdom, in more ways like intelligence but allso as in life experience. Both of you know so much of everything and are interested in so many things.love the way you talk about your youth, so enthousiast!!
I had a girlfriend in Austria once ( she came from Stadl an der Mur and moved to Vienna, so I never saw her again😭, but you remind me often of her. She was so gentle and could speak with the same enthousiame as you do. She was allso in to organic food and love for nature and animals.
I’ ve been to austria often and i understand why you like the food!! Schnitzel and Kaiserschmarren is certainly my favourite and most of all i like to drink Almdudler, its great on hot days. We take homes gallons of it when we have been to Austria and when its all gone I even order it from Austria.
I hope you will enjoy your stays as you visit family and i wish you a lots of great travelling, should you ever travel to our country I “d love to make fresh schnitzel for you!!
Thanks Eric, that’s very kind!
Almdudler tastes great! I completely forgot to have some on our recent trip back … I’ll have to make up for that next time. 🙂
Hello Mona, i will see if I can send some bottles to you
Fascinating Q&A. I was very interested hearing how the war affected your family. Living in the US we don’t hear much about how Naziism was so pervasive in Austria. It’s so wonderful to watch you sharing memories. Loved the outfits.
Wow, really loved today’s Q and A, it was so fascinating hearing about your experiences growing up in Austria. I didn’t know your town was affected by the war that much, really interesting and fascinating hearing about how the war affected your family. Your town only had about 300 people, wow I didn’t know it was that small, loved seeing seeing the aerial view of the city with one main street. It must have been very special to have grown up there. I grew up in a very small town in Washington State that was probably about a few hundred people and it always had a lasting impression on me even now. Went back and visited it a few times over the years. Thanks so much for sharing so much of your experiences there. Images of Austria always felt so beautiful and enchanting and I would love to go and visit there and see all the culture, architecture, landscape and nature, and the food too. It all looks so delicious! Really enjoyed this, thanks so much.
Hello Jung by experience I can tell you a visit will be worth it. Its an inmpressive country with very hospitable people. Great architecture indeed and great food and culture
Thanks Eric. It would also be a musical pilgrimage for all my music heroes, starting with MLT of course, Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert etc.
Thanks for the very interesting answers. I really enjoy these Q&As.