Aug 15

Aug 15 A Curiousity-Inducing Dinner in Grandma's House

VIENNA, AUSTRIA. It was our last night in Vienna when we dined in Marchfelderhof which was just a 10-minute drive from the city center. I was not feeling well then that even though I had been looking forward to going to this restaurant, I was actually sizing myself if I can handle it or not and if I should just stay in our hotel to rest. But since I know I should not miss this since I already made a preconceived image of the place, I persuaded myself that I was already feeling better so I did go.

I remember arriving in this restaurant without memory on how I got there, however, seeing the facade lighted with bright Christmas lights immediately steered away the confusion. Upon entering the establishment, confusion again set in as my eyes went all over the place. I was overwhelmed with all the things surrounding me. It was like stepping in grandma's house with all the antiques, unique pieces and collections that had been accumulated over the years.Topsy-turvy? Maybe. But it was the kind of chaos that I find very comforting. It was as if I travelled to a different dimension and had known later that Mad Hatter lives there. It was fantastically crowded; a haven where curious people would not get bored for they will constantly find something that will catch their attention.

But more than the one-of-a-kind ambiance was the food. I still was able to order a meal for myself but since I was still feeling a lit bit hazy, I just asked our tour director to find me a place where I can rest as my head ached more and my fever worsened. Truthfully, I was not able to experience the food. Since leftovers is something of a taboo in our family, my fish meal though did not go untouched. Not exaggerating even one bit, my food disappeared on the face of the earth with my brothers and this was even after they chowed down some Deep-Fried Pork Leg each!

After an hour or so of just tossing and turning and finally finding sleep, all I had ever witnessed after I woke up were the smiles in the faces of my co-travellers and my brothers' unending stories. It had been a lovely night for everyone. It should also had been for me but the needs of my body prevailed. I knew I had to listen to it first so that I could enjoy the remaining days we had in our tour. Despite of it, at least I was able to see the infamous restaurant and sleep in one of their rooms which not everyone can do. Good thing my mom has some good photography skills and was able to capture some snippets from that night for me. Well, who else did I take after, right?