GENEROSITY

I met special people who made my trip memorable!

WONDERFUL CHEF

One evening I arrive in the very small town of Ardagger Markt. Shops are closed and no one is on the street. I move along until I find the Schiffsmeisterhaus with a sign on the door to call about accommodations. So I do.

A woman comes to the door who is the owner and invites me in. Actually, right into the kitchen where as the chef as well, she is preparing the evening dinner. While she is stirring pots and preparing ingredients, I learn that the building was originally used as the home for ship captains on the Danube through the 1600’s to the 18oo’s. Eventually it became an exhibit center for local history and now a hotel.

She and her husband worked as a team running the hotel and the restaurant. He tragically died the year before and now even though she is carrying on, it is with a lot of sadness. She invites me to sit in the dining room and brings me a bowl of the most delicious soup made from fresh local Chanterelle mushrooms!

The next day at checkout, she hands me two euros and asks me to light a candle in honor of her husband at the church in Melk. So I do and send her a photo hoping it will alleviate her sadness a bit.

THE FLOWER LADY

While in Prague, I made a reservation for a tour of The Municipal House. The inside is as stunning as the outside with frescoes, ornate design elements and detailed woodwork. While waiting for the tour to begin, I see a woman dressed in flowers! I am fascinated by her and introduce myself saying how stunning her outfit is. It turns out she is German and visiting in Prague.

After the tour she invites me for coffee in the restaurant. The server even takes a photo of her. I learn that Anja used to work in fashion and always wanted to be a costume designer. She now has health issues that prevent her from pursuing that dream. I see that she is expressing her dream in how she presents herself. We agree to stay in touch.

TASTY GIFT

I loved my stay at the Salvador Boutique Hotel in Prague! They had the best vegan restaurant! Breakfast came with my room and at the end of the day, I would enjoy dinner and dessert there also. It was my mission to try a different cake each day.

When I checked out after a week, they presented me with a slice of cake to take with me that I hadn’t tried yet. It is a traditional Czech marble cake recipe.

The generosity of strangers is part of what makes travel such a positive experience.