Welcome to the Heart of Europe

Sometimes a split second, just a moment, decides about our future. May it be the first impression one gains of another, or a chance taken or missed. Time never flies faster than on those occasions. This page is about some unforgettable times. What makes them so special is that they are all "Firsts".


Second Helping: More Firsts

As there was already a page called " Firsts", I figured to call this one "Seconds". In any case, it deals with some of those unforgettable and exciting events that form us. Be it the first day (or week) in kindergarten, an important step towards socialization with the outside world. Or even the very first school day, a markstone of education and lifelong training. Shortly after, it may be the First Communion, a special occasion when one is trusted to eat the holy bread for the first time. And there may be many more "Firsts", but this is a non-exhaustive list, you know.

A new Beginning

International communication can be challenging. At one point of time I tried to translate "Schultuete." Meaning that large cone, filled with sweets and little toys, given to kids over here on their first day of school, a "School Goody Bag"?

The nice custom must have come down from further north for otherwise the word "Tuete" is not too frequently used in the area. Instead, a paper bag is called " Sackerl".

At the same time, "Stanitzel" is used in connection with pointed shapes, describing the rolled paper holding hot chestnuts as well as the cone with some tasty ice cream. In Slovene language this would equal the similar expression "skrnicelj."

The first day at school is one of those milestones in life that is eagerly awaited, celebrated and still there is this strange feeling in the stomach saying "Will I do everything right?"

Billions did it before, but it remains an unforgettable challenge for the individual still. Another step for growing up and being allowed to do grown up things. Whether it is always worthwhile or not. Challenging situations may happen over and over again in the course of a life. Some do and some may never become routine.

On our way to kindergarten we would rhmye: "We're going to the day care, where all the children wait there - Wir gehen in den Kindergarten, wo die ganzen Kinder warten."

Trying on suit and dress for a special occasion makes us feel happy... and important. Holding the school goody bag and the lit christening candle: Admission to Primary School is soon followed by celebration of the First Communion. One of the very first responsible situations, fancy clothes underline the importance.

No Boys Suits for Ages

Going out to shop for a suit for the First Communion can be fun. At first learning that the store Dad got his own at for the same occasion doesn't sell kids clothes any more "for a couple of years". Then finding something we could be proudly showing to the girls at home, just as we would be proud of our son at the actual event of his First Communion four weeks later.

When it was time for our girl to follow, I was positively surprised how fast her dress was picked, supporting the economy of my hometown even. Chosen in the 20 minutes I had been going to get wine for a German colleague, who was enthusiastic about Austrian Muscatel. At least before I drove up and handed the box, with supposedly the oldest vine variety on the globe (in the galaxy?). When my girl was showing the dress one more time at home, my boy's comment was that the only thing missing here were wings. How right he was, and proud again we were.

Then again there is the story not of the Trojan horse, but of the Trojan jelly donut. "Trojanski prelaz" in fact is the name of a mountain pass in Slovenia. The danger after eating up one or two of those yummy, giant Slovenian snacks is that one may not fit into any suit any more afterwards. Maybe that is the Trojan effect and the reason, why they are not called Carnival donuts as their little siblings in Austria. For it is rather perfidious and not funny at all, when one happens to get into sight of a mirror afterwards.

And then it may be time for the first Trojanski Krof - the huge "jelly donut" from Slovenia, a giant version of Austria's Faschingskrapfen and Germany's Berliner. Didn't we have that years before?

So much for Firsts (for a second time). Let's now check out decision making in form of Confirmation.