A Memorable Trip with our Mrs. Kramer
Mrs. Kramer, our governess had a beautiful car. My sister Friedl and I, Ilona called it “vanilla pudding colored” two door and a lot of chrome. It was striking and we loved to ride in it on little outings and journeys.
The car was all polished, ready to go. It was a sunny and still warm day in late September 1933. Friedl was 8 years old and I was 6 years old. We got into the back seat, and waved “good bye” to our dear Mama. We were going to one of our favorite places, Traisa. The place that has outdoor entertainment in the summer and serves wonderful, fruit tarts, fresh from the oven.
Today, we will watch a horse show with beautiful horses, Mrs. Kramer tells us. And after, we are going into the restaurant to enjoy the fresh fruit tarts and lemonade. What glorious day!
It is a beautiful drive along the serpentine road through this awesome forest, the “Odenwald.” Ode to the forest. Friedl and I were singing in the back seat. I believe, I was the only one who enjoyed the horse show, my Friedl did not care for horses, she says they are big and are scary. I love horses and after the show, I enjoyed going to see them close up. They were very sweet and liked to be petted and talked to. They are very intelligent and they are beautiful.
After the show and seeing some of the horses we had reservation in the restaurant for lunch. We all three tried the shrimp salad, which was very tasty, like all the food they serve. For our dessert we chose the fresh Italian plum tarts with a spoon of whipped cream. Delicious! Mrs. Kramer ordered coffee for herself and lemonade for Friedl and I. We had an amazing afternoon and a wonderful drive back to the city and got home to tell Mama all about our outing with our Mrs. Kramer.
Long into the night, I kept thinking about the beautiful horses. I envisioned the show, the awesome movements of the horses and riders in my mind over and over. Wishing I already could ride my horse that well. At the riding academy, where I go now to learn riding, I am renting a horse and I some days end up with a different horse.
Some day… Some day I hope, I will own one of these great animals. It will be all mine!
I love this sweet little story, and all the Mrs. Kramer stories that Ilona has shared in the past in her posts on this website and in her beautiful books.
Also, look at that slice of Plum Tart–with whipped cream! Looks so delicious (and it was probably me who ate it–so I can tell you it was!) Marcie
Like the song from The Sound of Music, this story has the elements of some of my favorite things: little girls, a beautiful car, the forest, magnificent horses, and great food. Thank you Ilona for sharing this delightful memory from your childhood.