15 - 21 December 2008


The Dutch love Maria Alm, they come here in their droves. They also love pancakes, so they are keeping Justine busy in her 5th variety of job, as occasional waitress at the recently opened, and first ever, pancake restaurant in Austria. The Maria Almers love the Dutch, as they love all tourists - since their livelihood depends on them. Although - a recent official circular, informing Maria Almers of a proposed new development of apartments, did not extend the usual warm welcome when it stated that these apartments will NOT be sold to any English or Dutch. I should think the Austrians care as little as the French about the EU, there's little 'unity' in singling out two nationalities so. The best parts of Austrian culture are beautifully preserved here, so we all want a bit of it, but fiercely protected, so we are also kept at arms length.