Personal Journey Through Europe: Usa - Cuba - Jamaica - Brasil - Peru

By Francis Arnszej

Personal Journey Through Europe - Usa - Cuba - Jamaica - Brasil - Peru, were people are made aware what can happen on a trip in this region

• Language: English
• Publisher: Francis Arnszej
• Release date: Sep 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370625499

Francis Arnszej

Born in the UK raised in VIENNA AUSTRIA arrived in SOUTH AFRICA in 1975 and residing there ever since. My apprentice ship was in one Hotel Bristol and since then stayed in the Hospitality trade. The last eleven years as GM in a very well known franchise in South Africa - Ocean Basket. Love to Travel and finally decided to make a book out of Travelling.

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PERSONAL JOURNEY THROUGH EUROPE – USA-CUBA-JAMAICA- BRASIL- PERU PART TWO BY FRANCIS ARNSZEJ

WEDNESDAY 04.06.2003

HERE I GO AGAIN ON A VERY EXITING TRIP TO VIENNA – AUSTRIA- NOT HAVING BEEN HOME FOR TWENTY TWO YEARS. VISITING CUBA –HAVANNA – AND TO ROUND IT UP TO JAMAICA – MONTIGO BAY – IN THE CARIBEAN ISLANDS.

This morning getting up 7 am got a call from a friend wishing me a nice trip. As I do have the whole day before leaving this evening I did my Tax Return first. Next visited my Lawyer about an accident I had in April from there to the Police station to fetch the report of the Accident. Here told the report was at the Traffic Department on arrival there was charged for it. Back home again call my friend who is to give me a lift to the Airport. Now sit here waiting for the time to pass and by 15 pm a real nice storm is going on outside Thundering and Lightning. At 16 pm my friend is here to fetch me.

By 16.30 pm already checked in at the KLM Counter as again have time on my hands went to the Pub having one beer paying R 13.50 for it. It is now 17 pm fifty minutes before boarding. I was told the wrong boarding gate so went to Nr 6 instead of Nr 2, but by 18.10 pm sat in a BOENG 747 – 400, Passengers 426 – Speed 920 KMH. During the flight we reached 1023 KMH. Max range 12900 km distance from JOHANNESBURG to AMSTERDAM is 9022 km on taking off had a fantastic night view of JHB even though it had rained again. The flight path was towards the KRUGERPARK – BULAWAYO – KITWE ZAMBIA – CONGO – TUNISIA – SARDINIA – BELGIUM – AMSTERDAM. Dinner was served by 9 pm and then watched a movie nipping one and a half hour. At 4.30 am breakfast was served and now twenty minutes away from landing in the Netherlands. I noticed the staff not being the friendliest on this flight.

During the flight we experienced a couple of stretches with strong Turbulence around the Equator. Landing in Amsterdam 5.25 am being very foggy here so don’t see much of the surrounding and went straight to my connecting flight gate to Vienna. I don’t know this SCIPOL Airport but found the gate quick.

THURSDAY 05.06.2003

Not knowing this Airport went for a sightseeing tour here having time before my connecting flight. Checking the shops by 6.02 am bought a bottle of AMARULA 1 LT EURO 19.50 for my Mother. Carrying on walking up to 6.40 am and at my gate sat for 35 minutes listening to my music on the walkman which comes in very handy to bridge time but still have to wait up to 8 am for my flight.

This city hopper is done with a FOKKER 70 my seat is 15 A on the window. Taking off by 8.13 am and the flight is warm and clear sky ’s. Watching three Planes passing us finally landing in VIENNA’s SCHWECHAT Airport 9.30 am. Here I am after twenty two years and my first thought is Where do I get my suite case! Of course stepping into the Arrival Hall my Mother is waiting and surprisingly being grabbed from behind it is my long time friend KARL nice of him being there after all those years as a welcome party. Not having seen him for years didn’t recognise him straight away he changed a lot. Next I was taken near his working place in town to a GASTHOUSE.

Vienna changed a lot we are near the FRANZ JOSEPF railway station which as a youngster I past a lot. The station is reconstructed now looking nice modern. There have a long chat about South Africa and old times. Consuming a couple of beers and at 14 pm finally at my Mothers flat where my friend calls me three times to tell me a couple of things for tomorrow. My Mother started to cook for me a special Lunch GOULASH which I had by 15.30 PM. Of course had one OTTAKRINGER Beer dark with it which I missed for years. Now I feel full and tired went to bed by 6 pm sleeping up to 3 am.

FRIDAY 06.06.2003

Got up at 6.40 am and got ready for my friend to take me to the bank. He arrived 9.20 am about 20 minutes later at the bank exchange now travellers cheques. A bit amazed as the bank just for changing T. Cheques kept Euro 16.50 and only got 384.00 Euros out of it, now on the way to visit a friend who worked with me in Johannesburg years ago.

Onto the highway direction of WIENER NEUSTADT along the way we stopped at a Restaurant which was designed by a famous Austrian Architect HUNDERT WASSSER. Here we have now breakfast not having had Frankfurter sausages for a long time had some with Austrian mustard. Back in the car on the way to OBERSCHUETZEN I took in the country side green and one or two old castles. Before we arrived took a detour a little Village my Mother wanted me to see as it is build for tourists like two hundred years ago the way people leaved here.

Arriving at the place looking for the KULTUR ZENTRUM where my friend owns the Restaurant. Here in OBERSCHUETZEN first thing I see is a nest on top of a roof of a Stork. This I had to take on video of course, meeting my friend who was happy to see me after all those years. First thing he did is offering me a pint of Austrian Beer which I enjoyed. Sitting there talking about old times and now we have a proper Austrian lunch: Noodle Soup – Schnitzel – big green Salad with Kern Oil. My friend had to attend a meeting in town by 14 pm and came back by 15 pm.

He introduced me to his three children which I never met before. Then he invited us to his house which is situated near a Forrest. But coming from South Africa where everything is fenced in surprised there is no fence here no crime. I haven’t been in such a relaxed atmosphere for a long time chatting away in green surroundings. I was presented with a Strawberry Cake which was so smooth and tasty as well offered beer and homemade SCHNAPS. Later on let me taste a Martel Cognac not used to the Sun going down late by 8 pm still light. A friend of his joined us and we sat there chatting away. By 9 pm back at his Restaurant where he presented us with a typical Austrian dish I never had for years SULZE homemade now I feel full. It started to rain and by 10 pm we were on our way back home.

On a turn in the road LIGHTNING struck next to the car in the field sparks flying. The bright light wouldn’t work on the car after that. Think my friend is not used to drive at night on a highway as he drives only 100 kph now. He dropped us back home 11.35 pm and now have time to write my dairy of all the happenings today. I’m full of food and drink gave him 20.00 Euro for petrol as well Cigarettes are here expensive bought two packets HB – ERNTE 23 for Euro 6.60 and was in bed by 00.30 am.

SATURDAY 07.06.2003

I did Wake up at 6.30 am. Maybe do to the heat, got up at 7 am. Starting to write some notes down as my friend called with some advice where else to go to change money. So 8.40 am on the way to the WESTBAHNHOF (Railway Station) to change money. So we went to this place with the Underground railway which is fast. Changed cheaper money then in the Bank they charged only Euro 6.00 there. From here took the Underground railway to ZIRKUSGASSE where I got me a rent a Car. My friend was waiting already for us. But first run in circles to find this place so at 10.15 sorted all the paperwork out and now drive an FORD K2 small thing with electric windows. Now off we go to the place I’ve grown up LEOPOLDAU.

Everything has changed the roads even the railway Station which was here is gone including the Bridge. I just don’t know anything here anymore. Now I’m standing in front of the gate MOELLPLATZ 12 the house I’ve grown up I’m lost. Across the street where we in winter run with Slides the place is half build over with weekend houses. Took some photos of it and now went to see my grand ONCEL who is 95 years old in TRIESTINGGASSE five minutes away. The man at first wouldn’t believe it is me all the way from South Africa as he doesn’t see very well. He is still for his age strong to get in and out of a camping chair without help.

Next he came with a bottle of champagne which he had kept for a special occasion and today is one for him. So we toasted for health and my friend took a video of it plus photo. He was so happy to see me asking questions about my life and job and life in general in South Africa. When we left went past my old VOLKSSCHULE the place is old now but still standing, spent my first four years school there, stopping at my friends old house which has been renovated as well. Next we went to a place called STAMMERSDORF which we often visited as youngsters with our by circles. The fields are gone and town houses build. Now approaching the Vineyards here up the old road to a place called BISAMBERG.

Getting out of the car strolling along the FORREST here and he told me about his life gone by. Reaching the other side of the mountain we stopped at a HEURIGEN LANGER. They serve this year’s wine but as it is hot we stuck to cold drinks. Sitting on wooden benches enjoying the green surrounding even seen some DEERS coming along the field. I had an ALMDUDLER this is like Ginger Ale and a SCHMALZ BROT (Bread with spread of Pork fat) the drink I never had for 30 years. From here we went to an old Castle (BURG KREUZENSTEIN) which we as kids frequently visited. This was another experience as now I thought about that we as kids were claiming those rocks underneath the Bridge. What if we would have fallen off we could have been disabled for the rest of our life. The view from here is still great and took all in on video.

As we are on the way to meet my other friend in a different place we are on the way to STOCKERAU had to call him for direction where to meet him. I decided to drive myself now and changed seats with him told to drive to DUERNSTEIN another lovely place on the good old river DUNUP, stopping once at GRAFENECK for petrol Euro 10.00. Some ice cream and red bull Euro 2.45 it is now 3.35 pm arriving at our destination this place was once a small village protected by a Castle and high walls, the ruins of the castle highly visible and remnants of the wall to. There is also a church called STIFT DUERNSTEIN we took some photos of it and standing on the edge of the river really enjoyed it. In the village bought some homemade SCHNAPPS three bottles cost me Euro 9.00 and four postcards Euro 1.60. After a couple of minutes more rest we left for a place called MAUTERN to meet my friend there.

But we got lost ending up on top of a mountain but good for me I got a great view down to the river. Areas full of Vineyards on the hills below beautiful on the way down found my friend waiting at a house. Here was invited for a proper BRETTL JAUSEN (Cheese – Cold Meats – Liver spread – Fresh Bread). All of them are drinking Wine not me I’m the driver. The chef of his Restaurant was here as well complaining why I want drink like the others, him being badly intoxicated already, was also offered some homemade Bacon and Ham the hospitality great. Next we all went back up the mountain we came from earlier. Here was surprised as the Volkswagen COMBI of my friend had everything you need for a camping trip in it Food – Wine – Beer – Cold drinks, table chairs etc even ice cubes.

On top here was introduced to the man from the house we came from him being the MAYOR of the town. Some of those Vineyards we looking at are his and his son’s I’m told his name is ANTON HAIDERER. He even exports Wine overseas. This chef of his is now drunk can’t stand on his feet. But lucky with the weather clear for miles no wind just hot and the view towards STIFT GOETTWEIG in the distance great. From here we walk to an overlooking point this outlook over the river was Build in 1890 for KAISER FRANZ JOSEPH and is now under the administration of this district. Everyone came down here with the glass of wine in the hand. Today I’m really happy I made this trip and met with my friend otherwise I would have never seen this fantastic part of Austria watched two LUXERY LINERS passing each other on the river. The Mayor gave us a rundown how high the floods went last year from three meters to ten meters a whole village was under water. By 8 pm we were on the way back to the Mayors house.

On arrival there shown us his wine cellar which looked old but is only two years old. Proudly producing his Wine Labels as I don’t drink wine couldn’t taste them. In the house offered more Cheese- Ham – Bacon. Had some mineral water and around 9.48 pm left the place. Driving back to Vienna by 11 pm dropped of my friend at JEDLERSDORF he in return was surprised by my driving skill. We drive on the right side not on the left here. Somehow he gave me a wrong direction but did find my way. Turning back and after twenty two years found still my way home. Arriving home at 11.35 pm standing there ringing the bell my Mother didn’t hear me, finally sit there taking notes of what happened today. Had my SCHWECHATER Beer still having a sausage with radishes and in bed 1.30 am – WHAT A LOVELY DAY.

SUNDAY 08.06.2003

Being Sunday it is quiet outside, up at 7.30 am. I’m to visit my Aunt today Mother called her to find out about parking in her area. Listen to Music on the radio but nothing has changed in all those years. To give my Mother a chance to get ready I went for a walk by 10.40 am. Walking up to NEUBAUGASSE all the way to the RENAISSANCE THEATHER, this place was in my youth a lot of times on T.V. Do to comic shows which were very funny. Looked for a SCOOL nearby I went to still there. Stopped at a small hotel to ask if there are any night clubs in the area Yes there are two but only open on curtain days those days where out of the question for me. It is a HOLIDAY WEEKEND the streets are deserted for the occasional person walking with a dog. Find an AMERICAN franchise coffee shop (STARDUST) open back to MARIAHILFER STRASSE. In my time there was a Tram here but do to the U – BAHN has disappeared. Also now only one lane for car’s to drive to the residences. Pedestrians got a bigger walking way now.

On the road find other coffee shops open, tables and chairs in the open and walking past here Russian speaking people passing me. Went up to the Railway station and turned back stopped at the ESTERHAZY HOTEL asking if the youngster knows any night club. This youngster wouldn’t even know what I’m talking about? I have to call my friend about it he says. The guy didn’t answer his phone, so what if tourists ask the question what will be the response I don’t know.

The weather is great and hot as I came home sat in the yard on a bench waiting for my Mother. By 12.20 pm on the way to KAGRAN stopping at a petrol station having to help myself no petrol attendant in VIENNA put EURO 10.00. On arrival at my Aunts place no DOUGHTER present no COUSIN to! From her flat we went to a BAKERY KRIEGL at the LEOPOLDAUER SQUARE. The cakes here are superb of course paying the bill away from them EURO 14.00. It was nice to sit outside in the open drinking cool Lemonade saying goodbye by 4.00 pm and 4.30 pm home writing some notes and post cards.

Now it is 5.05 pm resting as later on we are going to a place called CUBA CABANA by the river DANUP near KAGRAN taking the U – BAHN to get there. At the station see three girls guessing that the going to visit a night club. This CUBA CABANA is like BRUMA – WATERFRONT in JOHANNESBURG. Lot of PUB’S – CAFE’S – BURGER SHOPS etc. One pays EURO 1.50 for the U – BAHN. Having Mother with me looked for a place to sit down and chat walked into the SANSIBAR PUB. This place is pumping pay for drinks EURO 5.90 having sharp eyes watched AFRICAN GUYS exchanging DRUGS in the open maybe NIGERIANS hearing FRENCH maybe CONGOLESE. Came across a bouncer who gave me the tip off, there is a nightclub on the end of the line of the U – BAHN not far away.

By 10.30 pm Mother went home and I went to visit this NIGHT SHIFT CLUB, walking down from the station and around the corner find the CLUB. Entrance Fee 7.00 EURO receiving MARGHARITA like cocktail it is like three separate clubs one plays 70’s to 80’s Music second Disco RAVE and the third one was playing RAP. Who shall I find in it the three girls I’ve seen