Categories: austria, postcards
Date: 30 October 2007 22:24:39
The title of this postcard is probably as classy as the content is ever going to be. It means “the place where the Kaiser himself has to go on foot” - i.e. the loo, toilet, bathroom or however you describe that essential little room.
Down in the Karlsplatz subway, there is a new addition to Vienna's cultural offerings: the opera toilet. It seems that the idea is that you put some money in the turnstile at which point, the “Beautiful Blue Danube” waltz starts to play as you do what needs to be done. Very kitsch - I'm sure Johann would find it hard to see the funny side of his tune being used in this way (unless he was getting royalties, of course, then he might see the commercial benefits....)
One afternoon in a restaurant, Master M excused himself from the table and went in search of a little room. He returned having had a little linguistic adventure. He was faced with two doors, neither of which had a picture on. He reckoned that “Herren” was probably something to do with “hers” and “Damen” was something to do with “men”. Not unreasonable. He realised his mistake when he opened the door to the “Damen” - fortunately aged only 9 he was young enough to get away without too much embarrassment.
While on the subject, I feel I should warn the Damen reading this that should they need to avail themselves of the facilities in the Café Schwarzenberg - which is a wonderfully traditional Kaffeehaus with fabulous cakes, leather seats and haughty waiters - the cubicle doors in the powder room have full-length mirrors. On the inside.