The city of Krems is located where the Krems and Danube Rivers join together at the eastern end of Wachau valley, in the southern Waldviertel. This is where Peter and Silvia’s family on his fathers side live. We started the day visiting Innenstadt (Inner City) and the surrounding countryside
Simandl is a figure that plays a special role in this city so rich in legends and tales. This name is used in Bavarian and Austrian dialect to designate a henpecked husband. The story behind this statue goes, the burgher women of Krems had gained such a dominance over their husbands that the latter joined forces to create a Simandl Fraternity. This fraternity was naturally formed in jest to provide an excuse for “men`s nights out” and for an annual founding festival on the feast of Simon the Apostle. That is the origin of the term Simandl, a word meaning “little Simon” in Austrian dialect.
We enjoyed a hearty lunch in one of the famous Kellers
Then, as you do in Krems, you head for a cellar and drink more wine. We were invited as guests of Franz and Elisabeth Winkler (family friends and local wine producers). We spent a couple of hours sampling various wines straight from the barrels and singing traditional songs (Silvia and Peter teared up as they sang songs in memory of their departed parents who were there in spirit and would have approved of the undertaking)
We celebrated in Christmas eve in traditional Austrian style around a real Christmas tree, sang Christmas songs and listened to Josef read a poem in Austr-english (combination of Austrian and English words). Then we exchanged gifts. Thank you to Tante Anni, Onkle Franz, Karin, Josef, Alex & Jacque for a beautiful celebration filled with special memories.
