We have just arrived in Vienna and it’s our anniversary.
Soft music playing in the background that I chose (note that “I”), on YouTube,
as I am ironing my saree, preparing for a nice anniversary dinner…
“I have never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight
I have never seen you shine so bright
I have never seen so many men ask if you wanted to dance
They’re looking for a little romance, given half a chance”
I am heady and feeling special imagining myself to be the lady in red. It’s Vienna
(again!) - city of music and I am feeling all musical and romantic (duh!). Next YouTube doles out Rod Stewart's "Have I told
you lately"
Out comes the husband showered and almost appropriately dressed for the anniversary dinner. I am in a beige linen saree and ebbing with confidence and love (in that order!); daughter is looking on like I am a creature from another planet. I walk up to my husband of 24 years, all prepared for a slow dance for Rod Stewart’s romantic number. He looks at me like I have lost it and asks me if I want another Vodka shot. Whatever happened to romance, people? I threaten him that I will write about my loveless life. Isn’t he the brave heart? Just didn’t budge. Daughter looks vindicated! They sure are a team. I settle for the vodka shot.
Out comes the husband showered and almost appropriately dressed for the anniversary dinner. I am in a beige linen saree and ebbing with confidence and love (in that order!); daughter is looking on like I am a creature from another planet. I walk up to my husband of 24 years, all prepared for a slow dance for Rod Stewart’s romantic number. He looks at me like I have lost it and asks me if I want another Vodka shot. Whatever happened to romance, people? I threaten him that I will write about my loveless life. Isn’t he the brave heart? Just didn’t budge. Daughter looks vindicated! They sure are a team. I settle for the vodka shot.
We follow our host’s advice and a walk a few blocks to the
cobblestoned street and pick a restaurant called Porzellan. It’s a lovely place
serving Austrian and Italian cuisine. Husband orders a beer (men!) and I order sparkling white for my daughter and self and tell Marcus to suggest something that’s palatable to the vegetarian us! The striking young man (originally from Linz) says, “I will bring you two dishes of my choice, is that
alright?” Me, the reject (remember the dance episode!?), hurt but not retired,
smiles and says, “go on and surprise me!”
While I was getting drunk on the bubbly, Marcus brings the
most delicious Georgian & herbs – that consists eggplant and crispy falafel AND homemade
ravioli. Eggplant is my absolute favourite, ravioli, my daughter’s and husband
happily drunk on local beer. When Marcus
smiled his most adorable smile and served us food, I thought to
myself “God exists for sure and
sometimes he could be the eggplant on your plate or Marcus who serves it. Life is good and eggplant is great! I am
ready for the next 24; bring it on"
Happy Anniversary!
