GMC in Europe 2008

Just a quick note I thought would be of interest: Today I saw a patient, a lovely lady of 60, who hails originally from Romania.  I relayed tales of my recent travels with the GMC and she in turn proceeded with an amazing tale of communist-era defection. 

The tale goes that about 40 years ago she was a 20-something member of a Romanian choir touring Austria.  She had purposely packed light all the while planning to defect.  At a moment when herr director’s eyes were elsewhere, she ran off to find asylum in the American embassy.  Apparently several of her compatriots had the same idea because before long half the choir showed up at the embassy.  After spending 5 months at an Austrian refuge camp, she secured an American sponsor and has been here ever since! 

Fascinating stuff the way she tells it complete with accent, and the ebbs and flows of escapist reportage.

So…there it is.

Me again…the one NOT going and wishing she was… I want details…DETAILS ladies, and/or Colin (I know you have a sweet tooth). Wondering what to eat?

• Austrian Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce, Sacher Torte, rich chocolate cake with thin layer of raspberry or apricot jam served with whip cream.
• Linzer Torte, the famouse fruit tarte but not like we make.
• Damf Nudeln with plum filling and Vanille sauce—this big lump of steamed dough with a filling, usually plum or mohn (poppy seed) sometimes displayed in a tiny oven (if they have that up there)

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