36 Years Ago

36 Years Ago, Vienna 1971—A Student Journal

Day 353: Olympic Munich; Innsbruck; $65

Day 353 — Olympic Munich; Innsbruck; $65
20-Jul-1972 (Thur.)

Munich in Summer
Globe-trotter John is not content to visit one major city on his trip but goes for two in a single day. It’s a full day of major sightseeing in Munich, which is just wonderful in the summer, and then off to Innsbruck. In Munich, I hit the sights, including the brand-new Olympic swimming stadium (for the Munich 1972 Summer Olympics). Then I eat, drink, and do a bad thing at the famous Haufbraühaus.

In Innsbruck, I only get to chat with Elisabeth before heading off to Wein. The journey is quickly coming to an end.
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Day 191: Life at Wickenburggasse; letters from Anjali

Day 191 — Life at Wickenburggasse; letters from Anjali
09-February-1972 (Mittwoch–Wed.)

Anjali collage 1971
Just a few memories on life at home in my Wickenburggasse room. After a normal school day, I reminisce about my letters with Anjali. I come to the realization that I was probably in need of a girlfriend.
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Day 159: St. Anton—Ingrid? Innsbruck—Elisabeth?

Day 159 — St. Anton—Ingrid? Innsbruck—Elisabeth?
08-January-1972 (Samstag—Sat.)

Leaving the Tirolian Alps
So who is Ingrid? I love that name. Why didn’t I marry her? Well, she was one of the English girls I danced with last night. So, I leave Ingrid in St. Anton; make plans to meet her in England in the summer; take the train to Innsbruck; have dinner with Elisabeth; make plans to meet her during Easter. I’m either incredibly suave, handsome, and debonair, with all the pretty women, or I’m extremely naïve, don’t get it, and can’t figure out what is going on.

I think that, even today, I’m still incredibly naïve (with women). And I still can’t figure them out. Everything’s normal. Happy

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Day 152: Glückliches Neues Jahr; New Year’s Day concert; off to St. Anton

Day 152 — Glückliches Neues Jahr; New Year’s Day concert; off to St. Anton
01-January-1972 (Sat.)

Johann Strauss statue at night
What a day! That’s how I end today’s reflections. I get into standing room for the world-famous New Year’s Day concert by the Vienna Philharmonic that features waltzes and polkas by Johann Strauss’ I and II, dad and son. What fun! Then, I head off on the train to the Austrian Alps, stop in Innsbruck to give Elisabeth a gift, and then head on to the world-famous ski resort of St. Anton for a week of skiing.

What a day! What a year!
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Day 144: Goodbye Innsbruck; Christmas Eve



Scenic Innsbruck mountains
It’s goodbye to skiing, Innsbruck, the scenic mountains (see photo), Elisabeth, George, and a new girl I’m trying to pick up at the train station. (I’m now Don John.) It was an incredible week of skiing, beautiful scenery, friendships, spas, and picture taking. What a vacation! Back to Vienna. It’s Christmas Eve. Read More...

Day 143: Skiing Mutters

Day 143 — Skiing Mutters
23-December-1971 (Thur.)


Mountains valleys and skiing
Today is my last skiing day in Innsbruck. I hit Mutters mountain and find some icy skiing. Yes, skiing matters, I mean Mutters. A quick goodbye to my newly-found ski partner, Elisabeth. I will miss her.

I am reminded of a ski story with my wife, Olga. Looking for ski partners.
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Day 142: Skiing Igls with Elisabeth

Day 142 — Skiing Igls with Elisabeth
22-December-1971 (Wed.)

Skiing partner Elisabeth
A short day of skiing with Elisabeth. Trying to do too much in too short a time. Igls has sunny skiing, providing a day of good skiing and picture taking.

Being a student is a bond that facilitates meeting other students internationally. Being young is a special time. Enjoy it, responsibly.
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Day 141: Great skiing at Igls

Day 141 — Great skiing at Igls
21-December-1971 (Tue.)

Great skiing scenery
A great day of skiing at Innsbruck’s Igls mountain. The weather was sunny and the snow was in perfect condition (not icy). I have a great dinner and conversation with Elisabeth. I keep mentioning my mom and seek Sigmund Freud’s help.
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Day 140: Skiing; Elisabeth; naked men in a sauna

Day 140 — Skiing, Elisabeth, naked men in a sauna
20-December-1971 (Mon.)

Meet Elisabeth
I have an extremely long journal post today. Why? I love Innsbruck. It was an incredible fun-filled day. From rain in Innsbruck to snow in Seegrube, to the extreme but pleasant torture of an Innsbruck health spa—complete with sauna, cold bath, hot and cold foot and body baths, and naked men in saunas.

There is only one Austrian in my ski class. She is a good-looking Austrian girl, Elisabeth. She becomes my skiing partner and a welcomed source of information on Innsbruck. When I said, “Where can I run around naked with a bunch of old men?,” she was right there pointing me to the health spa. Only kidding. Winking

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