Traveling
After eating breakfast, the family returned to their rooms to use the bathroom. Now all of them were looking forward to traveling to Zurich. They sat as they did before.
Georg told them.
"Our trip will take us northwest. The road we use will take us through beautiful meadows and we will travel alongside a couple of lakes. Viewing all this should help the time pass quicker."
"May we sing, Father."
"Of course you may."
Maria was just as happy as the children. So she began their favorite song, the raindrops on roses song. As they sang the last note, Kurt spoke. "That's a mighty big lake."
"Yes, Kurt it is. If you look closely you may see boats filled with people on an excursion around the lake." Georg slowed the car so they could see better. They did find a boat with many people sitting in them. Then they passed by two more lakes which were much smaller.
And soon their father told them. "We will be in Zurich in about thirty minutes."
"So soon they all answered."
"Yes, then I will need to find a place for us to stay until I can buy a home."
The children and Maria were really excited. Soon the landscape changed as they entered the city. Georg followed signs towards the University. This street also had a small hotel on it. Maria saw it too.
"What a beautiful small hotel, I wonder if it could accommodate us, Georg."
"The only way to know is for me to go in and inquire."
After parking the car, Georg went inside and was greeted immediately. "How may I help you?"
"I need rooms for myself, two boys, three older girls and two young girls and their governess."
"I have the perfect rooms for everyone. Please sign the register and I will get your keys and summon a porter."
Georg did as asked. He didn't use his military title; only his first and last name. And the manager appeared with the porter. Together they walked to the car. Immediately the children were opening the car's doors and were ready to see their rooms.
The porters opened the trunk and retrieved their bags.
Everyone followed behind the manager and the porter into the hotel. This was a small hotel; it didn't have an elevator. They climbed a short staircase to the second floor.
The first room they were shown was the room for Georg. On the other side of the hall was the room for Maria and the two girls. Next to them was Liesl, Louisa and Brigitta's room. And next to Georg's room was the room for the boys.
The porter also informed Georg that the dining room was already serving dinner. Georg smile, thinking about Kurt.
And the first words from Kurt were. "Are we going to eat soon?"
"Yes, the dining room is already serving dinner. Is everyone ready to eat?"
He saw everyone nod. So Georg led everyone back down the stairs and a sign pointed in the direction of the dining room. He was surprised to see a long table which was perfect for the family.
On the menu was a food selection with the name, Hot Pot. Georg was able to read what foods were included; the meat was either pork or beef added were small potatoes, cut up carrots, and a green leafy vegetable. It came in small, medium and large servings. Milk was served to the children, Georg had coffee, Maria had tea. And for dessert everyone had a deep fried apple cookie which brought rave reviews from them all.
After dinner they enjoyed a walk around the hotel. Maria found a church and everyone saw stores and shops with all kinds of things for sale. They returned to their rooms for a good night's sleep.
