The Lederhosen Bring Back Memories

Just recently I was doing some research on costumes and I saw a picture of a man wearing Lederhosen. This triggered fond memories of my childhood.   Three, in fact.  The first one is that of my grandmother and  her favorite childhood story. She had this illustrated book titled "Heidi", a novel written by Swiss author Johanna Spyri about a young orphan girl left in the care of her grandfather. My Lola Rizing loved this book and told it to me over and over again. When I learned how to read, I memorized this story by heart and even today, I still feel so close to Heidi, Peter, Clara, and of course, Grandfather.  One of my most fervent childhood wish was to live in a loft near the Alps, and I also badgered my grand-aunt who was a dressmaker, to make me a garment just like Heidi's which I later learned was called a dirndl. I will always remember Grandfather and Peter wearing breeches, which I now know as Lederhosen.  

The other memory is a feel-good movie. There was scene in that movie where the governess, ex-nun Maria had turned the discarded house curtains into clothes for the children because she thought they needed more color in their life.  It was hilarious! I'm sure most of us have heard if not seen this Academy Award movie. Yes, it is The Sound of Music, filmed on location in Salzburg, Austria and in Bavaria in Southern Germany.  I loved the authentic costumes, the music, and the romance.  Listening to the movie's songs still brings a smile to my face and I even taught my kids the Do-Re-Mi.

The one last memory that comes to my mind is the Princess Sissi (Elizabeth of Bavaria) movies starring Romy Schneider.  It is in these movies that I saw the beauty of Austria.

Switzerland is in my bucket list of countries to visit simply because I want to see where Heidi lived and perhaps finally get to sleep in a loft overlooking the Alps.  Austria however with its rich history, heritage, culture and arts is the place where my dreams continue to go. This is the place of beautiful castles and cathedrals, of the Vienna Boys Choir, The Spanish Riding School - home of the famous white Lipizzaners and of course, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  

I continue to dream and when my dreams of Austria come true...they then become fond memories too.

source of photos: wikipedia and imdb

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Lederhosen 4 U, however, all the points and views are my own.