We are considering spending some time in Austria, south of Vienna. The travel books make it sound like an interesting area. We were considering staying at a Karen Brown recommendation in Rust. Is anybody familiar with the area? And, is this a good area to spend a few days? The other question is regarding the "storks" is Rust. Is Rust a nice place to stay, or because of the storks, do you walk carefully, duck your heads, and get out of town as quickly as possible???????

to the top. I really need help with this one. I don't want to have my family walking around with a bunch of stork droppings on their heads. Thanks!

Well, it has been a while since I was in Rust, but I remember it being a delightful little town. The storks nest on the chimneys of the houses so I don't think you need to worry too much about any messes they might make.

Rust is in the province of Burgenland, well known for its wine. If you go to this website and look under Burgenland, it will give you some info on Rust and other things to do in the area.

Wish I could remember more about the town, but it has been 20 years or more since I was there.

The storks of Rust are more of a nuisance than they are a real threat. Once you arrive there, you can purchase a stork air attack protective device for about €5. They make good souveniers as well.

The town government maintains a stork attack warning system. In case of an alert, a siren like device sounds and you can put up your protective device. (The spring loaded ones are the best; they can be deployed in 5 seconds.)

There are also stork bombing raid shelters located in the downtown area.
The alerts usually give visitors and locals time to either step into a building, use one of the shelters,or put up their protective devices.

It is against the law to kill one of the birds because they are a tourist attraction. Attempts to force the storks to fly around the town have not worked.

Chances are slim that you will be struck. In case your protective device is used, there are washing facilites along the street. Just put in a 1€ coin and a jet of water will whisk away the residue. The best device have sort of a slick surfact so anything stuck on there washes away quickly.

Good luck, and you can bring your protective device home as a reminder that you too surviced a stork attack.

Brilliant..

But please remember that you won't need to deply the protective device when a stork passes overhead on its way to deliver a baby!

OK you guys! I am glad that I was able to provide you all with the humor this evening!

Any time. We have not had a lot funny threads recently. I think board has lost its sense of humor. A byproduct of registration? People are afraid to say something as a joke if other folks know who they are?

Sorry, I guess I forgot to provide the website:

http://www.tiscover.at/guide/5,en,SC...,at1/home.html

bob_brown

Since you appear so informed about storks & such, I am hoping you also might know when haggis season opens this year? I always seem to miss it . . .

Haggis season goes on continually. It just moves from place to place. Only those of royal Scottish ancestry are allowed to know in advance where it is.
The Royal St. McTavish Hunting Club controls the exact location. Its membership is secret. The club has not announced any locations yet for this season.

Usually there are fake haggis festivals held for tourists north of Aberdeen, usually on an old croft. Check the 3rd Sunday after the first full moon in August.
I think that date coincides with the fall northern highlands cattle drive.

Haggis in a tube should be available shortly after the 2nd Sunday festivities.

bob

Ah . . . the memories . . .

Once you have had haggis in a tube, foie gras is just a meat paste.