We are nearing mid-April, and to keep my mind off someone's pending decision from Berlin - whether or not I'm to be granted a spot in a Master's program - I have a strong desire to explore a hilly, rural area in Lower Austria known as the "Mostviertel."
"Most" is German for cider, but not the apple cider you give to children. This is hard cider, similar to what you'd find in rural areas of PA, W. Virginia, and Southern Ohio. Apples and pears are harvested throughout the Mostviertel, and much of the yield is kept for brewing cider, hence the name "Most"-viertel. In spring, the apple and pear trees are full-bloom, which makes for beautiful bike rides and hikes along the rivers Ybbs and Enns. And how better to end an excursion than to visit a Mostheuriger, or cider tavern, for a tall glass of the stuff.
Essential words for the "Most" season
Heuriger - wine tavern which sells homemade wines from the previous season
Apfel, Birne - apple, pear
Most - cider (hard)
Along with an excursion or two through the Mostviertel, I hope to absorb as much local traditions as possible. One of these is, of course, the Maibaum. We'll see how far I get here, but stay posted for any surprise photos!
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