Mighty Mitzi
Trip Start
Jan 01, 1972
1
9
11
Trip End
Jul 08, 2007
Eschweiler,
Germany
Sunday, January 23, 1972
Visiting Tante Mitzi, in Weissweiler, a former opera singer, who ran a company, representing famous artists, including her top moneymaker Joan Collins, was always one of my favorite destinations, since you could count on being entertained when Mitzi was around. From the time I was knee high, I remembered her elaborately made-up face (the secret to her perpetual tan even in the midst of winter, I eventually found out, was her Elizabeth Arden foundation, which I proceeded to use for years as well), impeccably poofy hair, extravagent clothes, and a voice that commanded attention. When on one occasion she professed that I was her favorite niece, I was in 7th heaven, continuing to believe it well into my 20's, and never letting on that I had heard her say something similar to one of my other cousins. She knew how to have fun and make fun of herself, something we often forget as a trait to admire, as a trip to her home would always leave you laughing and happy, with the myriad of stories she told. It was during a birthday celebration that she totally cracked us up, when, with little fanfare she removed her perfectly coiffed wig. What I and so many others, had thought was the fullest hairdo this side of Hairspray was in fact an Eva Gabor creation, one of about a dozen others, she later showed us. She had no qualms about sharing the wealth and her ingenuity either, planning parties that would have made any Hollywood ingenue want to attend. A number of years ago, for no specific reason at all, she planned a get together for 40 of her closest friends and family. As you arrived at your hotel, there was a welcome package for each guest that included a letter with directions, a wooden dowel and other chatchkys, leading you to believe that a treasure hunt was in your near future, and that it was. My parents made their way to a wonderful Medieval castle, with some getting lost in the Schwartzwald countryside first (where are their GPS's anyway I wonder, knowing that Mama and Papa don't navigate with modern gadgets, nor with a map, road signs or help from the gas station attendant but with Papa's help. In the past I remember I would often hear Mama , when they would get lost or miss a turn... "It is okay Frankie, you meant well" .)
The knowledge that a glass of champagne and other delicacies would surely be at the end of the yellow brick road, made their quest to arrive on time their mission, and so they did. Although I was not there Papa recently recalled the feast that was prepared for them as they went from room to room in the castle/restaurant, drink in hand, laughter in bossom.
Tante Mitzi we remember you well.
