Fasching Dienstag, aka Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday. Mattersburg style.

(apparently Al Bundy-inspired)The day would fly by us. My Mom and sister would get a chance to see where I work and I could use my sister as a sort of show and tell - the perfect lesson. We caught a bus to Mattersburg and rushed to class, to find out that -surprise! - school was over at 10:30. Better than planned. I knew it was Fasching Dienstag but I didn't realize that school might let out early to allow students and teachers to join the celebration in town. So I used Mary once and we headed down the hill, into town to find Mom.

We got a little distracted along the way...my colleagues and students were dressed up and partying. Music was blaring out of the bars, the cars in the parade were getting in line.

I've never seen so many people in Mattersburg. The streets were flooded. Parents, kids, some nuns - I think those were costumes though. The theme: Hollywood.

Wine, shots and other drinks flowed like water. Candy and toys were thrown to the kids. Life is good.