greentapestry : In A Vase On Monday ~ Autumn's Bounty

Monday 12 October 2015

In A Vase On Monday ~ Autumn's Bounty


There has been quite a major change on the home front here when himself retired at the end of May. One of his long held wishes was to go on a rail holiday in Europe to celebrate and that's what we have just done. Starting off in Amsterdam we then travelled on to Berlin, Prague, Bratislava (a last minute destination instead of Budapest), Vienna and finally Frankfurt before arriving back home on Saturday evening. 

We have some absolutely fabulous memories including seeing the finishing stages of the Berlin Marathon as the runners came through the Brandenburg Gate, walking around the enchanting city of Prague, and in Vienna visiting the jaw- dropping formal gardens at the Schönbrunn Palace as well as watching the Lipizzaner horses train at the Spanish School of Riding.


However we've taken away some most poignant and sobering memories too of groups of refugees gathered on the concourse of the main railway station at Vienna. Their numbers included some family groups but what was particularly noticeable were the significant numbers of apparently single young men, most of whom were travelling with very little in the way of possessions. On our departure from Vienna for Frankfurt on Friday morning, several of their numbers were waiting for the same train as us and we were asked several times for confirmation of the train's destination.The journey started but for many of them ended prematurely at Passau on the German border. Here a number of police officers walked through the train to check whether they had visas to enter Germany, explaining that without these they could proceed no further. The outcome of this was that a number of refugees had to leave the train. We're sure what happened next - our last sight of our fellow passengers was as they were shepherded into an queue on the platform. The experience certainly put any small worries I have into perspective and reminded us of just how fortunate we are. 

On a lighter note although we only visited one garden as such during the trip, I had to make several compulsory pit stops to gaze at gawp at the displays outside florist' shops. My 'vase' this week is one that caught my eye in Bratislava. In the pumpkin were asters, a dahlia, a sunflower, various hips and berries, richly coloured leaves, a couple of ears of sweet corn, hedgehogy cases spilling out sweet chestnuts, crab apples as well as what looked liked sprigs of herby goodness. Being a rather clumsy I dare not risk getting close up to peek to see how the contents were secured in case I disturbed the rest of the display. I did not have the energy yesterday or have had time today to come up with my own vase and take photos but thought that this is one that is calling out to be shared. With thanks as always to Cathy over at 'Rambling Over The Garden' who came up with the brilliant concept of 'A Vase On Monday'. Do call in and wonder over vases from near and far.


15 comments:

  1. A lovely idea to use a pumpkin as a vase; I'm very sure it will be 'allowed' as Cathy is very lenient with the odd 'forgiven when we're away. Your trip sounds great fun if with a poignant end.'

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  2. What an exciting celebration of retirement that must have been - and what a range of experiences you have had. My Mum has decided to ask for donations to the Refugee Council in lieu of gifts for her 90th birthday next month because 'we, as a complete family, are still able to live such peaceful lives in our own country'. We do indeed have so much to be grateful for. Thanks for sharing that most bountiful pumpkin and its typically autumn contents.

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  3. What a fabulous display. It does look lovely but I would wonder how long the 'vase' would last for. I remember Halloween pumpkins turning in to a mushy mess much sooner than I expected. Your rail holiday sounds wonderful, I'm glad Himself got to fulfil his wish. So sad about the refugees though, it really does make you count your blessings. It's sad to hear about it but to actually witness it must have been quite distressing.

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  4. That is a sobering sight with the refugees and we are lucky aren't we.....a perfect fall vase in a pumpkin...gives me ideas for the future....love the contents too!

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  5. Your vase photo and the story from your travels is a great addition to the Monday meme, Anna. The refugee crisis in Europe is incredibly sad. I hope the US sees fit to provide open our borders to more of the refugees than it has thus far.

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  6. What a wonderful travelling holiday you have had but so sad to read about the refugees. Your photo of the pumpkin vase is inspired - I think a few of us may be trying to copy this!

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  7. and the refugees would rather go home. Be able, to go home.

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  8. That is definitely a fall vase, with the pumkin and dried corn as well as the flowers and berries. What a nice idea for travel, though the refugee situation must be perplexing.

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  9. What a fine idea to go on a trip and celebrate, Anna, I'm sure it was wonderful and you've made the most of it! Your vase is absolutely stunning and looks ever so professional. Happy autumn days :)

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  10. That vase is a lovely idea Anna. I'm glad you enjoyed your rail trip - sad to see the refugees though. We have thousands entering Bavaria daily, and the accommodation and logistics is becoming a huge problem. There are plenty of organizations and volunteers helping out, but the government itself sseems to be doing far too little....

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  11. The floral display in the pumpkin is very colourful and eye-catching.

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  12. Our daughter is planning to create a floral display in a pumpkin at the weekend, I will have to show her your blog Anna.
    Sounds like a wonderful holiday, we have visited some of the destinations and some by train but not all in one go. I admire your stamina!

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  13. What a lovely trip and so good to see many different places, I've been to the he Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, it was a sight to behold and we spent a lovely day there. Your vase is wonderful, a lovely mix of colours, perfect for autumn :)

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  14. I love the quirky "vase" Anna, and your trip sounds like an excellent way to mark such an important life change. The sight of all those refugees must have been very sobering though.

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  15. What a fabulous trip Anna.So many sights and memories. It is heartbreaking seeing all these refugees, with nowhere to go.The pumpkin vase idea is an inspiration and one I' d like to copy. It is so pretty.

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All your comments are much appreciated and treasured. I wil try to reply to everyone who leaves a comment, but it may take me a few days, especially when I start spending more time in the garden and at the lottie. I know that you will understand :) I am sure that I will also visit your blog if I have not already done so. If you have any specific questions I will either reply to them here or you can email me at : thegreentapestry@gmail.com

Namasté

- Anna.