Venice is better for tourists than Villach, so we do not leave Venice until two and do not arrive at the hotel in Villach until seven. Helmut and his family, who have driven two and a half hours to see us, are waiting there. I let Pop-Pop visit with them while I handle the keys and baggage. Pressed for time, we eat at an Italian restaurant the hotel is above. They still have the drive back tonight.

Helmut's wife is Helga, their son is Hartmut, and their daughter is Heidrun (Heidi). They are a stunningly handsome family, and a younger family, too.

At the univeristy Heidrun has e-mail. This leads to a discussion of how modern and industrial Austria has become, compared to Spain and Italy. We have reached those that profit from the centralization. Except for gas, prices are comparable to the U.S.. The phone cards I used in Italy to call and Emily and Pop-Pop used in France to call Bubba are collected like stamps in Austria, new pictures released fairly often. In Gras and Vienna electric trolleys are everywhere. The people are friendly, the underground public restrooms clean, and the bakeries very tasty. It is a good place to be.