The Russians are coming
Beesenstedt, May 2019
We arrive on a Friday night and were received very warmly by Armin, the Castle’s owner, whose fiftieth birthday we will be celebrating during the entire weekend. Not only his but also Andrea’s birthday—-definitely not her fiftieth yet though. She visits quite often, whereas Mirjam and I had been here last time three years ago for the glorious and extravagant New Years Eve party.
As Armin is married to a Russian lady, he speaks the language fluently—-as do his kids—-and he announces the arrival of his friends from Russia within the first five bottles of champagne. “Wait until the Russians come, girls” And so they did. Bringing dried fish, smoked meat, authentic branches of Wenik for the sauna, and lots of interesting vibrant conversation content to talk about all night. They even look gobsmacking: tall, healthy, and blue-eyed.
On Saturday the Berliners arrive and we sunbathe or swim in the nearby ice cold river Saale, to be prepared for the long night. Every now and then we get into the sauna to keep up with detox and the never-ending champagne refill. The food is absolutely thrilling and we all feel so nicely safe in our bubble world. Especially getting to know interesting people within a small crowd of guests in a huge place with so many rooms and things to discover. It’s a real pleasure.
On Sunday, the Austrians arrive and not a single word is said about Ibizagate.
What happens in the Castle stays in the Castle...