#18 ~ 1975 ~ Vienna

This was my first time in the airplane. I felt like a kid in a toy store. So many buttons, lights, handles. Flight attendants offering us drinks and food, little pillows and blankets... Everything was so different. I even forgot all the agony and pain we just went through in Kiev. I concentrated on taking care of my baby. She seemed fascinated with the new sights, sounds and  smells as well. Since we did not have disposable  diapers at that time, I had to go take her "potty" often. It was like a game for her... Everyone was very helpful and offered to hold and play with her. I did not have time to think who is going to meet us, where to go once we arrived, what to do, etc. There were 7 families traveling with us and we started to get to know them, share information, learning from each other. Before we knew it, we arrived to Vienna. As we walked down from the plane, I saw the Western World for the first time. Beautiful landscape, cleanness, polite and very well dressed people. We were told to wait right on the tarmac. In a few minutes an older man with black coat on, approached our little group and said that he was from the organization HIAS, he welcomed us, asked if everyone was OK. He spoke Russian with a very heavy accent. Then he asked if we are going to Israel or other countries. And everyone in our group replied: "Other countries". We followed him inside and were blown away by the beauty of the airport. It was so big, colorful, bright and alive with sounds, smells and activities. First thing I did - I took Masha to the bathroom. Boy, I was not ready for this. It looked like a ballroom: big, bright, white and clean tile, with mirrors everywhere and plenty of  soft, white TOILET PAPER!!! Of course I took some of the paper for the future use... When we finally came back, Felix was already nervous, because we were gone for a very long time. But when he saw my huge smile and wide open surprised eyes, he knew that it was something nice. I made everyone to go and see it for themselves. And we all had the same reaction. After waiting for some time, we were told to collect our luggage and put the suitcases in the small bus that was waiting outside. We were taken to the charming hotel/pension "Bettina". Our room was small, but it seemed like palace to us. Big, soft bed, table, chairs, pretty lamps and our own bathroom. We were so tired, but I could not fall asleep. We were very excited. In the morning I was nervous, because there was nothing left from the food my Mom and I packed for Masha. Chicken soup was gone, fruits were gone. Just a few cookies left. And just as I became really panicky, the door opens and Felix walks in, takes my hand and says: "Come with me". We were walking for a few minutes and came to a grocery store "Lyon". When we walked inside, I was shocked. I could  never imagine, in my wildest dreams, what I saw in front of me. I could not help myself. I was just standing there, holding my baby and crying, sobbing and smiling at the same time. Smells of salami, coffee, freshly baked bread were overwhelming. Packages of items I've never seen before, and how could I??? I only wish I had more literary talent to describe my thoughts and feelings at that time. I don't know how long we were standing there, at the entrance of the grocery store, taking it all in. Finally, we were given a shopping cart (WOW!) and we started our way through the store. I did not know what most of the jars, packages and bags were. Thankfully, there was a family that came to Vienna few days earlier and pointed out for us items like milk, yogurt, cereal, coffee, tea. Explained how to order meat, cheese, how to select breads, grind coffee, etc. We did not know how much it all costs. Since we were given a small allowance, we were very careful not to spend it all at once. I did not want to leave the store. Ever!!! I wanted to touch each and every item, read and understand what it is. And of course, I wanted to try and eat everything. Sheer happiness, glee, delight!
We purchased a small stroller and went out exploring this beautiful city. Manicured lawns, properly dressed people, incredible architecture, free outside concerts, shady and colorful parks, and stores full of beautiful clothes, shoes, purses, makeup. One time while walking in the park, we saw a small café and for the first time we bought and tried Coca-Cola. It was so sweet and bubbly and I thought: "Well, that's my first dream come true". I've always wondered what it tastes like. Now I know. Next thing I wanted to try - was gum... Just like in American movies :-) At that time I felt that I was in a movie.

                                              Marina with baby Masha