A remote work adventure. Part 7
The weather here has taken something of an Autumnal turn over the past few days. It’s been raining, and the mountains that usually decorate the view from my office window are more often than not covered in cloud.

Unfortunately the turn in weather means far fewer pairs of lederhosen to admire than a few weeks ago. When I arrived in Austria I quite wrongly assumed that these traditional garments, much like ruff and the codpiece were fashion items relegated to the wardrobe of history. In fact, the traditional austria apparel is still very much in vogue and I find myself secretly coveting a pair of stylish leather shorts.
I’m not sure what comes to mind for you when you think of lederhosen, but if you’re anything like me when I arrived here then you might envisage a tight pair of shiny brown leather shorts held up by a strange over the shoulder contraption reminiscent of a child’s harness or reins. Fortunately, the reality is something far more stylish.
The contemporary lederhosen is a garment produced most often from a soft matt looking suede, often with subtle but very fine embroidery — no harness — and often worn with a smart red and white checked shirt and suede shoes, the effect is quite dashing! These austrian shorts are a delight to behold and even more delightful to wear, at least this is what I have been faithfully informed as I’ve not yet succumb to purchasing a pair of these rugged pants, mainly because a nice example can easily set you back 1,500 euro. That is a lot of money for shorts, even if they are jolly nice to look at.
Lederhosen aside, I’m currently sitting on a train travelling from Wogel in Austria to Munich in Germany and from their flying on to Barcelona in Spain in preparation for a conference at which I’m speaking. It’s something which I’m privileged enough to be given the opportunity to do, and something that I am only mildly dreading.
As much as I’d like to think of myself as a seasoned traveller, bold and confident like Hemmingway or Palin I have to admit to being somewhat nervous anytime I travel internationally. I’m not much of a one for putting myself in unfamiliar surroundings, or dealing with foreign languages, so sitting here writing this, listening to the announcements come over the tannoy in a language that I’m still trying to get to grips with I can’t help but feel that I’m either doing something entirely incorrect or that I’m on completely the wrong train. I’m not entirely sure the prospect of public speaking is helping either. Roll on Spain!
Adious!
