This travel writing piece won third place in the 2018 Travel Writing Competition which was done in collaboration with Travel Garage, Egypt‘s must-go to online store for purchasing adventure and travel goodies. Upon entering Flachau through any of the two roads that lead to town, what catches a foreign visitor’s eyes first are the strings of colorful flags connecting the roofs of tiny shops and houses, crisscrossing the main street above you as you wander through. Most, if not all the streets feature the flags synonymous with local festivities and public celebrations. There are also red and white helium balloons attached, at varying elevations, to the handles of doors and gates lining the sidewalks. Various banners with vague German celebratory sayings and statements dot the streets as well. The locals, some of which are dressed in traditional Austrian attire, smile and nod to all passersby with no regard to previous acquaintance. When I first strolled through the town of less than 3000 and was met with such a scene, my immediate impression was that we were approaching or currently indulged in a local celebration deserving of such preparations. To my surprise, after…
